Civil Litigation questions and answers by state

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Civil Litigation questions and answers

• summoned that I am sued by the landlord at the Superior Court (Middlesex County) for a fire at the apartment

  Asked in Boston, MA | December 19, 2025

  Hello, I got a summons that I am being sued by the Landlord at the Superior Court (Middlesex County) for a fire in Waltham, MA, that took place 2 years ago. The apartment next to the landlord's apartment (insurance company) sued the landlord, and the landlord is suing me. The Landlord took in writing from me and all the tenants that they will not sue the landlord. Can you please guide me?

  Answered by 1 attorney

  

• City construction caused a crack or leak in sewer system causing property issues. What do I do?

  Asked in Sarasota, FL | December 26, 2025

  I acquired a condo and there were no issues with the unit until the City of Venice commenced a capital improvement project on a sewer lift station (which should have only been 2 weeks) sitting adjacent to my condo unit. Work completed several weeks later. Replacement of a new gravity pipe caused a crack or leak on a shared vent branch in my unit. HOA and City of Venice are avoiding responsibility. Owner left with sewage gases and pressure issues unresolved.

  Answered by 1 attorney

  

• Looking for a refund, do I need to take this to civil court?

  Asked in Harrison, OH | October 29, 2025

  Made a cash payment of $333.00 for a part and diagnostic. Months later, work has not been completed (or started for that matter)

  Answered by 1 attorney

  

• My nephew filed a civil lawsuit but it was dismissed without prejudice. How can I find a lawyer to help refile?

  Asked in Springfield, IL | January 15, 2026

  He was run over by an officer and injured his left leg. It has ended his career. He filed a civil lawsuit but since he was incarcerated, it was dismissed without prejudice. I want to know how I can help him since he is incarcerated again?

  Answered by 1 attorney

  

• What can happen at motion presentment for entry of default if an attorney appears for the defendants?

  Asked in Wheaton, IL | December 15, 2025

  I filed and served a complaint and summons on 4 defendants. 2 of them never responded or filed an appearance. I filed for default and the presentment of motion for default is scheduled. What happens if an attorney shows up in the defendants behalf during the motion call? The other 2 defendants are still within their time to respond

  Answered by 1 attorney

  

• Bought SUV and friend titled it in her name temporarily. She now refuses return and demands $7k. Have texts as proof. What can I do?

  Asked in Plymouth, IN | April 24, 2026

  I purchased a 2010 Land Rover via a private sale. Due to a license suspension, I entered a verbal agreement with a friend to have the vehicle titled and plated in her name temporarily. She agreed to hold the title "in trust" until my license was reinstated. I paid the full purchase price and provided $700 for taxes and fees. She took possession of the vehicle to go to the BMV and has refused to return it. She is now claiming sole ownership because the title is in her name. She has made multiple written demands for money (most recently $7,000) to return my property and has threatened to seize my computer equipment. I have Marketplace messages and bank records showing I am the original buyer, extensive SMS history explicitly showing her agreement to the temporary arrangement, and her subsequent demands for money (extortion). What are my next steps?

  Answered by 1 attorney