How to File a Lawsuit Against a Company: A Step-by-Step Legal Guide
- Reza Yassi
- May 23
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Fighting against a mighty business or corporation might seem like a huge task. Perhaps a company let you down or broke a promise. Maybe you lost money, or your rights were trampled on. Living in Brooklyn or Manhattan does not mean you are alone. There are many people and business owners who feel that way. The procedure of bringing a lawsuit against a corporation may seem long and messy. However, with the right support and information, you can fight for yourself.
Working with trusted legal guides like Yassi Law PC makes the path clearer. This guide walks you through the first moments of gathering your proof to the final steps inside a courtroom. You will also see why having a skilled commercial litigation lawyer in Manhattan or Brooklyn could help you fight for what is fair.
This blog is for information only. It is not legal advice, but it helps you see what each step looks like. If you want details about your specific case, talk to our trusted lawyer.
Preparing to File a Lawsuit Against a Company
Filing a lawsuit does not start in court. It begins with strong groundwork at home and in your office. If you want to file a lawsuit against a company, you need more than a feeling. You need proof, an understanding of your rights, and someone to guide you.
Identify the Basis of Your Claim
Think about what happened and why you feel wronged. This is your "claim." There are different types:
Contract claims: Broken agreements, missing payments, or goods never delivered.
Tort claims: Harm done to you or your business by wrongdoing, like fraud or defamation.
Employment claims: Workplace disputes, unpaid wages, or unfair firing.
Write down what went wrong in simple words. Add dates, names, and a clear story.
Gather Evidence and Documentation
Evidence is your best friend. Keep records such as:
Contracts and emails
Letters and text messages
Bills, bank records, or payment slips
Photos, screenshots, or videos
Put all your proof in one folder. If you have extra details, write them down soon. Memories fade, but good notes help.
Consult with a Commercial Litigation Attorney
You do not need to do this alone. Working with a lawyer like the ones at Yassi Law PC in Manhattan and Brooklyn can make your case stronger. A commercial litigation attorney in Brooklyn or Manhattan can spot legal details you might miss.
When you meet your lawyer, bring all your proof. Share all facts, even hard ones. Good lawyers build better cases when they know everything.
The Step-by-Step Lawsuit Filing Process Against a Company
Once you have your facts and your lawyer, you will be ready to move forward. Filing a commercial litigation lawsuit in Brooklyn or Manhattan, or anywhere in New York, follows clear steps.
Draft and File the Complaint
The first formal step is the written complaint. This document goes to the court. It says:
Who you are
Who the company is
What happened
What you want the court to do
Your lawyer writes the complaint in simple, clear words. In Manhattan or Brooklyn, you will file it in the right court, depending on the size and type of your case. There are courts for small claims, civil lawsuits, and big business cases.
Serving Legal Papers to the Company
The company must know about the lawsuit. This happens through "service of process." A copy of your complaint and a summons go to the company. The summons tells them when and where to reply.
You cannot hand the papers over yourself if you are suing. Often, a process server or law enforcement officer delivers them. When the company gets the papers, the legal process starts.
For more on this topic, explore Commercial Litigation: What It Means and How It Affects Your Business.
Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery Phase
After the company is served, the case moves forward. This includes:
Pre-trial motions: These are requests for the judge to do something early, like throw out the case or require more proof.
Discovery: Both sides share facts and evidence. You might answer questions, turn over papers, or attend depositions.
This stage can take months. Your attorney helps you answer questions and respond to the company's requests.
Settlement Negotiations and Mediation
A lot of commercial litigation cases do not actually go to trial. Usually, both sides will get together to work things out without going to court. This happens through:
Settlement talks: Lawyers discuss what both sides are willing to accept.
Mediation: A trained, neutral person helps both sides agree on a solution.
Settling saves time, money, and energy. Your attorney will advise if an offer is fair.
What to Expect if Your Case Goes to Trial
However, if the settlement does not happen, then your case goes to trial. Here is what happens:
Both sides tell their story to a judge or jury.
Witnesses speak.
Evidence is shown.
The judge or jury decides the case.
Trials can be long and stressful. But a steady attorney like those at Yassi Law PC helps you stay focused and clear.
The Bottom Line
Filing a lawsuit against a company is a big step. Each stage—from knowing your claim and collecting proof to working with a tough lawyer—matters. With good records, a clear claim, and help from an experienced commercial litigation lawyer, your chances for a fair outcome grow.
The commercial litigation lawsuit process in Brooklyn and Manhattan can be tough, but you do not need to face it alone. If you think you have a case, reach out to Yassi Law PC.
Give yourself the best chance—get the right help today.
Disclaimer:
If you’ve been injured in an animal attack, don’t wait—call Yassi Law today for a free consultation.
