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Wondering if you have a lawsuit? Get clarity before you decide anything.

Something happened — an accident, a firing that felt wrong, a product that failed, a company that broke its word — and now you're trying to figure out if it's actually a legal case, and what it might be worth. You don't need to know the legal terms. Start with what happened, and we'll help you make sense of it.

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Do I have a case?

A few quick questions about what happened — see a general read on your options, instantly, no email required.

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General information only, not legal advice. Using this site doesn't create an attorney-client relationship.

It's smart to check before you decide anything

Most people who eventually win a case almost talked themselves out of looking into it first. You don't have to already know the legal terms, and you don't have to commit to anything by asking a question. Understanding your options costs nothing and takes a few minutes — deciding what to do next is entirely up to you.

The full picture

Types of lawsuits, explained simply

A real case can come from more places than people expect. Here's the landscape, mapped in plain English.

Most common

Personal injury

Car accidents, slip and falls, and other harm caused by someone else's negligence. Learn more →

Growing

Employment & workplace

Wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, unpaid wages. Learn more →

High volume

Class action

Joining a group claim against a company for shared harm. Learn more →

Common

Product liability

Defective or dangerous products that caused injury or loss. Learn more →

Sensitive

Medical malpractice

Harm caused by a healthcare provider's negligence. Learn more →

General

Civil disputes

Breach of contract, property disputes, and other civil claims. Learn more →

Free tool

What's a realistic settlement range?

Pick the situation closest to yours for a general sense of how these cases are typically valued. This is an estimate range, not a promise.

Free, 2-minute screener

Do I have a case?

A few quick questions for a general read on case viability, likely attorney type, and a rough settlement range. Educational, not a guarantee — but a clear place to start.

A general educational estimate — every case turns on facts and evidence that only a licensed attorney can properly evaluate. Using this tool doesn't create an attorney-client relationship.

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Compare at a glance

Contingency vs. hourly vs. flat-fee attorneys

 ContingencyHourlyFlat fee
Best whenPersonal injury, employment, class actionComplex or ongoing civil disputesSimple, well-defined matters
Upfront costUsually noneRetainer typically requiredAgreed price in advance
Attorney is paidA percentage, only if you recover moneyBy the hour, regardless of outcomeA fixed amount for defined work
Your riskLower — tied to attorney's successHigher — costs accrue either wayPredictable, but scope-limited

A simplified overview — fee structures vary by attorney and case type. A free case review can clarify what applies to your situation.

Ask Vera, the AI Lawsuit Viability Screener

A clear, honest answer, any time

Describe what happened and Vera will help you think through whether it sounds like a legal case, roughly what type of attorney handles it, and what a realistic settlement range might look like. For anything specific to your situation, Vera will point you to someone who can really help.

Vera · AI Lawsuit Viability Screener
General information · not legal advice · no attorney-client relationship
Hi, I'm Vera. Tell me what happened — in your own words, no legal terms needed — and I'll help you think through whether it sounds like a case, what type of attorney usually handles it, and a rough settlement range. Try: "My boss fired me right after I complained about pay" or "I was hurt in a car accident that wasn't my fault." I can't advise on your specific case, but I can point you to someone who can, free.
Recommended reading & tools

Practical resources for understanding your case

Books and tools we genuinely rate for anyone researching a potential lawsuit — for understanding the process, organizing evidence, and knowing what to ask. As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Understand the basics

"Do I have a case?" self-help guides

Plain-English books walking through how civil lawsuits actually work.

View on Amazon →
Represent yourself

Small claims court guides

Step-by-step books for filing and winning in small claims court.

View on Amazon →
Know your rights

Employment law & workplace rights books

Understand wrongful termination, discrimination, and wage law basics.

View on Amazon →
Build your claim

Personal injury claim guides

What to document and expect after an accident or injury.

View on Amazon →
Stay organized

Evidence journals & document folders

Keep dates, records, and correspondence organized for your case.

View on Amazon →
Speak the language

Plain-English legal dictionaries

Understand the terms you'll hear from any attorney or court.

View on Amazon →
Understand contracts

Contract law basics

Helpful for civil disputes involving agreements gone wrong.

View on Amazon →
Protect your case

Notebooks & recorders for documentation

Simple tools for keeping a clean, dated record of events.

View on Amazon →
Find help in your state

Connect with a licensed attorney, when you're ready

We're not a law firm — we help connect you with independent, licensed attorneys. Browse our state guides, or get a free, no-obligation case review now.

Get connected — free case review
Already-open settlements

Class action settlements — see if you're included

Companies regularly settle class action lawsuits without ever going to trial, and eligible members often don't realize they can file a claim. If a product, service, or employer you've used has been part of a class action, you may be entitled to a payment simply by filing before the deadline.

1. Check eligibility

Settlements usually list who qualifies — a product purchase, account type, or employment period.

2. File your claim

Most claims administrators accept an online form with basic proof, before a stated deadline.

3. Wait for distribution

Payouts vary widely and are distributed after the claims window closes and the settlement is approved.

Read the full class action guide →
Questions people ask us

Straight answers to common questions

How do I know if I have a legitimate lawsuit?
A case generally needs a legal duty someone owed you, a breach of that duty, and real harm or loss connected to it. A free, no-obligation case review with a licensed attorney is the fastest way to know for sure.
How much does it cost to sue someone?
Many personal injury and employment attorneys work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront and they're paid a percentage only if you recover money. Other case types may involve hourly or flat fees — ask about fee structure during your free consultation.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Every state sets its own statute of limitations, and it varies by case type. Missing the deadline can permanently bar your claim, so it is worth confirming your specific timeline with a licensed attorney as soon as possible.
How do I join a class action settlement?
Most open class actions publish a claims process with an eligibility window, a claim form, and required documentation. Check the specific settlement's official claims administrator site and file before the deadline listed there.
Will I have to go to trial?
Most civil cases settle before trial. Your attorney can explain what's typical for your type of case and what to expect at each stage.
Free download

The Lawsuit Readiness & Settlement Guide

A clear, no-jargon guide: how to tell if you have a case, how settlements are generally valued, a document checklist, and the exact questions to ask an attorney. Yours instantly.

  • The three basic elements of a legitimate case
  • How settlement ranges are typically estimated
  • A document checklist to start building your case today
  • Questions to ask any attorney, without feeling intimidated

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Get help, your way

Two easy ways to talk about your situation

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