General Civil Litigation

    The Attorneys at Decker Vonau have significant litigation experience in Franklin County and Courts throughout Ohio representing clients on general civil matters, including bankruptcy, business and shareholder disputes, construction, landlord/tenant, probate and trust matters and real estate.  Our attorneys also have signifiant experience representing clients in mediation proceedings and in arbitration proceedings before the American Arbitration Association.  Additionally, Attorney Mark Decker has experience serving as both a mediatior and arbitrator on construction related disputes.

    All civil claims must be brought within the applicable statute of limitations governing the claim.  Depending on the claim, the statute of limitations is a time period after the incident giving rise to the claim occurred, is discovered or should have been discovered, beyond which the claim can no longer be brought.  Failure to timely consult with an attorney after discovering facts giving rise to a claim may result in your inability to bring the claim in a court of law.  The Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure provide that after a claim is filed, a defendant properly and timely served with a copy of the Summons and Complaint has 28 days to file an Answer or other responsive pleading.  Failure to timely respond to a Complaint may result in a default judgment taken against you by.

    We understand that litigation is extremely time consuming and expensive, often interfering with an individual’s personal life and their ability to conduct future business without worrying about the dispute and attorneys’ fees.  Our attorneys are skilled at identifying issues in litigation matters and recommending economical solutions to clients.  Our first goal is always to seek an amicable and mutual resolution of the dispute so that clients can move forward with their lives.  Sometimes, however, disputes can’t be resolved.  We will never recommend initiating litigation or proceeding with litigation for the sake of generating attorneys’ fees.  If a trial or arbitration becomes necessary, our attorneys are qualified to represent you.

    We recommend that you consult with an attorney immediately after you discover you may have a claim against an individual or business entity, or after you have been served with a copy of a Summons and Complaint indicating that you have been sued in a litigation matter.