Question from a reader:
Have any of you ever filed a lawsuit? I would love to hear about your experiences.

Experiences of Filing a Lawsuit and Lessons Learned

Hello! Today, I would like to talk about the question, “Have any of you ever filed a lawsuit?” While I do not have personal experience in filing a lawsuit, as a legal professional and
as an individual, I can reflect on the process of litigation and its impacts.

Reasons for Filing a Lawsuit

First, what are the reasons for filing a lawsuit? Common reasons include breach of contract, damages, and custody disputes, among others. A friend of mine has actually filed a lawsuit for breach of contract, so I’d like to share a bit about that experience. He runs a small business and had a contract with a major client. However, that client suddenly stopped making payments, ignoring the contract, which caused him significant harm. Since his livelihood was at stake, he reluctantly decided to file a lawsuit. Initially, he thought, “Lawsuits are tough and time-consuming,” but he found that once he got started, the process went surprisingly smoothly.

The Process and Preparation for Litigation

To file a lawsuit, preparation is essential. It requires considerable effort to gather appropriate evidence, hire a lawyer, and prepare documents. My friend was initially anxious, wondering, “How do I gather evidence?” However, thanks to specific advice from his lawyer, he was able to make gradual progress. For instance, it is said to be extremely important to organize documents such as contracts, email exchanges, and phone records. This made me realize how crucial it is to keep records in our daily lives. If a problem arises, without evidence, it’s difficult to move forward.

Emotional State During the Lawsuit

Once the lawsuit begins, various changes in emotional state occur. My friend initially felt anxious about whether he would win, but as time went on, he became clearer about his position and was able to make calm judgments. I think this is quite an important point. Lawsuits can often become emotional, and especially when the opposing party is a large corporation, one might feel small in comparison. However, maintaining composure may be the key to victory. My friend often felt the need to take time to sort out his feelings during the lawsuit, sometimes taking deep breaths to calm himself.

The Verdict and Its Aftermath

Then, the verdict was announced. In my friend’s case, he won the lawsuit. Of course, just because he won doesn’t mean everything went smoothly afterward. He had to go through further procedures to collect payment from the opposing party, and he continued to experience mental stress. While he was happy at the moment the verdict was delivered, the subsequent procedures and emotional processing presented new challenges. What I realized here is that obtaining a verdict itself is not the goal; rather, the true victory lies in how it impacts one’s life afterward. He also mentioned that the lawsuit provided an opportunity for him to reflect on himself.

Long-Term Perspective and Risks of Litigation

Filing a lawsuit can sometimes be essential, but it also comes with risks. It can be time-consuming and financially burdensome. My friend often asked himself, “Is this really the right choice?” before proceeding with the lawsuit. Especially in business, it may be better to maintain a long-term perspective. Even after the lawsuit concludes, how one learns from the experience is extremely important. My friend said he has since focused on drafting more detailed contracts and working only with trustworthy partners.

Conclusion

What do you think? Filing a lawsuit is certainly not an easy decision, but sometimes it is necessary. We need to consider how we should act to protect our rights in our daily lives and what preparations are needed. The experiences gained through litigation can have a significant impact on our future lives. If you are considering filing a lawsuit, take a moment to calmly reflect on your situation. Also, don’t forget to consult a trusted legal professional. Sometimes, having people on your side can provide a great sense of reassurance. Thank you for reading to the end! The topic of lawsuits is heavy, but I hope this has been somewhat helpful to everyone.