Omaha Civil Litigation Lawyer
When a dispute threatens your business, your property, or your livelihood, you need a trial lawyer who has been inside Nebraska courtrooms for decades, not someone who just files paperwork.
Why Omaha Businesses and Individuals Choose Shapiro Riha for Civil Litigation
Civil disputes are rarely simple. Whether you are a business owner facing a breach of contract claim, a property owner locked in a boundary dispute, or an individual who has been wronged by another party, the Nebraska civil litigation process demands an attorney who can build a persuasive case and, when necessary, try it to a jury. James E. Riha has practiced civil litigation in Nebraska since 1980. That is over four decades of negotiating settlements, arguing motions, and trying cases in Douglas County District Court, the Nebraska Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. When you hire Shapiro Riha Law, you get attorneys who prepare every case as if it is going to trial, because that preparation is what produces results at the negotiating table.
Types of Civil Disputes We Handle
Our Omaha civil litigation attorneys represent plaintiffs and defendants across a wide range of civil matters. We take cases we believe in and commit the resources needed to pursue the best outcome.
Business and Commercial Litigation
Partnership disputes, shareholder conflicts, non-compete agreement enforcement, trade secret misappropriation, and business tort claims require an attorney who understands both the legal framework and the commercial realities at stake. We represent businesses of all sizes in Omaha, from sole proprietors to mid-market companies, and we focus on strategies that protect your bottom line while resolving the dispute efficiently.
Contract Disputes
Contracts are the foundation of business relationships, and when one party fails to perform, the consequences can be severe. We handle breach of contract claims involving commercial leases, vendor agreements, construction contracts, employment agreements, and purchase contracts. Under Nebraska law (Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 25-205), you generally have five years to file a breach of written contract claim, but waiting reduces your leverage. If a contract dispute is costing you money, call us now.
Property and Real Estate Disputes
Real estate litigation in Nebraska covers boundary disputes, easement conflicts, title defects, landlord-tenant disputes, and construction defect claims. We represent property owners, developers, landlords, and tenants in disputes that range from straightforward evictions to complex multi-party litigation involving hundreds of thousands of dollars. Our attorneys understand Nebraska real estate law and the practical realities of property disputes in the Omaha market.
Personal Injury Litigation
When you have been injured due to someone else's negligence, you deserve compensation that reflects the true cost of your injuries. We handle car accident cases, slip and fall injuries, premises liability claims, and product liability cases. Nebraska follows a modified comparative negligence standard (Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 25-21,185.09), meaning you can recover damages as long as your fault does not exceed that of the defendant. Insurance companies do not offer fair settlements voluntarily. They settle fairly when your attorney has a reputation for going to trial.
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The Civil Litigation Process in Nebraska
Nebraska civil litigation follows a structured process: pre-suit investigation and demand, filing the complaint, service of process, the defendant's answer, discovery (interrogatories, depositions, document requests), pretrial motions, mediation or settlement conference, and trial. Most civil cases in Nebraska settle before trial, but the cases that settle well are the ones where the attorney has built a trial-ready case. Discovery is where cases are won. We use targeted discovery strategies to uncover the evidence that supports your position and to identify weaknesses in the opposing party's case. We take thorough depositions and retain expert witnesses when the facts demand it.
When Should You File a Civil Lawsuit in Nebraska?
Timing matters in civil litigation. Nebraska statutes of limitations set strict deadlines. Personal injury claims generally have a four-year deadline (Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 25-207). Written contract disputes have five years. Property damage claims have four years. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim, regardless of its merit. Beyond statutory deadlines, filing sooner preserves evidence, keeps witnesses available, and puts the opposing party on notice that you are serious. If you believe you have a civil claim, schedule a consultation before the clock runs out.
Need to talk to an attorney?
Free consultation. No obligation. We answer the phone.
Alternatives to Trial: Mediation and Arbitration in Nebraska
Not every dispute belongs in a courtroom. Nebraska courts increasingly encourage alternative dispute resolution (ADR), including mediation and arbitration. Mediation allows both parties to negotiate a resolution with the help of a neutral mediator. Arbitration involves a neutral arbitrator who renders a binding or non-binding decision. ADR can save time and money, and it gives both parties more control over the outcome. However, ADR only works when both sides negotiate in good faith. If the other side is not serious about resolution, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. We advise our clients on the best path forward based on the specific facts and dynamics of their case.
Need to talk to an attorney?
Free consultation. No obligation. We answer the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Discuss Your Case?
Do not let a civil dispute cost you more than it has to. Call Shapiro Riha Law at 402-341-0700 for a free consultation with an experienced Omaha civil litigation attorney.