Legal lawsuits are usually matters held in civil court as opposed to criminal court. They can be heard at either a state or federal level. Lawsuits range from anything from someone who slips and falls in the grocery store to someone who feels they are being cheated by their landlord. There are many types of legal lawsuits. Civil cases are many times settled out of court, but the justice system would like to see that happen even more often since the courts are so backlogged with cases. Many courts are now recommending mediation before a court date is set hoping the matter can be settled out of court. That works in some instances, but not others. Over 15,000 legal lawsuits are tried in court every year. The courts are backlogged and if something doesn't change, the numbers will only grow. Lawsuits can be between individuals or an individual and a business. Normally when one business sues another, it is done in another court. Courts are hoping the number of lawsuits decreases or the number of out of court settlements increases to reduce the strain on the justice system right now. Anyone considering any type of lawsuit should speak to a qualified attorney.