Introduction
Not all lawsuits are the same. Some can be resolved quickly and have a limited financial impact, while others become lengthy, costly processes of great significance. I refer to the latter as “major litigation”: cases that not only involve claims worth hundreds of thousands or millions of euros, but also a level of legal and evidentiary complexity that requires exceptional preparation.
Throughout my more than 25 years of practice, I have worked in both types of scenarios, and this experience has allowed me to identify the factors that turn a case into major litigation and what distinguishes it from an ordinary dispute.
The scale of the damage
A primary distinguishing factor is the scale of the damage. Major litigation typically involves compensation claims exceeding €200,000 and, in many cases, nearing or surpassing one million. These are serious accidents with permanent personal injuries, large-scale insurance claims, or professional liability cases with severe consequences for those affected.
The amount at stake is not everything, but it sets the tone of the proceedings. The higher the claim, the stronger the resistance from the opposing party and the more sophisticated their defense will be. The companies involved often allocate substantial resources to minimize financial exposure, which requires the claimant to be represented by a legal team prepared for that level of challenge.
Legal complexity
Major litigation rarely revolves around the application of a single legal rule. It is common for several branches of law to intersect: civil, commercial, labor, or even criminal. In addition, multiple parties are often involved: insurers, hospitals, companies, technical professionals, and other responsible third parties.
In this type of case, the lawyer’s work goes far beyond filing a lawsuit. It requires coordinating expert witnesses from different disciplines, anticipating the opposing party’s objections, and designing a litigation strategy that takes multiple possible scenarios into account. A mistake in planning can compromise the entire outcome.
The impact of expert evidence
Another characteristic that sets major litigation apart is the weight of expert evidence. In a minor accident, a simple medical report may be sufficient, but in complex claims, extensive reports are required from traumatologists, neurologists, psychologists, engineers, economists, actuaries, and others.
These reports must not only be technically strong, but also understandable to the court. I have learned that, in many cases, success depends as much on the clarity of the expert as on the lawyer’s ability to present the evidence in a clear and persuasive way.
The consequences for the client
Major litigation is not only about financial outcomes: it can impact a client’s professional future, the stability of a business, or even emotional well-being. I have supported clients for whom the result would determine whether their company could continue operating or would be forced into bankruptcy.
The lawyer’s responsibility in these cases goes beyond legal representation: it also means giving the client confidence that their case is being handled by a committed professional, capable of anticipating risks and maintaining a solid strategy until the end.
Conclusion
What distinguishes major litigation is the scale of the damage, the legal complexity, the weight of expert evidence, and the consequences involved. These are cases where there is no room for improvisation, and where having a lawyer specialized in complex claims is the difference between obtaining a favorable outcome and suffering an irreparable loss.
Call to Action
If you are facing major litigation, do not approach it as just another case. Contact me and we will analyze the viability of your claim together, designing a strong and tailored strategy to defend your interests with full guarantees.
