At FGKS Law, our robust litigation practice represents clients in state courts across Ohio, as well as federal courts both within Ohio and nationwide through pro hac vice admission. Our attorneys have extensive experience managing litigation across the United States, collaborating with local counsel when necessary to ensure comprehensive representation for our clients.
TYPES OF CASES
Business Litigation
Our firm handles a full range of business disputes, including but not limited to:
- Breach of contract
- Unfair competition
- Misappropriation of trade secrets
- Tortious interference with contractual and business relationships
- Non-competition agreements and restrictive covenants
- Construction law and mechanic’s liens
- Breach of fiduciary duties
- Director’s and officer’s liability
- Insurance defense
- Warranty issues
- Discrimination and retaliation
- Employer intentional torts
Civil Litigation
We also represent clients in various civil litigation matters, such as:
- Personal injury
- Products liability
- Wrongful death
- Probate litigation, including will contests and trust disputes
- Intentional torts
- Negligence
- Automobile accidents
Consumer Protection Litigation
Our firm has extensive experience in handling consumer cases based on the following acts:
- Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act
- Home Solicitation Sales Act
- Home Construction Service Suppliers Act
- Ohio Lemon Law
- Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
OUR PHILOSOPHY
FGKS Law is committed to responsiveness, strategic litigation, and transparent advice on risks and expenses. We strive to put our clients in the best possible position for settlement or trial, if necessary. Our direct and principled approach to litigation has earned us the respect and trust of the legal community, including judges and opposing counsel.
Contact an attorney to learn more about our practice areas.
Frequently Asked Questions on Civil Litigation
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STATE AND FEDERAL COURT, AND WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR FEDERAL COURT?
State courts handle cases involving state laws, while federal courts handle cases involving federal laws, the U.S. Constitution, or disputes between citizens of different states with amounts in controversy exceeding $75,000. Federal court requirements include subject matter jurisdiction (federal question or diversity jurisdiction) and adherence to federal procedural rules.
WHAT CONSTITUTES A MISAPPROPRIATION OF TRADE SECRETS IN OHIO?
In Ohio, misappropriation of trade secrets involves the unauthorized acquisition, disclosure, or use of a trade secret by someone who knows or has reason to know that the trade secret was acquired through improper means. Trade secrets include confidential business information that provides a competitive advantage, such as formulas, customer lists, practices, processes, or designs.
WHAT DOES A CONTRACTOR HAVE TO DO TO PROTECT ITS MECHANIC'S LIEN RIGHTS IN OHIO?
To protect mechanic’s lien rights in Ohio, a contractor must serve a Notice of Furnishing to the property owner and other required parties within 21 days of starting work. They must then file an Affidavit for Mechanic’s Lien with the county recorder’s office where the property is located within 75 days (for commercial projects) or 60 days (for residential projects) after the last date of work or provision of materials.
WHAT IS AN EMPLOYER INTENTIONAL TORT, AND WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF A CLAIM UNDER OHIO LAW?
An employer intentional tort in Ohio occurs when an employer acts with the intent to injure an employee or with the belief that injury is substantially certain to occur. Elements of a claim include proving the employer’s intent or belief regarding the injury and demonstrating that the injury was caused by the employer’s actions.
HOW DOES THE OHIO CONSUMER SALES PRACTICES ACT PROTECT CONSUMERS, AND WHAT REMEDIES ARE AVAILABLE?
The Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act (OCSPA) protects consumers from unfair, deceptive, and unconscionable practices in consumer transactions. Remedies available under OCSPA include actual damages, non-economic damages up to $5,000, treble damages (three times the actual damages), attorney’s fees, and injunctive relief.
WHEN CAN OFFICERS OR DIRECTORS OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY BE PERSONALLY LIABLE?
Officers or directors of a limited liability company (LLC) can be personally liable if they engage in wrongful acts such as fraud, illegal actions, or breach of fiduciary duties. They may also be liable if they personally guarantee company debts or fail to maintain the LLC’s separate legal status, leading to “piercing the corporate veil.”
WHAT ARE THE STEPS INVOLVED IN FILING A BREACH OF CONTRACT LAWSUIT IN OHIO?
Filing a breach of contract lawsuit in Ohio involves several steps: drafting and filing a complaint with the appropriate court, serving the complaint to the defendant, conducting discovery to gather evidence, filing pre-trial motions if necessary, participating in settlement negotiations or mediation, and proceeding to trial if a settlement is not reached.
Our Civil Litigation Attorneys
