A civil lawsuit can involve filing, service, response deadlines, discovery, motions, settlement discussions, and trial, but the sequence differs by case. The North Carolina Judicial Branch explains that discovery is a process for parties to demand documents and information related to a lawsuit before trial.

Keep the procedural questions separate

  • What documents were filed and in which court
  • Whether a summons and complaint were served under the applicable rules
  • What deadline appears in the papers received
  • Which records, witnesses, and insurance materials may be relevant

Court rules, deadlines, and case facts can materially affect a matter. A Charlotte car-accident claim may involve options short of a lawsuit as well as court procedures.

Source