After the lawyers for the plaintiff and for the defense have made their opening statements in a personal injury lawsuit, both sides have an opportunity to call witnesses and present evidence that supports their respective claims.
Lawyers also have an occasion to directly challenge the evidence offered by the opposing side.
The plaintiff presents his or her case first, and the defendant has an opportunity to cross-examine the plaintiff's witnesses. Then the defendant presents his or her witnesses and the plaintiff cross-examines them. Plaintiff's case During the presentation of evidence a lawyer has to live up to the promises made during opening statements. O.J. Simpson was found not guilty in the criminal case brought against him by the State of California for the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. In the civil case brought against O.J. Simpson by certain family members of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, Mr. Simpson was found liable.