Realizing that your company is being sued can be one of the worst things that you'll ever deal with as a business owner. Unfortunately, handling the situation the wrong way can cause things to become even worse. If you have heard through the grapevine that your company might be sued, or if you have already received a court order or other documentation, then make sure that you avoid these common mistakes. Then, there is a better chance of things coming out in your favor.
1. Contacting the Plaintiff
You might be tempted to contact the person or company that is suing you, but this isn't a good idea. Even if you have intentions of trying to smooth things over, there is a chance that you could say something that will hurt your case. Another possibility is that you could be convinced into paying out a settlement that you really shouldn't pay. Either way, it's best to stay away from the plaintiff in the case when dealing with this situation.
2. Speaking to the Media
In many cases, business owners take to local media -- or even their own social media profiles and websites -- to speak out against the lawsuits that are being brought against them. However, doing so can make your company look bad, unnecessary attention to the situation and even result in you saying or doing something that will make the situation worse.
3. Handling it on Your Own
If you feel as if the lawsuit is bogus or think that you'll be able to beat it on your own, you might be thinking about going to court without a lawyer. This can be a horrible idea, however. When you're in court and dealing with a tough lawyer who is looking for the highest payout possible, you could get trampled on without legal representation. You could also make mistakes that could really harm your company, such as saying and doing the wrong things. If you hire a business lawyer, you will have assistance every step of the way. Your lawyer will help you get out of your lawsuit, will give you advice for preventing future lawsuits and can protect you and your business as well as possible.
Many business owners make a lot of mistakes when being sued. To help protect your company as much as possible, make sure that you avoid these three common mistakes. For more advice, speak with experts like the Ponath Law Offices.
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