What do you need to know if you’re facing a business lawsuit? Find out now.
Business litigations and business lawsuits are more common than you may think, and they can happen to any business for any number of reasons. If there’s a chance you could be facing one, there are some important things you should know, including what you need to do. Here are five steps to take in the face of a lawsuit:
#1: Review Your Case
The first thing you should do once you have officially received the suit papers is to review them with an experienced business attorney. Keep track of all records, data, and evidence needed to build your case and fight the lawsuit. It is important that you understand fully the case brought against you. A qualified attorney can help.
#2: Do Not Communicate with the Plaintiff
Many legal experts recommend that business owners not speak directly to the plaintiff without their attorney present. Business owners must remember that anything they say regarding the lawsuit can go against them in court. To protect your interest and your chance of winning the case, or at the very least settling it for as little as possible, let your legal team directly handle all communications with the opposing side.
#3: Inform Your Insurance Provider
In many cases, a business owner will automatically pay less for litigation because they have insurance. There is a wide variety of business insurance policies that can help cover lawsuit claims including third-party claims, employee claims, personal injury claims, defamation, and financial loss claims.
#4: Decide How to Respond to the Complaint
Most litigations require a response within 30 days. This response needs to be in writing and sent to the plaintiff and their legal team. The response is where you accept or reject each of the points they have outlined in the initial paperwork sent to you. Your answer should include the following items:
- Whether you accept or reject the plaintiff’s allegations point by point
- Your defenses and counter-arguments against the plaintiff
- Whether you want to pursue an out-of-court settlement, jury trial, or other option
#5: Find a Business Litigation Attorney
Find a business litigation lawyer with experience in your specific type of lawsuit. Not all business cases are the same and may require a different approach and different considerations. For example, fighting a slip-and-fall case will be much different than dealing with a defective-product case where an injury occurred. It is imperative to have a legal team accustomed to dealing with your specific type of case. Each case is different and will require precise knowledge, skills, and experience to win. So, choose well and make sure your attorney is well-versed in business lawsuits and litigation cases. Find out what you need to know about defending against a business litigation case by calling the Wilbanks Law Firm, P.C. at (706) 786-4649 now.
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