If you are a small business owner, there is a good chance that you will be sued at some point. It's important to know what to do when this happens and have a plan. Northwest Business Law LLCcan help you through the process, and we want to share with you five things you should do when your small business gets sued. If your small business is ever served with a lawsuit, it's essential to take the proper steps to protect yourself and your company.
#1- Do Not Ignore the Lawsuit
Make sure that you do not ignore the lawsuit. If you do, you may be found in contempt of court and subject to penalties. You should also not attempt to hide assets or destroy evidence. This will only make things worse and give the other side an advantage.
#2- Hire an Experienced Lawyer immediately
Hire an experienced lawyer who specializes in business law immediately. This is not the time to save money by using a general practice lawyer or someone inexperienced. You need someone who knows the ins and outs of business litigation and can give you the best chance of winning your case.
Northwest Business Law LLC has a team of experienced business litigation lawyers who can help you with your case. We will review the evidence, interview witnesses, and build a solid legal defense for you.
#3- Gather All Relevant Documents
The third thing you should do is to gather all relevant documents. This includes any
- contracts,
- emails,
- invoices,
- or other communication that is related to the case.
You will need to provide these to your lawyer so they can review them and prepare your defense.
#4- Do Not Speak to the Other Side
It would help if you did not speak to the other side or their lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you in court. You should refer all communication to your lawyer so they can handle it. If you are served with a lawsuit, do not try to handle it alone.
#5- Stay Positive and Have Faith
This situation may seem bleak, but staying positive and having faith that everything will work out in the end, is important. The process can be long and complicated, but your attorney will be by your side every step of the way.
How Can I Prevent My Business From a Future Lawsuit?
A lawsuit most likely doesn't align with any of your business goals and the incursion of the expenses to fight them are unwelcome at best. To help you avoid future small business lawsuits, here's a list of 6 things to help you prevent your small business from a future lawsuit.
- Take accurate records of all agreements and business deals, ideally in writing
- Keep your reputation in mind and protect its quality
- Build sound employment practices
- Stay prepared with a qualified lawyer
- Keep personal finances separate from business finances
- Be aware of your insurance coverage needs
This is a short list of some of our most important suggestions to protect your business from future lawsuits. For more information, legal counsel should be sought out.
We Can Help You!
Here at Northwest Business Law LLC, we understand how stressful and overwhelming a lawsuit can be. Our seasoned team can provide you with legal advice and representation from start to finish. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation.
Contact us today by calling (206) 565-0090 or through our online contact form.