How to Protect Your Business While Getting Sued

Disputes and lawsuits often cost businesses a lot of resources, time, and unnecessary stress. Unfortunately, avoiding them may be totally impossible, no matter how carefully and transparently you may intend to run your business. According to a study by the SBA, between 36% and 53% of small businesses must deal with lawsuits annually. An experienced Kentucky business litigation attorney can help you understand how to protect your business while getting sued. 

At Caleb Bland Law, PLLC, we’re committed to offering skilled representation and reliable legal guidance to business owners in their commercial lawsuits. Our trusted attorneys are available to discuss your unique circumstances, review the surrounding facts of your case, and determine the best way to help fight your legal battle and protect your business. We’re proud to serve clients across Elizabethtown, Brandenburg, Louisville, Radcliff, Jefferson County, and Hardin County, Kentucky. 

Common Business Lawsuits 

A business lawsuit is a civil legal action involving one or more business entities as parties. The lawsuit may be between an individual and another business or two or more businesses. In Kentucky, companies are sued for many different reasons. Here are some of the most common business lawsuits: 

• Breach of contract 

• Employee discrimination 

• Partnership disputes 

• Customer discrimination 

• Commercial leases 

• Sale of goods 

• Payment disputes 

• Premise liability 

• Harassment 

If you or your business is involved in a commercial lawsuit or dispute, you need to reach out to a knowledgeable business litigation attorney right away. Your legal counsel can evaluate your unique situation, enlighten you about the vital steps to take, and represent you diligently in your legal battle. 

Important Steps to Take When Your Business is Being Sued 

When your business is getting sued, here are some important steps you need to take: 

Take Note of Crucial Deadlines 

While getting sued, you should note important deadlines. These include the deadline to respond, deadlines for case management, and the deadline for discovery. The court may enter a default judgment against you for missing the deadline. Likewise, you may be asked to pay monetary damages, fines, or a lien may be placed on your property. 

Retain an Attorney Immediately 

Once your business has been served with the papers, you should retain a lawyer to help review the legal documents carefully. Your legal counsel can determine whether the complaints are genuine, help respond appropriately, and determine the best way to proceed. 

Be Cognizant of What You Do and Say 

It is important that you are aware of your behavior—what you do, how you act, and what you say. Avoid negative comments, slander, or any other action that can unintentionally make your situation worse. 

Collect Relevant Records or Documentation 

Be sure to collect all relevant records and documentation about the plaintiff or documents that can help with the case. Provide them to your attorney. Your legal counsel can evaluate all of the records and documents and craft a detailed legal defense strategy using such information. 

Investigate the Claim Internally 

Additionally, carry out a thorough, private investigation of the complaint filed against your business. Your lawyer can help review and investigate the complaints and gather the required evidence. 

Notify Your Insurance Company 

Notify your insurance carrier that your business is getting sued, if you have general liability coverage. Your insurance company may help you with legal representation and might pay for the cost of legal defense. Also, the insurer may help cover the judgment award if you lose your case. 

Be Honest and Open with Your Lawyer 

Lastly, it is important that you remain completely honest and transparent with your lawyer. Providing your attorney with all relevant information and necessary facts can help strategize the best defense for your case and improve your chances of getting the most favorable outcome. 

Unfortunately, many lawsuits are usually frivolous and may lack merit. Therefore, it is important that you take proactive action to ensure that you manage the situation properly and avoid making costly mistakes. 

What Not to Do If Your Business is Being Sued 

If your business is being sued, you should keep the following in mind: 

• Do not respond to the complaint by yourself. 

• Do not attempt to represent yourself. 

• Do not ignore the complaint completely. 

• Do not contact the plaintiff. 

• Do not attempt to hide or destroy any documents, emails, or other records pertaining to the case. 

• Do not hide the lawsuit from your workers. 

A skilled business law attorney can enlighten you about your possible legal options and craft an effective defense to help fight your business lawsuit and protect your company. 

Skilled Business Advocacy  

Business lawsuits in Kentucky consume several resources – including money and time – and lead to unpredictable outcomes. As a result, protecting your business is crucial when getting sued. A knowledgeable business law attorney can offer you the skilled advocacy you need in your commercial lawsuits and help you make informed decisions. 

At Caleb Bland Law, PLLC, our attorneys have the diligence and resources to guide clients in their business lawsuits. Using our extensive knowledge, we can evaluate every last detail of your case and educate you about the next steps to take when your business is getting sued. Our team can fight vigorously to protect your business interests and represent you diligently through every stage of the legal process. 

Contact Caleb Bland Law, PLLC, today to schedule a simple case assessment with reliable business litigation lawyers. Our attorneys can offer you the personalized counsel and reliable advocacy you need in your commercial litigation case. We proudly serve clients across Elizabethtown, Brandenburg, Louisville, Radcliff, Jefferson County, Hardin County, and the rest of the state of Kentucky.