Sometimes you get a heads up, and sometimes you can just tell that something is different. When you are facing down a bad business dispute, you want to get ahead of it as much as possible. Sometimes that means you can prevent it, and sometimes you can only lessen the blow. Either way, it is always important to prepare for the worst in order to protect your business and your own reputation and integrity.

No business owner ever wants to deal with a lawsuit or a business dispute. If you think one is on the horizon, here are 4 ways to prepare for a bad business dispute:

Limit and Consider All Communication

If you get the feeling that a partner, employee, or client is seriously considering or preparing a lawsuit against you, be ultra cautious in your communication with them. At this point, don’t send them any written communications – memos, emails, texts, sticky notes – that you wouldn’t want to be read back in court. Keep in mind that anything you write down can be presented as evidence.

In your verbal communication with them, remember to keep things professional and carefully consider your word choice. The same goes for anything that you do send to them. Even acknowledging that there is tension could be considered evidence in some situations.

Try To Diffuse the Situation

If there is a way to avoid the conflict escalating any further, then you always want to take that option. Keep in mind the other party probably does not want to hire lawyers and spend the time required on a lawsuit either. If there is a way to lower the temperature and move forward, there is a good chance both parties would prefer that at heart. Be careful in how you approach this, but remember the other party is a human like you and just wants to be heard and respected.

Don’t Come Out Swinging

If you can’t tell from the last two pieces of advice, you don’t want to lead with aggression. Even if someone is sending metaphorical shots at you, do not retaliate. We would always recommend avoiding any passive aggressive communication as well. Just keep things professional and understand that you will be rewarded for that in the long run.0

Ask For Help From an Business Dispute Lawyer

You don’t have to wait to be served with a lawsuit before contacting an attorney and discussing your side. If you think a business dispute is headed your way, contact Pence Law Firm, P.C. today to hear what steps you need to be taking right now. We offer customized, professional, and powerful representation, and we are here for you when you need us.