When your business is faced with a lawsuit, it can be very emotional. You might feel anxiety, fear, or even start to panic. However, it’s important to stay calm. Yours is not the first business to get sued, and it won’t be the last. Lawsuits happen, so just take a deep breath and follow these six steps.

1. Contact your business lawyer.

Hopefully, you had help from a business lawyer when you created your business. If you didn’t, you should search for a business lawyer right now. A lawyer who specializes in business will be the best-equipped to handle any of your business’s legal issues (such as a lawsuit). Once you have chosen a lawyer, schedule an appointment for a meeting to review your lawsuit.

2. Do not communicate with the plaintiff.

Although it might be tempting to contact the person or people who are suing you, you should absolutely not have contact with them under any circumstances. Do not call, email, or text the plaintiff. Even if that individual reaches out and sends a message to you, do not reply. At this point, you can bet that anything you say to that person will be part of the lawsuit, so it’s best to just cease communication.

3. Carefully read your lawsuit.

After you call your lawyer to schedule an appointment for a consultation, take time to carefully and clearly read the lawsuit papers. Find out exactly what you’re being accused of. You might find it helpful to jot down counter-points on a notepad as you read, but make sure to thoroughly read your lawsuit.

4. Gather your evidence.

Once you completely understand the charges against your business, you can get an idea of how you want to reply. If you would like to dispute the charges, start searching for any papers or emails that might serve as a defense. Bring these when you meet with your lawyer.

5. Meet with your lawyer.

When you meet with your lawyer, you will review the lawsuit. You will also want to show your lawyer any papers or emails that might be helpful for your defense. Be completely honest with your lawyer about what has happened, and he or she can help you decide how to proceed with your case.

6. Inform your insurance company that you have been sued.

It’s likely that your business has insurance for in case you get sued. Find out the best way to notify the company and do so. Even though it’s still early in the process of the lawsuit, it’s courteous to give your insurance company an early warning.

Has your business been sued?

If your business is facing a lawsuit and you’re in need of a qualified business lawyer, contact Pence Law Firm, P.C. Our experts can help you understand your lawsuit and decide how to proceed. To learn how we can help, give us a call today at (918) 367-8505 or contact us online.