Getting sued is one of the most stressful things a business owner can face. Whether it’s a customer complaint, a contract dispute, or an employee issue—lawsuits can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never dealt with one before.
Here’s some straightforward advice to help you stay calm and handle the situation wisely.
- Don’t Ignore It
As tempting as it may be to put it aside and hope it goes away—it won’t. Once you’re officially served with legal papers (called a “complaint” or “summons”), the clock starts ticking. In most cases, you have only a few weeks to respond. Missing that deadline can lead to a default judgment, meaning the other side could win automatically.
Bottom line: Take it seriously and act quickly.
- Read the Lawsuit Carefully
Take time to read through the paperwork. Who is suing you? Why? What are they asking for? You may not understand every legal term, but you’ll get a sense of the issue. Don’t panic if it sounds bad—lawsuits often sound worse on paper than they really are.
Tip: Don’t call the other party or try to “fix it” yourself. It could make things worse or be used against you later.
- Call a Lawyer (Sooner Rather Than Later)
Even if you think the case is simple or unfair, you need legal advice. A good business attorney can explain what the lawsuit means, help you understand your options, and guide you through the next steps. If you already have a lawyer—great, call them now. If not, find one who handles business disputes.
Bonus: Having legal help shows the other side you’re taking the case seriously.
- Gather Your Documents
Start collecting anything related to the issue: contracts, emails, invoices, receipts, employee records, etc. Keep everything organized and don’t throw anything away, even if it seems unimportant.
Your lawyer will need this to build your defense or try to resolve the issue quickly.
- Keep Business Running (But Be Careful What You Say)
A lawsuit doesn’t mean your business has to shut down. Stay professional with customers, employees, and even the person suing you. Don’t talk about the case on social media or with other business owners—it could come back to haunt you.
Final Thoughts
Lawsuits are tough, but they don’t have to be the end of your business. The most important thing is to stay calm, get legal help, and respond properly. Many lawsuits get resolved out of court or even dismissed—especially when handled the right way from the start.
Need help? At the Law Office of Robert L. Greener PC, we help business owners protect their interests and move forward with confidence. If your business has been sued, don’t wait—contact us today for a consultation and let us help you take the next right step.
Law Office of Robert L. Greener PC
When precision counts, the right advice matters.