When Should You Hire a Business Litigation Attorney?

As a business owner and entrepreneur, you’re no stranger to speaking with lawyers. When you first set up your company, you may have needed to talk with a business lawyer to help you file the correct documents to get up and running.

You might regularly use the services of a business attorney when reviewing major contracts or documents. But no one wants to think about the possibility of needing a business litigation lawyer.

Why would you hire a business litigation lawyer? According to The Hunnicutt Law Group, a business litigation attorney may help you avoid litigation before a lawsuit is filed. If a lawsuit is unavoidable, an experienced business litigation attorney can advocate on your behalf.

Common Reasons to Hire a Business Litigation Lawyer

You Need Legal Advice, Fast

Contact a business litigation attorney at the first threat of a conflict with a customer or fellow business owner that you fear may escalate to legal action. The best time to hire a business litigation attorney is before a lawsuit begins.

And a skilled business litigator is usually excellent at helping clients avoid litigation. It is well-known that as many as 95% of civil cases settle before going to trial. The sooner you get advice from a business litigation attorney, the sooner you can diffuse any potential lawsuit.

You’re Being Sued

If you’re unable to prevent a lawsuit from happening, or you wait to contact an attorney until a situation has bubbled over into a civil suit, now is the best time to call a business litigator.

A business litigator can help you understand what the summons and complaint mean. They can also help you formulate a plan for how to move forward.

There are five common claims that business litigators typically encounter and that you may face as a business owner. These claims include:

• Employment discrimination and or wrongful termination,
• Discrimination suits not based on employment,
• Wage and hour law violations,
• Property damage claims and other torts, and
• Breach of contract claims.

Going through a legal battle is tough, but with a lawyer by your side, you’ll undoubtedly feel more confident facing the challenge.

Benefits of Hiring a Business Litigation Lawyer

Many businesspeople have fallen into the trap of thinking they can represent themselves in legal proceedings or court. However, Abraham Lincoln got it right when he said, “The man who represents himself has a fool for a client.”

When facing a business conflict, it’s crucial to think about the many benefits of hiring experienced counsel.

Cost Savings

While some would say that the cost of hiring a lawyer is the worst part of business litigation, imagine how costly it could be to your business if you didn’t hire one? Paying a few legal bills can save you thousands in heartache down the line.

Typically that realization comes when you understand that a bit of legal expertise could have shortened the proceedings by a year and saved you tens of thousands in settlement costs.

Time Savings

Having a business litigation attorney on your side in court can save you hundreds of hours. From having someone sit in negotiations and conferences on your behalf to having someone handle the legal process so you don’t have to, an experienced lawyer can give you back hours of your life.

Conclusion

Hiring a business litigation attorney before you need one is one great way to protect your business. Check with colleagues and friends to see if they have any recommendations in your area.

As a business owner, be sure to build relationships with business litigators in your area. Knowing who to call at the first sign of conflict is the best way to know when to hire a business litigation attorney.