5 Easy Ways To Avoid Being Sued – The thought of being sued over even the smallest of disputes can make anyone nervous about what could happen next. This is especially true if it’s for something that you weren’t aware you did wrong, a situation that wasn’t meant to get out of hand, or worse, something you feel you had no control over and quite possibly isn’t even your fault.
The ways people can get sued these days range from the obvious to the absurd. Just a few common reasons include:
- Breach of contract
- Personal injury
- Negligence
- Dissolution of marriage
- A business argument
- The inability to pay a debt (child support, alimony, credit card, etc.)
You can almost always have a lawsuit filed against you, and when and if that day comes, it’s important to have an experienced lawyer such as Nelson Law Group PC in Flower Mound, Texas in your corner to help determine if the other side has a valid claim and what the next steps should be.
There are a few easy ways to avoid being sued, or at least limit the possibility of it happening.
Document everything
Whether you are running a successful business, in the middle of a contested divorce where everything you say and do is scrutinized, or you’re embroiled in some other dispute, documentation is the most important piece of evidence to either minimize your chances of being sued or give you a strong position to negotiate from if a lawsuit ensues. Get in the habit of documenting everything from text message communications with your spouse to financial or business transactions, company procedures, signed contracts, purchase dates and dollar amounts, etc.
Pay your debts
Let’s use a common family law situation as an example: You must recognize from the minute a child support order has been rendered by the court that it is a legally binding obligation. The child-support payments are YOUR responsibility, and if you are obligated to pay it, there’s nothing that’s going to get you out of that obligation other than paying it. Make your payments regularly and on time, or at least show good faith and pay something if you do not have the money to pay the entire amount due. This goes for any other personal or business debt you may incur.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
The better relationship you have with your former spouse, and the more proactive you are with addressing issues, the less likely they will be to seek legal action. The better relationships you have with customers, employees, colleagues, etc., the less likely it will be that you will be sued. Keep everyone informed, respond promptly, and maintain accurate records.
Keep your word
To piggyback off the previous tips, it makes sense to own up to any and all agreements you have in place, especially those that involve written contracts. Even if the contract is difficult to live up to, it sure beats the alternative of spending thousands of dollars in attorney fees and lost productivity.
Don’t let disputes get the better of you
Even if you feel strongly that you have done nothing wrong, no good can come from making a tenuous situation even more hostile or retaliatory by getting angry, making threats, or cutting off all contact. It is always best to take a step back and weigh the pros and cons of a decision before you take action. In most cases, walking away from a dispute is often the best way to avoid being sued.
Call Nelson Law Group Today!!
When it comes to the potential of being sued, it is always a good idea to talk to a lawyer about your situation. Give our knowledgeable staff here at Nelson Law Group, PC in Flower Mound, Texas a call if you have any further questions regarding this – or any other – issue. Give us a call today! For more information about Brett A Nelson, click here.
