Who likes to rule the corridors of justice, unless of course, it is through them that they pay the bills?
If you carefully evaluate the above statements, you will agree that barring a court dropping your daily bread, you should have little business to do with it. But it is from the courts that justice, which in the view of the victor of cases satisfies his emotional, physical and sometimes spiritual well-being, can be sought.
So it is such an important and integral part of life that you just need to know what to do to avoid finding yourself there unnecessarily and also what to do if you find yourself there.
Litigation drains the minds, bodies, and fiscal resources of both parties. Men and giant companies have collapsed as a result of court cases.
So what should companies do to avoid falling into this hole? What mistakes should organizations avoid?
Here are some tips:
Failing to Protect Important Information
Regardless of company size, every business has a set of documents that will pay a hefty price to protect. Under all circumstances, keep important business secrets close to your chest and do whatever it takes to protect what you think is important information.
In fact, business data, even when presented orally must be treated with the dignity it deserves. For example, after an employee has been laid off, let the problems rest at that. Improper exchanges may be used against you in litigation.
Letting Litigation Flow Without Your Involvement
Some would call this a hands off approach. However, you are in a better position and better armed with thorough information regarding the case. When you get involved, you help explain more and provide better insight around the case.
Even though lawyers are experienced with legal matters you hold the key to critical information that allows applying the law from a lawyer’s perspective. Getting involved makes your lawyer’s job a lot easier.
Don’t Withhold Important Information
When it’s all said and done, you likely know more of the truth than your attorney will even know when the case is over. Well, this is not always the case as the truth is revealed along the way. However, it will hurt the case more if your attorney cannot have access to some important information.
Financial records may be a good case in point. Directors may feel threatened by the exposure it brings, but it may also be their goose of salvation. Just choose wisely what documents to share.
Unprepared: Getting Ahead of the Process
If litigation falls at your doorstep, be brave enough to step up and gather as much important information as possible. Don’t put this off for later or assume that things will get resolved or that you still have time before running the full course.
The starting point is to understand the legal implications of the lawsuit including any possible punitive actions that may lie ahead. Boss Lawyer say that IIt’s preparation like this that gives you the confidence to make important decisions including the type of lawyer you need.
Failed to Register a Lawyer
It’s a disservice! To understand the significance of this, look around and you will see that lawyers need representation too. Who are you than to be on trial without a lawyer?
Previous experience in litigation may be important but it is always important to remember that circumstances, situations and times may be very different. Thus, your previous knowledge or experience may not be useful in other situations.
However, an attorney can interpret, sift, and decipher the technical elements of a case in a way that you cannot.
Trying to Take Shortcuts
The draining nature of court cases may be very tempting. Since you want it to be over and over quickly, you may be tempted to take the shorter route to the end including bribing. In the end, such temptations proved very costly.
Due process is naturally slow in many jurisdictions, but it is worth the wait, especially when compared to the alternatives provided. Perhaps the only short cut worth pursuing and considering is an out-of-court settlement. Anything else has a higher chance of turning the odds against you.
Conclusion
Organizations large and small find themselves in this challenging situation through commission errors and negligence. If that happens, take it one step at a time and handle the situation one step at a time. Court proceedings is a multi-layered process and it is most important to understand how each layer affects your business.
Unfortunately, the sources of threats are too numerous and the possibility of falling deep into a court case is always looming. From employees, clients, suppliers and society at large, the danger is never too far away. Nonetheless, solutions are more often formulated through substantive engagement with relevant parties.