An unplanned tour of our judicial system can be financially devastating to a business. Upon being sued, the business becomes an unwilling participant in costly and often inescapable legal proceedings. The fact that the suit may be groundless is of little comfort. Long before any court looks at the relative merits of the plaintiff's claims, the business will be running up legal fees answering the complaint, responding to discovery requests, attending depositions, and having its attorney attend innumerable court appearances.
Some businesses end up in bankruptcy from the process alone.
While law suits are seemingly unavoidable in our litigious society, a business need not wait helplessly for the process server to arrive. The best course of action for any business is to take affirmative steps now that will maximize the chances of avoiding a sustainable court action. This week we look at your dealings with both prospective and current employees. And while no advice can protect you from your intentional acts, the following tips may keep your innocent acts from landing you in court. Check your hiring procedure.