7.3. Law - Court cases

The last resort

Part of the skill of running a successful business is creating good relationships with your customers and suppliers, so that agreements are kept and problems can be sorted out amicably.

When things go sour, your priority is still to settle the dispute amicably, but there may be times when you have to resort to using the law.

By being clear and professional in your approach you can minimise the risk, cost and disruption to your business.

This briefing outlines:

• How to decide whether to sue.
• The key steps involved.
• How to choose a lawyer.

What are the odds?

Accidents, mistakes and misunderstandings can happen in any business. Sometimes these grow into full-blown disputes, and before you know it you are facing a legal claim.

Being sued is stressful, time-consuming and expensive - three good reasons for settling quickly (or, better still, putting in safeguards to prevent disputes arising in the first place). But unless you are clearly at fault, or fail to follow the court procedures correctly, the odds are in your favour.

This briefing outlines:

• The first steps to take.
• How to reduce, admit, or defend the claim.
• The implications of criminal proceedings.
• The options for alternative dispute resolution.