America is frequently referred to as the most litigious country in the world. Simply put, we love to sue. Even so, when you are the one getting served in Massachusetts, it may not feel commonplace at all. You may begin to think you are the only person in the world who truly knows what it is like to either be caught in the act or be falsely accused.
Once you begin to calm down and process what is happening, however, you quickly begin to recognize that many have walked this path before. Whether you come out the victor on the other end will depend on how you handle that journey. Here are a few steps recommended by Forbes to help get you through your first civil lawsuit.
Turn to your support system
Having a solid support team of people that you can rely on may help you to maintain your sanity during the worst of the lawsuit. Find people who you can talk to and who will listen and have your back. If the case is high-profile and has already attracted the attention of the media, this will be especially helpful as you suffer damages to your professional and personal image.
Prepare for the expenses
Civil lawsuits can be expensive whether you win or lose. If you lose, you may have to pay high fines in addition to legal fees. If you win, you may not even get the benefit of a settlement. And, even if you do, it may never be enough to compensate for the intangible damage to your brand.
Remember to rebuild
As a result, once the lawsuit is past, it is important to rebuild. This may mean rebranding the company or taking a break from work altogether. Whatever you choose to do, remember that your personal, mental health and the longevity of the company are paramount.
Waking up to a civil lawsuit can truly feel like a death sentence for your business and personal brand. However, one of the key benefits to living in the alleged most litigious nation in the world is that so many lawsuits are thrown back and forth on a daily basis that yours may be long forgotten by the public in due time.
This article provides information on civil law suits and should be not be interpreted as legal advice.
