If you don’t have enough lawyers on your payroll, you could be in for a world of hurt. Just ask any company that’s been hit with a lawsuit. Lawyers are like insurance: you hope you never need them, but if something goes wrong, you’re glad you have them.
The Dangers of Being Sued
No business owner wants to get sued, but the risk is always there. If you’re not careful, your business could be hit with a lawsuit that could cost you thousands of dollars – or even put you out of business altogether.
There are a few things you can do to protect your business from lawsuits, but the best defense is to have enough insurance to cover your potential liabilities. That way, if you are sued, your insurance will pay for your legal expenses.
Of course, insurance is not foolproof. If you are sued for something that is not covered by your policy, you could still be on the hook for the damages. And, even if your insurance does cover the claim, your premiums will likely go up at renewal time.
The best way to protect your business from lawsuits is to take steps to avoid them in the first place. Here are a few tips:
-Choose a business structure that protects your personal assets and limits your liability (i.e. start an LLC (limited liability company), partnership, or corporation).
-Don’t ignore warning signs. If someone tells you that they’re thinking about suing your company, take it seriously. This isn’t a threat you can ignore – it’s a real possibility that should be taken seriously.
-Be professional. If you have employees, make sure they know how to behave professionally and respectfully towards customers and clients. This includes knowing how to handle complaints and disagreements without escalating them into full-blown arguments.
-Have a solid contract policy in place. All too often, businesses get into trouble because they don’t have clear contracts with their employees, contractors, and vendors. Make sure everyone knows what the expectations are – and put it in writing! – so there’s no confusion down the road.
-Be honest. When dealing with customers and clients, always be honest about what your product or service can do for them. Don’t make promises you can’t keep, and don’t exaggerate the benefits of what you’re selling. False advertising is one of the quickest ways to get sued – and it’s also illegal!
The high Cost of Legal Fees
The high cost of legal fees can be a major burden for small businesses. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), the average small business spends approximately $3,000-$5,000 per year on legal fees. This can be a significant cost, especially for start-ups and businesses with tight budgets.
There are a few ways to try to reduce the cost of legal fees. One way is to use online resources, such as LegalZoom, which offers do-it-yourself legal forms and documents. Another way is to use an attorney that offers a fixed rate for certain services, such as business formation or trademark registration. Finally, some businesses choose to represent themselves in certain legal matters, such as traffic tickets or small claims cases. However, it is important to consult with an attorney before taking this step, as self-representation can be complex and risky.
The Importance of Insurance
No business is immune from the risk of a lawsuit. Whether it’s a customer slipping and falling in your store or an employee suing for wrongful termination, the costs of defending a lawsuit can be staggering. Even if you win, the legal fees can bankrupt your business. That’s why it’s so important to have adequate liability insurance.
Liability insurance protects your business from the financial risks of being sued. It covers the cost of legal defense, as well as any damages that may be awarded to the plaintiff. If you don’t have insurance, you will have to pay these costs out of pocket.
The amount of coverage you need depends on the size and type of your business, as well as the risks associated with your industry. A small business owner may only need $500,000 in coverage, while a larger company may need $5 million or more. Consult with an insurance agent or broker to determine the right amount of coverage for your business.
The Risks of Going Without Insurance
About 60% of small businesses don’t have enough insurance to protect themselves from a lawsuit, according to a survey by Hiscox, a small business insurer. That number goes up to 70% when you look at businesses with fewer than 10 employees.
One of the biggest risks facing small businesses is that they can be sued for things like employment practices liability or product liability. If you don’t have enough insurance to cover the costs of a lawsuit, you could be forced to sell your business or declare bankruptcy.
There are a few reasons why small businesses might not have enough insurance. One is that they may not think they need it because they’re “not big enough” to get sued. But even small businesses can be sued for things like discrimination or wrongful termination.
Another reason is that many small businesses can’t afford the premiums for the amount of coverage they need. This is especially true for young businesses that are still trying to turn a profit.
If you’re thinking about going without insurance, consider the risks carefully. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your business from lawsuits.
The Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer
There are many benefits to hiring a lawyer, especially if you are running a business. Lawyers can help you comply with the law, avoid legal troubles, and resolve disputes.
1. Compliance with the law. Lawyers can help you ensure that your business complies with all relevant laws and regulations. This can save you from costly penalties or even legal action.
2. Avoidance of legal trouble. Lawyers can often help you avoid legal trouble before it starts. They can give you advice on how to structure your business to minimize risk, and they can help you deal with problems before they escalate into disputes or lawsuits.
3. Resolution of disputes. If a dispute does arise, lawyers can help you resolve it quickly and efficiently. They can negotiate on your behalf, draft settlement agreements, and represent you in court if necessary.
Can hire enough lawyers
Hiring a lawyer may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it could end up saving you thousands – or even millions – of dollars in the long run. So if you want to protect your business from lawsuits, make sure you can hire enough lawyers.
