A business dispute can become a serious matter and hurt your business. Ideally, it may be possible to resolve the issue outside of court. It will be beneficial to work with a business attorney who can help you reach out to the other party and negotiate a settlement. This may be an effective way to avoid litigation altogether and keep your costs down.
On the other hand, the matter may need to go to trial, and you will want to know how to proceed in that situation.
Settling Business Disputes Out-of-Court
Here are some out-of-court methods where business disputes are often settled:
- Negotiation. Many business lawyers begin with a strong negotiation approach, a core method of resolving disputes out of court. During negotiation, the interests of both sides are taken into account. In the end, the negotiated agreement may be documented and enforced as contractual.
- Mediation. Mediation is a strategy in which a third party helps both parties agree. The mediator works with both parties to find common ground and work out a solution everyone can live with.
- Arbitration. Arbitration is similar to mediation, except each side has an arbitrator who hears evidence from both sides. The advantage of arbitration is that it is quicker and generally more cost-effective than litigation.
If Out-of-Court Methods Fail
However, if negotiations fail and litigation becomes necessary, here are some tips that will help you prepare:
- Know Your Rights. Get a good understanding of your legal rights before going to court so you can make informed decisions moving forward. Having an experienced business law professional on your side is instrumental in understanding the full scope of your legal rights.
- Document everything. The more documentation you have on hand regarding your case, the better off you will be when it comes time for trial. Make sure all emails, voicemails, text messages, etc., are saved somewhere safe so they will not get lost. You will want to be able to share any recorded evidence with your attorney so they can determine its relevance and utilize it most effectively.
- Identify witnesses. You may need the help of others who have knowledge and experience with what happened to present your case effectively in court. Make sure you identify them and discuss their role in the matter with your business litigation attorney.
Contact a Business Litigation Attorney in Atlanta, GA
Hasson Legal Group, LLP assists business owners and professionals in Atlanta, GA, in addressing complex business law concerns. Our attorneys have considerable experience resolving issues via negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, as well as effectively litigating matters in state and federal courts.
Call us at (678) 701-2869 to learn what we can do to help you get the best results in any business dispute you may be facing.
We serve the Atlanta, GA area.