Common Types of Business Litigation
This article discusses and explains common types of business litigation. When you are involved with operating a company, you want to make smart and informed choices to minimize the chances of becoming involved in business litigation. Managing and mitigating risk is important, so you should get appropriate legal advice to try to reduce the chances your company will ever be sued. 
Even when companies make their best efforts to avoid ending up in court, however, there are situations when business litigation is unavoidable. If your company is sued and named as a defendant in a lawsuit, you need to address the issue head-on and do everything you can to fight for a positive outcome. If your company’s rights are not being respected, then your business may need to become the plaintiff in a lawsuit. Using the legal system to protect your business interests and receive compensation for financial loss is essential to ensuring you can remain operational and profitable.
Whenever your company becomes involved in any type of lawsuit, you need an Irvine business litigation lawyer who can provide you with guidance, legal advice, and aggressive advocacy. The Southern California business litigation lawyers at Brown & Charbonneau, LLP can offer you invaluable assistance and guidance as you put the legal system to work for your company. Give us a call as soon as you are sued or as soon as your company’s rights have been infringed upon so we can begin building your case.
Common Types of Business Litigation
There are many different situations which arise over the course of business operations which could result in you either suing or being sued. Some of the most common reasons why companies end up in court include the following:
- Intellectual property disputes: Your intellectual property belongs to you and if someone is using it without your permission, you will need to take action. You can make a claim to prevent the disclosure of trade secrets; to stop someone from infringing on your copyrights, trademarks and patents; and to seek damages when your intellectual property rights were violated.
- Breach of contract cases. When you enter into a legally binding agreement, both parties must fulfill the terms of the contract. If a breach occurs, the damaged party can seek compensation for actual losses caused by the breach.
- Employment disputes. If your employees violate agreements such as non-disclosure agreements, you can file a claim against them. Your company could also be sued for things like wrongful termination, harassment, or discrimination. It is important to realize you could be sued for unintentional discrimination if you have job conditions which have a disparate impact on minorities, such as a pre-employment test which disqualifies more minorities without a bona fide job related reason for the test. Your company could also be sued if you allow co workers to create a hostile work environment.
- Partnership disputes or shareholder litigation. If partners cannot agree or if shareholders have a problem with the way the company is being run, this can result in a lawsuit.
- Product liability cases or personal injury claims. If your company makes a product and it causes harm, you could be sued. If someone visits your workplace and is injured, this could also lead to a lawsuit.
Whatever the reason for your company’s involvement with business litigation, it is imperative you understand what court system is best to resolve your case; that you know the statute of limitations; that you understand the claims being made; and that you prepare the most vigorous case possible to argue for your preferred outcome.
How a Southern California Business Litigation Lawyer Can Help You
In many situations, business disputes are able to be settled outside of court- even when a lawsuit is filed. An experienced attorney can help you to try to negotiate with those who you are involved in a dispute with to see if a settlement can be reached.
Settling your case can be better than actually litigating it until a resolution because you can keep the dispute more private so you do not hurt your brand. Settling can also cost you less money because you’ll have reduced court costs and legal fees, and it can make it possible for you to reach a more favorable outcome which leaves everyone better off.
Sometimes, however, a case cannot settle and getting a resolution in court is the only option. Our expert business litigation lawyers at Brown & Charbonneau, LLP can provide you with assistance regardless of whether your case settles outside of court or is resolved in court. To learn more about how we can help your business, give us a call at 714-505-3000 or contact us online today.
