Business owners and operators can face a wide range of legal issues during the lifetime of their business. While many of these issues can be handled through prescribed courses of action in your business contracts and other legal documentation, sometimes that’s not enough.
Maybe a contractor or a client isn’t fulfilling their end of the contract, or maybe an employee has filed a workplace safety claim, or one of your competitors has come into possession of your intellectual property. You’re at the end of your rope; the contract you would normally consult no longer applies, and you may face serious consequences should the situation continue… That’s how you know it’s time to consult an experienced business dispute attorney.
Contract Terms
A business contract sets the terms for your business’s interactions with contractors, business partners, suppliers, or anyone else your business may enter into agreements with. If one party fails to deliver on their end of the contract, whether that be a service performed poorly, a product not delivered, or a bill not paid, a disagreement is likely in order. If that contract disagreement cannot be resolved, a business dispute ensues—and both parties would be wise to consult a business dispute attorney in a case like this.
Implied Warranties
When a business sells a product, the product is usually assumed to be covered by an implied warranty, meaning that the product is operable or functional as-is. If, for example, your business purchases a piece of machinery that does not function as intended, and the manufacturer refuses to take it back or compensate you in any fashion, a business dispute might ensue.
Employment Claims
If your business has employees, you may occasionally encounter issues with employment claims. Claims can range from disability and sick leave to workplace safety, harassment, and other issues relating to an employee’s safety and well-being in the workplace. The more employees you have, the more likely it becomes that you may experience one of these issues, even if you have provided all the right documentation on your end. If an issue does occur, it is best to have an attorney representing you throughout the process.
Intellectual Property Disputes
Your intellectual property assets include, but are not limited to, things like trade secrets, inventions, branding, and other similar items. These assets are usually protected by patents, trademarks, and other legal documentation that protects such proprietary information. When a claim that these protections have been violated occurs, a business dispute may ensue. These disputes are often high-stakes and complex, so working with a business dispute attorney is extremely important.
While this is not a comprehensive list of the situations in which a business dispute attorney may be beneficial for your business, it does cover several of the most common cases. If you find yourself in any of the above situations, it is important to seek experienced legal counsel in order to protect your company and your own interests from serious consequences.
A good business dispute attorney will help you navigate the process of protecting your business throughout the dispute, even if a lawsuit becomes involved.
For more information on navigating business disputes, contact our office today.