Your small business is your passion and your livelihood. You want to protect it and let it grow. By being proactive, you can foresee common legal disputes and learn how to avoid them. With the help of your attorney, you can implement risk mitigation strategies to prevent issues in the first place, or more effectively handle them when they occur.
At the Saxton Law Firm, we help Missouri small business owners plan for the future, avoid legal liability, and enforce their rights. From regular legal consultations to highly experienced litigation advice, we provide the legal services you need to protect your small business.
Common Legal Disputes Your Small Business May Face
Legal disputes are simply a part of doing business, even when you do everything possible to avoid them. Common legal issues you might encounter include, but are not limited to:
- Contract Disagreements: Disputes over contract terms, deadlines, interpretations, performance, and much more can arise in small businesses. You might be dealing with a difficult vendor who failed to comply or be accused of violating a contract. Many disagreements can be resolved with the help of your attorney.
- Employee Issues: Employees are the lifeblood of many businesses, but issues can arise with them. Whether you need to terminate an employee or need help with medical leave problems, several challenges may arise. You could also be dealing with harassment, discrimination, or wrongful termination accusations and need a strong defense.
- Ownership Disputes: Many small businesses are owned by a single person, while others are owned by multiple people. Disputes between the owners over shares or membership interests can be problematic if handled improperly.
- Disputes Over Intellectual Property: Your business’ intellectual property is a valuable asset. Issues may arise over copyright, trademark infringement, patent disputes, and much more.
- Insurance Disputes: You pay for insurance to help account for the unexpected. If an insurance company wrongfully denies your claim, it can create a serious financial burden on you and the business. However, a knowledgeable business insurance attorney knows how to help.
- Accident Cases: Your business may be dealing with a lawsuit after an accident. Perhaps you or an employee were hurt at work and need help navigating workers’ compensation, which can be very complicated. Instead, an employee may have caused a car accident and you face a personal injury lawsuit. Regardless, there is assistance to help.
How To Avoid Common Legal Problems for Small Businesses
There are many strategies you can employ to help limit or prevent legal issues from occurring. These strategies can also mitigate the stress and financial burden which may occur.
- Create Clear Contracts: Your attorney can review your written agreements and contracts for accuracy, risk mitigation language, and much more. A clear contract sets forth all of the necessary terms and eliminates ambiguity that leads to disputes.
- Regular Legal Consultations: An attorney can meet with you on a regular basis to analyze your business practices and identify areas of risk. A plan is then formulated to mitigate those risks.
- Employee Policies: Having clear employee policies in place can make a world of difference for a small business. When employees know the rules, it is easier for them to follow, for you to enforce them, and are especially helpful if any litigation occurs.
- Keep Appropriate Documentation: Create a document retention schedule and policy that keeps detailed records of employee communications, business transactions, and other important information.
- Alternative Dispute Resolution: Disputes will still arise from time to time, so having an alternative to litigation can help save time and money. For example, mediation utilizes a neutral third party to help your business and the other party work out the problem, rather than fight about it in court.
READ MORE: How Are Insurance Disputes Resolved?
At Saxton Law Firm, our team of experienced small business lawyers want to help you mitigate the risks of these common legal disputes. Contact Saxton Law Firm for a FREE case review!