Whether a business is a small family-owned company or a million-dollar corporation, it is likely that it will be involved in a dispute at some point. Business disputes may occur between businesses or they may occur between partners within the business itself. However, an experienced Dallas business litigation attorney is able to help resolve these matters while protecting the business from being damaged.
Types of Business Disputes
There are many disputes that may arise during the life of a business. These include:
Contract Disputes
Many businesses enter into contracts with other companies, such as suppliers, marketing companies, and other entities. If a dispute arises about the terms of one of these contracts, it may be necessary to file a claim to resolve the matter.
Shareholder Disputes
Shareholder disputes arise when those who own a significant portion of the company cannot agree on the decisions that need to be made for the company.
Partnership Disputes
In a partnership, the partners make all major decisions for the business. Retirement, family matters (in family businesses), and how work responsibilities should be divided are common reasons for disputes between partners.
Insurance Disputes
Many businesses must file insurance claims at one point or another. Insurance companies are often difficult to work with and do not want to pay out claims, even when the insured clearly has coverage. It may be necessary to file a claim against the insurance company in these scenarios.
A common scenario is insurance companies denying businesses interruption coverage claims.
Collections
Some businesses have clients that attempt to avoid payment for the valuable services the business has provided. An attorney is able to assist with recovering the money the business is owed.
These are just a few examples of the disputes that a business may be involved in.
How Can an Attorney Help with My Business Dispute?
Without legal counsel, a business dispute may easily result in the death of a company. With the assistance of an attorney, the business’ interests remain protected throughout the duration of the claim. In addition, the business is able to gain valuable legal advice to avoid such disputes in the future.
Hiring an attorney does not necessarily mean that the dispute will go to court. Business litigation attorneys are aware that most businesses prefer to keep disputes confidential to protect the reputation of the business. Therefore, business litigation attorneys will help the business attempt to settle the claim outside of court when it is favorable to do so.
Business Mediation
Mediation is an excellent tool for business disputes. During mediation, a third party neutral, called a mediator, helps the parties resolve their dispute. Each party is free to suggest ways to settle the claim, and the mediator may make suggestions as well.
The parties are free to accept or reject any offers that are made. All discussions are kept confidential and may not be brought up in court at a later time. Therefore, anything that is said during mediation is completely private.
Mediation takes place outside of the courtroom. It often occurs in an attorney’s office or at a mediation center. The parties are much more relaxed going into mediation, as there is no pressure to agree to any terms that are suggested.
The parties remain in control of the outcome of their case during mediation. In fact, many mediated agreements contain terms that a judge likely never would have ordered at the end of a trial. The parties are free to suggest any terms that they like to resolve the business dispute.
Mediation has been successful even in the most contested of business disputes.
At Brooker Law, PLLC, Our Dallas, Texas Business Attorneys Are Experienced in Resolving Business Matters
The business litigation attorneys at Brooker Law, PLLC are experienced in all types of business disputes, as well as business mediation. To schedule a free consultation with our excellent legal team, contact or call (214) 217-0277 today.