Facing a Lawsuit? You don’t Have to Face It Alone
Being sued is stressful, time-consuming, and potentially damaging to your business. You may be:
- Worried about reputational harm or financial exposure
- Unclear on your rights or legal options
Whether you’re dealing with a contract dispute, employment claim, or customer lawsuit, our experienced litigation team is ready to defend your business and protect what you’ve built.
Call Us Today to Schedule Your Consultation With an Attorney
Lawsuit Defense FAQs
What Happens If I Don’t Respond To The Lawsuit?
If you fail to respond to a lawsuit within the required timeframe, the court may enter a default judgment against you. This means the plaintiff automatically wins, and the court can order you to pay damages or take other actions—without hearing your side of the story. Ignoring a lawsuit won’t make it go away; in fact, it can make things much worse. It’s critical to act quickly and consult a qualified attorney to protect your rights and interests.
What is a default judgement?
A default judgment is a binding court decision in favor of the plaintiff when the defendant fails to respond or appear in court. Essentially, the court assumes you agree with the claims made against you and issues a ruling without a trial. This can result in wage garnishment, bank levies, or even seizure of business assets. Responding promptly and strategically is the best way to avoid this outcome.
Are my assets at risk?
Yes, your personal or business assets could be at risk depending on the nature of the lawsuit and how your business is structured. If a judgment is entered against you, the plaintiff may pursue collection through liens, garnishments, or levies. Working with an experienced legal team can help you assess exposure, identify protective measures, and mount a strong defense to reduce or eliminate that risk.
What are the risks to my business?
A lawsuit can disrupt operations, damage your reputation, and threaten your financial stability. Beyond direct legal costs, you may face business interruptions, loss of clients or contracts, and strained stakeholder relationships. A proactive defense can help you mitigate reputational harm and position your business for a stronger recovery—both legally and operationally.
What are the potential costs to defend this?
The cost of defending a lawsuit varies depending on the complexity of the case, the parties involved, and how far it progresses. Expenses may include attorney fees, court costs, discovery expenses, and expert witnesses. At Jimerson Birr, we work with you to build a strategic defense plan that balances effective legal protection with cost predictability—often through phased billing or fixed-fee arrangements when appropriate.
How Do I Know I’ve Been Served A Lawsuit?
You are officially “served” a lawsuit when you receive a formal copy of the complaint and a summons—typically delivered by a process server, sheriff’s deputy, or through certified mail, depending on your jurisdiction. This legal notice outlines the claims against you and your obligation to respond. If you receive legal documents that look unfamiliar or threatening, don’t ignore them—consult with a qualified attorney immediately to determine your next steps.
What Is The Timeline For Me To Respond to the lawsuit?
The deadline to respond to a lawsuit depends on the rules of the court and the method of service, but in most cases, you have 20 calendar days from the date of service to file a response. Missing this deadline can result in a default judgment against you. Time is of the essence—engaging legal counsel as soon as possible ensures you meet critical deadlines and preserve your ability to fight the claims.
HOW WE HELP
Here’s how we defend you effectively:
Thorough early case assessment to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities to resolve quickly
- Clear communication and strategic guidance at every step
- Aggressive defense when needed—but always tailored to your goals
- Deep experience in defending small to mid-sized businesses in a wide range of commercial litigation
- Commitment to client aligned, solution-oriented outcomes
- Transparent pricing and commitment to protecting your bottom line
- Use of modern technology
Call Us Today to Schedule Your Consultation With an Attorney
Jimerson Birr’s seasoned attorneys have decades of experience representing businesses facing a lawsuit.
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We live by our 7 Superior Service Commitments
- Conferring Client-Defined Value
- Efficient and Cost-Effective
- Accessibility
- Delivering an Experience While Delivering Results
- Meaningful and Enduring Partnership
- Exceptional Communication Based Upon Listening
- Accountability to Goals