Things You Should Never Do if You Are Sued

Being blindsided by a lawsuit is a stressful experience, and you may be unsure of what to do next. Although there are plenty of important things you’ll need to take care of, there are certain actions that you’ll want to avoid if you’re being sued. Our civil litigation attorneys at Gross McGinley, LLP are experienced in defending clients in all types of civil lawsuits. We offer some advice on things you shouldn’t do if you are sued. 

Don’t Ignore a Lawsuit

Although it can be tempting to ignore a complaint or summons, if you fail to respond, the court may award a default judgment against you. This means you’ll be on the hook for what the plaintiff is claiming you owe them. There are strict deadlines for submitting a response, so if you receive a complaint and summons, contact our civil litigation lawyers right away. Although you can appeal a default judgment in Pennsylvania, it’s best to face a lawsuit head-on.

Don’t Panic

Whether your business is being sued or it’s a personal matter, it’s natural to feel wronged and anxious about losing what you’ve worked so hard to build. You may want to make a call or send a letter or email to the plaintiff to try and make things right. Don’t. Contacting a plaintiff without speaking to a lawyer first can be disastrous. Instead, pause, take a breath, and contact our civil litigation attorneys to evaluate your case.

Never Admit You’re At Fault

Whether you’re facing an employment lawsuit, personal injury claim, or another type of action, never admit you’re at fault. Even if you believe you may be fully or partially responsible, apologizing or admitting guilt can only harm your case.

Don’t Pay Anything

Unfortunately, some people make the mistake of paying a claim upfront because they believe they’ll be reimbursed by their insurance company or another party down the road. Always contact your insurance company and an experienced civil litigation attorney before paying anything on a lawsuit or claim.

Don’t Talk To Anyone But Your Attorney About Your Case

Attorney-client privilege protects your rights. However, you can leave yourself vulnerable if you share details about the lawsuit with loved ones, business partners, or anyone else who doesn’t have protected communication privileges, such as a spouse, therapist, or clergy member. Not only could people you speak to be called as witnesses, but if you disclose facts about your case via email, text, instant messaging, social media posts, or voicemail, it gives the plaintiff documentary evidence that could be used against you.

Don’t Discard Evidence

Having sufficient documentation and evidence can make or break a case. Never get rid of any documentation that may be relevant to your lawsuit. If you’re in the mood to purge physical or digital files, wait until your case is resolved. Intentionally destroying, altering, or discarding evidence can be illegal and counterproductive to your case. Our civil litigation attorneys recommend that you give all evidence and documentation to our legal team. We will review it and evaluate it to determine whether it’s relevant and should be shared. Even if something seems insignificant, hand it over anyway. The last thing any attorney wants is to be caught by surprise in the middle of settlement negotiations or a civil trial.

DO Contact A Civil Litigation Attorney Immediately

Our lawyers at Gross McGinley, LLP have extensive experience representing businesses and individuals in myriad litigation matters. Our client-first philosophy and dedication to professionalism, collaboration, and creative thinking enable our civil law attorneys to provide strategic legal solutions that meet our clients’ specific needs. We use the depth and breadth of our collective experience to achieve results at the settlement table and in the courtroom.

Contact A Civil Litigation Attorney In Allentown

At Gross McGinley, LLP, of Allentown, PA, our civil litigation attorneys fight to protect our clients’ rights and interests. If you’re facing a lawsuit, you can trust our team to provide top-notch legal representation and unmatched service. To schedule a consultation, contact us online or call us at 610-820-5450 today.