In my practice, business owners have come to me and said, “I Have Been Sued by a Vendor. Now what?”. There are many different scenarios that can lead to a dispute when you are a business owner, but if you are sued by one of your vendors, it is important that you take legal action quickly by communicating with an experienced Arizona commercial litigation attorney. There are several different things that you should do during this situation in order to increase your chances of success while minimizing issues.

Don’t Admit Guilt – Even Partial Guilt

First of all, never admit that you are at fault. Regardless of the circumstances, you should never admit that you have caused a problem with the vendor. Even if you have mixed feelings about who may be at fault, share this with your Arizona commercial litigation attorney. It’s not a good idea to admit to anything until you have had a chance to be sure about your own legal rights. You might be under the impression that you’re only doing the right thing, but your admission could harm your case.

Collect All Documentation Associated with the Case

It’s not a good idea to purge your desk of paperwork in the event that one piece of evidence could help to support your claim significantly. Do not hesitate to collect all of the evidence associated with your relationship with this vendor. Organize it and make copies so that you can provide this information to your attorney.

Avoid Making Any Monetary Payments and Expecting That You’ll Be Reimbursed Later

In the event that a vendor threatens you with a lawsuit, he or she may suggest that they can eliminate the lawsuit by accepting payment from you and reimbursing you later once the matter has been settled. This is a mistake as it can lead to future problems with this vendor and can eliminate your right to fight for your side of the story. Any exchanges of funds based on a settlement should come through your attorneys to ensure that it’s handled properly.

Hire an Experienced Attorney

In any matter involving a dispute with one of your contractors, it is imperative that you consult with a knowledgeable Arizona business commercial litigation attorney as soon as possible. This individual can review all of the documentation and the legal facts at play in your case. An experienced attorney can also be extremely helpful for preparing you for what to expect over the course of your case.

This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice regarding I Have Been Sued by a Vendor. Now What?, or any other commercial litigation matters, please feel free to contact Joel E. Sannes at 480.461.5307, or log on to udallshumway.com,  or contact an attorney in your area. Udall Shumway PLC is located in Mesa, Arizona and is a full service law firm. We assist Individuals, families, businesses, schools and municipalities in Mesa and the Phoenix/East Valley.