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What legal steps should I take if a customer is threatening to sue my Ohio-based business?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

If a customer is threatening to sue your Ohio-based business, there are several legal steps you can take to protect your business:

  1. Document the Threat: It's important to document any communication with the customer. Be sure to keep any emails, letters, voicemails or text messages they send and save them to a separate file.
  2. Review Your Business Operations: Conduct a review of your business operations to determine if there are any issues that may have led to the customer's complaint. This may help to address and resolve any underlying issues before they escalate to legal proceedings.
  3. Consult with an Attorney: It is advisable to consult with an experienced business attorney who can advise you on the best course of action based on the specific circumstances of your business and the potential lawsuit. An attorney may be able to help you avoid litigation altogether by advising you on how to remedy the customer's complaint outside of court.
  4. Respond to Customer: Be sure to respond to the customer in writing, acknowledging their complaint and informing them that you are seeking legal advice. Do not admit fault or make any promises, and do not harass or retaliate against the customer.
  5. Preserve Evidence: Take steps to preserve any evidence that may be relevant to the case, including any documents, emails, text messages, video surveillance footage, or other relevant materials.
  6. Notify Your Insurer: Review your insurance policy to determine whether the claim may be covered, and promptly notify your insurance company of the potential lawsuit.
  7. Prepare for Litigation: If the claim is not resolved through negotiation or other means, you may need to prepare for litigation. This may include preparing a defense or counterclaim, drafting legal pleadings and motions, conducting discovery, and attending hearings and trials.

Note that this is general advice and there may be limitations to taking these steps depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Also, keep in mind that it is important to speak with a licensed attorney to receive tailored legal advice that is specific to your business and the potential lawsuit.