Tips For Going Straight To Settlement

Personal litigation lawsuits can be disastrous, especially for small businesses who don't necessarily have the capital to deal with lawyer fees or the reputation to weather the attacks on the business as a result of negative press. One of the easiest ways to make sure that a business is able to handle having a personal injury claim brought against them is to do everything possible to make sure that any cases are settled outside of court. Here are some tips to make sure that this happens.    

1. Create Guidelines for What to Do if a Person is Injured at the Business and Follow Them

The first step is to make sure that you establish what your business is going to do if someone is injured while on the premises. Make sure that you write this plan down. Your business should be in contact with at least one lawyer and it should be a simple matter for this lawyer to help you create a protocol to follow. Spending a little bit of money now to create this plan with your lawyer will help you avoid huge lawsuits later. 

The reason why you want to make this plan and follow it is because it can reduce your overall responsibility for the injury and weaken the plaintiff's case, making that plaintiff more willing to settle outside of court,

2. Contact the Plaintiff Early in the Recovery Process

Some plaintiff's will want to wait until they have undergone all of the treatment that they need to fully recover before they reach out to your for a settlement amount. If you allow the plaintiff to do this, then he or she will be able to wrack up far larger bills than you might think are fair. These bills could force you to have to take the plaintiff to court in order to make sure that all of the charges are legitimate, necessary medical procedures. If you talk to the plaintiff and pay one, larger lump sum for treatment before it is completed, you will be able to avoid having to go to court.

3. Be Willing to Share Information

If the plaintiff wants to use your recorded surveillance to get more information about his or her injury. Be willing to share this information, as well as any other information that you might have. By showing that you are fully willing to cooperate with the plaintiff, you reduce the chance that the courts will have to be involved. Keep the lines of communication open and you will be able to maintain positive contact with the plaintiff.

For more information, talk to a local personal injury attorney.