Business Litigation Lawyer Memphis, TN

You deserve a business litigation lawyer Memphis, TN respects that knows how to formulate creative and practical solutions tailored to your specific needs. The lawyers at Patterson Bray are problem solvers who stay focused on the big picture. We listen to our clients and work with them to formulate a solution that fits their particular needs and goals. We strive to be flexible enough to realize that goals can, and do, change as developments occur.

We understand that a costly and lengthy lawsuit may not always be the best long-term business strategy, even though it might ultimately result in a victory at trial. Conversely, we also realize that under certain circumstances litigation might be the appropriate course of action, and we are committed to representing our clients zealously and efficiently. We maintain computerized litigation support systems and tools, and we endeavor to leverage technology to deliver cost-effective case management. We work closely with clients and referring counsel to ensure the most efficient use of all resources and to control legal expenses.

Patterson Bray, a top business litigation lawyer offered in Memphis, TN, will represent plaintiffs and defendants in virtually every area of law in both state and federal courts. We have represented many of the region’s largest companies, and our clients include major national and multinational corporations, banks, manufacturing companies, utilities, governmental entities, and nonprofit institutions. We also value our relationships with small businesses, entrepreneurs, private individual clients, and closely held companies.

AREAS OF LITIGATION EXPERIENCE

While the list is not intended to be exhaustive, our Memphis, TN business litigation lawyers have experience in the following sample areas:

• Banking Litigation

• Bad Faith Litigation

• Business Torts

• Collection

• Construction and Lien Disputes

• Contract Litigation

• Election Law

• Financial Institution Litigation

• Insurance Coverage Disputes

• Investor Litigation

• Landlord/Tenant Disputes

• Lease Disputes

• Medical Malpractice

• Personal Injury

• Property Damage

• Professional Liability Litigation

• Shareholder Disputes

• Trust and Estate Litigation

• Wrongful Death

We also understand that it is better to avoid a problem than to win a lawsuit. A skilled business litigation lawyer Memphis, TN trusts on our team can assist with claims handling and risk management efforts. Additionally, we have experience providing workshops, seminars, and other preventive medicine to help clients manage their exposure.

Our primary goal is to provide cost-effective solutions to our clients’ complex problems, and to deliver client satisfaction through extraordinary service and commitment. Our clients turn to us for answers and solutions, and we strive to be a firm that deserves their trust and confidence. For a top business litigation lawyer Memphis, TN deserves, contact Patterson Bray today.

 BUSINESS CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“Small businesses face numerous challenges on a day to day basis, but our founding partners recently encountered a situation substantially more difficult and emotionally charged than anything we’d previously faced in our company’s history. Upon our initial consultation with Mr. Wiseman, we left with not only a sense of comfort in our selection of attorneys, but a very clear path about the plan to move forward. Throughout the process, Mr. Wiseman was extremely responsive, professional, and provided timely advice to each of us in guiding us through very difficult circumstances. Ultimately, the process went much more smoothly than I could have ever imagined primarily due to the guidance we received in helping to maintain our composure while keeping us focused on the end objective. We consider our relationship with Patterson Bray to be a key business alliance as we move forward, and we will call on them for all of our legal needs in the future.”

Rick Moseley – Jabezco Industrial Group, Inc.

Steps for Business Owners Facing a Personal Injury Claim

Although many business owners may not realize it, our Memphis, TN business litigation lawyers will tell you that personal injury claims are one of the most prevalent types of civil proceedings. This can make a business owner particularly vulnerable, especially if they have not obtained the proper insurance. Unfortunately, a personal injury claim may result in a business owner closing their business forever. No business owner wants to meet this fate, especially after putting forth the time, money and energy into forming a business with the aspirations of success. Many business owners may be unsure of what to do next when facing a personal injury claim against their business. Contacting our Memphis, TN business litigation lawyer at Patterson Bray can provide you with the guidance you need in taking the steps necessary to reach a resolution:

Step 1: Keep Documentation of the Accident

It’s not uncommon for accidents to happen. However, as a business owner, it’s important to clearly document any situations of this nature. Without the proper documentation, you may find yourself facing a personal injury case that you are unaware of, or do not remember. Any time someone is injured, business litigation lawyers from Memphis, TN recommend that you obtain clear information in the form of an accident report to ensure that you have an outline of the accident that may have occurred at your business.

Step 2: Refrain from Contacting the Injured Party

Although it may be tempting, contacting the person who has filed an accident claim against you may be potentially damaging to your case. Your trusted Memphis, TN business litigation lawyer is well aware that you only have the best of intentions. However, it’s important to bear in mind that anything you say may be used against you. When facing an accident claim, it’s best to communicate through your lawyer at Patterson Bray regarding your case. The last thing you want is to make matters worse.

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company

Hopefully, your business is equipped with the proper insurance to protect you in situations such as this. Your insurance policy may be able to cover you in the event of an accident that has occurred at your business. Although many insurance companies may have a team of lawyers working with them, retaining your own business litigations lawyer in Memphis, TN can help you navigate your own insurance company by making sure that your rights are protected.

Step 4: Determine Your Response

Once you have received a lawsuit, you will have a limited period of time to respond. Your business litigations lawyer that Memphis, TN business owners rely on will prove essential in helping you to formulate the appropriate response to the plaintiff. In some cases, your lawyer may recommend that you resolve the case as quickly as possible to prevent the likelihood of costly litigation, especially if the case is for a small amount of money.

Step 5: Contact Patterson Bray

It can be a bit nerve wracking when someone is injured at your business. Chances are you may be worried over how an accident stands to impact both you and your business financially. Whether you are facing an injury claim or lawsuit, it’s a good idea to obtain Patterson Bray, Memphis, TN business litigation lawyers who can help protect your interests. By contacting our business lawyer as soon as possible, you can ensure that you have taken the appropriate steps towards reaching a resolution.

A personal injury claim against your Tennessee business doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have to close your doors permanently. Taking the appropriate steps in managing your case properly can make a significant difference towards reaching a resolution in a timely manner. Don’t put yourself at risk for facing financial losses. When facing a personal injury claim that has been made against your business, contact the Memphis, TN business litigation lawyers at Patterson Bray as soon as possible.

Reasons You May Need a Business Attorney

Small business owners can feel completely isolated. After all, the only person you have to rely on is yourself right? Although this may feel like the case, having a business litigation lawyer Memphis, TN trusts like one from Patterson Bray can provide business owners with a sense of relief. They can help you plan everything you need to protect your business. Whether you are facing litigation threats or need to resolve a dispute, they can guide you so that you can avoid dealing with the worst consequences. A trusted business attorney will give you legal support so you can manage your business and navigate any issues as they come. You don’t want to hire an attorney right when a problem comes up. Be prepared and consult with a reputable business attorney during the early stages of your business formation so you have the preparations you need. Having an attorney by your side to help in preventing problems can go a long way. Not only may it save you money in the long run, Patterson Bray can help to protect your business. We can also help it to thrive by putting forth the proper planning. Having an attorney can help a small business yield positive results in the long run:

#1. Someone With Experience to Provide Their Guidance

When faced with challenges, or, simply making decisions regarding a small business, you will want to speak with someone who has experience on the topic. A business attorney is highly familiar with all areas of business law, as well as the regulations and other requirements your business needs to follow. If you are a business owner, you should work  with an attorney who has a record of achieving success for their clients across a variety of scenarios. Whatever issue you are dealing with, you need a business attorney who knows exactly how to approach it. It doesn’t matter if you have a small business that was just formed or has already been established for a few years. Accessing the services of Patterson Bray can provide small business owners with guidance and support regarding their business needs. With our help, we can guide you in making business decisions, no matter how complicated.

#2. The Ability to Stay Within Legal Requirements

You will want to ensure that your business is operating within the law. Failing to do so can result in serious problems down the road. If there are any updates to existing laws, your business has to make the changes to remain compliant. Otherwise, you could face serious legal trouble that can impact your business. Sometimes keeping up with the latest updates to business law can be disorientating, but a business attorney can give you the guidance and support to navigate any changes. A business litigation lawyer in Memphis, TN is well versed in the law. Because of this, Patterson Bray may be able to help our clients to follow key laws that are invaluable to small business owners.

#3. Prevent Lawsuits and Mitigate Damages

Unfortunately, as a business owner, you may be vulnerable to facing lawsuits or legal issues. Threats of lawsuits are an expected part of being a business owner, but when they arise it can be hard to find the best approach. You want to be able to settle them swiftly and efficiently, without them becoming more complex than it needs to be. However, sometimes the threats are persistent and can cause serious harm to your business if they are not handled appropriately. Without the experience and education of a Memphis, Tennessee business litigation lawyer, the likelihood of facing a lawsuit may be far more imminent. It’s important to have awareness of the vulnerabilities a small business owner may stand to face when owning their small business. When you are a small business owner, your options and resources may seem limited compared to that of a large corporation. Patterson Bray can help small business owners by providing them with education required to mitigate problems down the road. Additionally, we can also support our clients who are faced with legal issues should they require assistance.

#4. Drafting Partnership Agreements

In some cases, business owners may choose to form a partnership agreement with business partners. Partnerships are an important and valuable part of leading a company, and they can grow your business in ways that may not otherwise be possible. An experienced and highly trusted business litigation lawyer Memphis, TN relies on can help to draft a partnership agreement that leaves nothing out. Having a partnership agreement in place can help to mitigate a number of problems. Partnership agreements can help to protect all parties involved in the partnership. They include topics such as guidelines for making informed business decisions as well as ways to make major transactions. Including the right tone and language in your partnership agreement can prevent any issues down the road. It’s crucial that you have detailed terms and conditions integrated in your agreement in case of an error or dispute. With our help, we can help business partners to put together agreements that allow a business to thrive and reduce the risk of conflict when faced with disagreements.

#5. Managing Intellectual Property

Should your business have patents are trademarks, chances are you will want to protect them. Any intellectual property that you have developed from scratch for your business needs to be secured. You never know if a person or company will attempt to steal your IP and pass it off as their own for their profit. Copyrights and trademark registrations involve several steps, so if you need detailed guidance an attorney can help you. With the regular guidance of an attorney, you can discuss the terms and details of your business. A business litigation lawyer in Memphis, TN can help you to take action or steps towards property even when you may not even realize that you have intellectual property to protect.

We have experience in representing business owners manage the formation of small business. Creating a thriving small business starts with a strong foundation. When you are first starting out, you want to be attentive to every requirement so that you are set up for success. This is crucial if you want to avoid running into problems early on. We not only have the ability to prevent problems, we can also help mitigate issues should they arise. For a small business, even the smallest issues can ultimately result in the downfall of a small business. With the help of Patterson Bray, we can assist our clients in properly managing their business and facing issues should they arise.

FAQ: Business and Commercial Litigation

Business and commercial litigation entails any dispute of a legal nature, which arises between two or more entities. These companies may then have to settle their dispute in court. There are alternatives to litigation, which commonly entail arbitration and mediation. Companies that are trying to avoid litigation may hire a Memphis, TN business litigation lawyer for assistance with this process, potentially saving that company thousands or even millions of dollars as a result of a knowledgeable and strategic approach to the legal situation at hand. Conversely, the experienced guidance of a Memphis, TN business litigation lawyer can also be useful if a company is suing another party and wants to increase their chances of receiving the maximum compensation possible.

What is mediation and arbitration?

Mediation is a process whereby the parties involved in a legal dispute meet with an unbiased third party, and attempt to arrive at a resolution together. Mediation can benefit both sides if they are motivated to avoid court entirely. In arbitration, the companies agree to have an arbitrator hear each side of the argument and then determine the outcome. Through using mediation or arbitration, companies can save additional legal fees by avoiding litigation. The legal team at Patterson Bray can explain whether arbitration or mediation may be a valuable (or necessary) approach to a legal situation or whether pursuing litigation is more likely to result in a company’s desired outcome. 

What are examples of common disputes?

In business or commercial litigation, it isn’t uncommon for a Memphis, TN business litigation lawyer to assist with disputes pertaining to contracts, business torts, trade secrets, noncompete agreements, copyrights, and shareholder conflicts. If a business is involved in litigation or a dispute, then they should consult with their lawyer promptly to preserve their legal options. The outcome of a case could have a serious impact on the success and operations of a business. This is why it is strongly encouraged that business owners obtain legal representation as soon as possible. 

What if a business is faced with a lawsuit from an employee?

A lawsuit from an employee who makes claims against a company, real or imagined, can severely impact public perception and reputation. A fear that many business owners have is receiving a notice that an employee is suing them for one reason or another. To prevent the situation from escalating, it is crucial to get a legal team on board who has knowledge in defending such attacks. The focus of a business litigation attorney is to handle a lawsuit against a company so that there are minimal damages. Depending on the lawsuit itself, a Memphis, Tennessee business litigation lawyer may recommend arbitration, mediation, or moving forward to litigation. Claims that may be filed against a company can include:

• Workplace harassment
• Discrimination (gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, religion)
• Hostile work environment
• Unfair discipline
• Unlawful termination
• Docking pay
• Personal injury
• Sexual harassment
• Retaliation
• Defamation

My Company Is Being Sued. Now What?

When facing a lawsuit, there is no need to panic. After all, it is not uncommon for a business to face civil legal action. Lawsuits can come from a number of different parties, such as a customer, a supplier, a current or former employee, or even another company. Regardless of who is suing you, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. In order to best protect your legal rights and financial interests, it is imperative that you contact an experienced business litigation lawyer in Memphis, TN as soon as possible.

Understand the Lawsuit

Plaintiffs are required to notify a defendant that a lawsuit has been filed. Once you receive notification of legal action, you need to reach out to your lawyer. Please let your lawyer review the lawsuit so that he or she can determine the best way to protect your company. There are two major (and very common) mistakes that you need to avoid at this stage of the process:

• Do not wait to act. You need to get out in front of the issue. Get your case in the hands of your attorney immediately. By waiting and forcing yourself to play catch-up, you will be hurting your own case. Remember, a lawsuit will not go away on its own.
• Do not contact the other party. While you may be tempted to handle the problem on your own, you should never contact the party who filed the lawsuit. By doing this, you risk damaging your own case. Always go through your lawyer.

Notify Your Insurer

In many cases, the lawsuit in question will be covered by an insurance policy. If this is true in your case, you need to notify that insurer of the issue. In the event that you fail to notify the insurance company within the appropriate time frame, your company may lose out on some protection. It is also important to remember that an insurer may not always cover the claim, even if you believe they should. Your Memphis, TN business litigation lawyer can help hold the insurance company accountable.

Prepare a Response

Finally, your lawyer will help you determine exactly how to respond to the lawsuit. Often that involves filing the following two common responses:

• A Motion to Dismiss: This type of response is an official request for the court to throw out the lawsuit in question. Ultimately, a motion to dismiss is a procedural request. With this response, you will not be responding to the facts presented by the plaintiff. Instead, you will seek to win the lawsuit on purely technical legal grounds.
• An Answer: Alternatively, you may also need to file an answer. An answer to a lawsuit is a direct contest to the case presented by the plaintiff.

Contact an Experienced Business Litigation Law Firm Today

If your company has been hit with a lawsuit, you may benefit from contacting a law firm immediately to set up a confidential consultation with a Memphis, TN business litigation lawyer who will evaluate your case and discuss what legal options may be available. For more information, call Patterson Bray PLLC today.