So, You’re Being Sued

Restaurant owners and managers represent a target rich environment for lawsuits. Customers, employees, vendors, insurance companies and even the general public pose risk of being sued.  As a blanket statement, I would recommend that you retain and keep a good relationship with a lawyer that you trust, but many restaurateurs can’t afford that luxury and retain counsel on an “as need” basis.  So from a layman’s perspective, there are general rules to follow if you find yourself served with a subpoena.

Whether you are in the right or dead wrong - guilty or not - being named as a defendant in a lawsuit is a no-win situation. What you do immediately following your being notified can make a great deal of difference in the outcome. Every lawsuit is different and needs to be treated uniquely. With that being said, there are certain strategies that are essential to the defense of any lawsuit.

Don’t be naïve and believe our justice system is fair, logical or inspires actual…