As a self-employed business owner, you’re on your own when it comes to health insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and other corporate-related insurance policies. If you’re sued for negligence or intentional misconduct by a client, patient, or co-worker, you can be on the hook for substantial payouts. That’s why it’s important to understand your coverage and what your options are when things go wrong.
Here’s how you can sue your job for writing you three bounced pay checks:
Step 1. Get a lawyer. While you can certainly handle most legal matters yourself, you might want to consider getting help from an attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the legal system and represent you in court if necessary. They will also be able to advise you about what kind of coverage you need based on the nature of your work. Getting help from an experienced lawyer is likely to reduce the risk of you making a costly mistake.
Step 2. Build a case. Once you’ve got your lawyer on retainer, it’s time to start building your case. You’ll need to be able to back up your claims with evidence. Fortunately, there are ways to do this. For example, if you work remotely for a company, you may be able to obtain electronic copies of emails the company sends to and from you. If your work involves examining financial documents or other sensitive information, you’ll need to get a subpoena to ensure the company provides the information you need. Obtaining legal evidence is often a time-consuming process, so be sure to start early. It’s also essential to get the evidence before it is too late. Doing this the night before a court date can substantially increase your chances of winning your case.
Step 3. File your lawsuit. Once you’ve got all your evidence, it’s time to finally file your lawsuit. You can find forms for this on the Internet or from your local library. You’ll also need to get a corporate stamp from the comptroller’s office to make it official. Remember: the sooner you file, the more you’ll be able to collect. Doing this as soon as possible might also reduce the risk of you being penalized for filing a frivolous lawsuit.
The above are the basics of how you can sue your job. However, you must follow the proper procedures to make sure you get the results you’re looking for. It’s also important to realize that some jurisdictions require you to notify your employer of your lawsuit before you can start collecting. Make sure you do this, even if it’s just a formality.
The Bottom Line
It’s critical to understand the legal risks you’re assuming by being a business owner. This is especially important if you’re dealing with a large client base. The worst case scenario is you get sued for malpractice and end up having to pay out of pocket. Having adequate coverage through an insurance policy is the key to avoiding this situation. If you or someone you know has been harmed by a medical device, surgical procedure, or pharmaceutical, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to find out what your options are. You also might want to read our blog post about how to choose a personal injury lawyer. Good luck out there.