What You Should Know when You're Being Sued

When you find out that you are being sued, the feeling is akin to discovering that you owe $30,000 in credit card debt – there isn’t much you can do about it. Be prepared for obnoxious lawyers, cold court rooms, astronomical bills, headaches, long days and even longer nights. Being sued can wreak havoc on a person’s life, but if you know what you’re doing, the process with go much more smoothly. Here’s what you need to know about being on the receiving end of a lawsuit.

What You Should Know When You’re Being Sued: You Will Get Served

Many people operate under the delusion that if you don’t accept the papers for a lawsuit, then you haven’t been served. In reality, however, the process server only has to find you and give you those dreaded papers; if you run away or drop them on the ground, you’re still considered “served”.

What You Should Know When You’re Being Sued: 50/50 Chance

As of 2004, the percentages of wins and losses in civil courts were about equal, so your chances of having to pay the plaintiff are about 50/50. Don’t count on the case being thrown out on a technicality; prepare yourself to defend your case, or hire a lawyer to do it for you.

What You Should Know When You’re Being Sued: Judgments Aren’t All Bad

According to recent statistics, the amount of money offered to plaintiffs in state civil suits is steadily shrinking. In the late nineties, the median judgment amount was $37,000, which is about half of what it was ten years ago. Take heart!

What You Should Know When You’re Being Sued: Get Your Stuff Together

Less than 5% of all civil suits that are filed ever see the inside of a courtroom. That means that defendants who are diligent about collecting evidence and suggesting arbitration are must more likely to stymie the litigation proceedings. You or your lawyer should be ready to fight it from the very beginning.

What You Should Know When You’re Being Sued: Be Careful What You Sign