Business Disputes

Whether you own a small business or an established company, Lesemann & Associates is here to offer the legal support you need amidst business disputes. We acknowledge that litigation can significantly impact your business; hence, we are prepared to help your organization settle its business disputes in the best way possible. As business attorneys in South Carolina, we will help reduce the impact of these disputes so that you can focus on more productive aspects of your business.

At Lesemann & Associates, we have a strong team of business and commercial litigators with a wealth of experience handling business trials. We understand that you may need litigation to solve your disputes, so we are comfortable serving your best interests in and out of the court. We will help you follow the law to ensure your individual and business rights are fully protected and respected.

In business and commercial litigation, the goal is to win no matter the circumstances. Our reputation and skills in the courtrooms make us the law firm to reach out to whenever a business dispute arises.

We know that you make your business decisions based on the cost, which is why we use a similar approach to analyze your disputes. At Lesemann & Associates, you will be sure to get an all-around legal representation using a practical cost-benefit approach.

Types of Disputes We handle

Your business is likely to face litigation arising from any of the disputes below. Luckily, we are always here to offer a helping hand.

Shareholder disputes

Shareholders have secured interests regarding how you run your business. If the management makes mistakes, the shareholders may incur losses. Therefore, shareholders are entitled to bring a lawsuit whenever they feel misconduct or mismanagement might lead to a financial loss. In case this happens, you can count on the legal expertise of Lesemann & Associates.

Contract litigation

Contracts cover significant aspects of the business. However, having a contract doesn't necessarily mean that all parties involved will act as per the agreement. Litigation may be essential to solving breach of contract disputes.

Employment disputes

If you decide to fire your employees for poor performance or other reasons, they may file a lawsuit claiming they were fired illegally. Some employees may sue your company for unsafe working conditions and failing to offer specific accommodations. If an employment dispute arises, don't hesitate to contact us to get the legal representation you need.

We also handle disputes arising from unfair trade practices, trade secrets, business torts, copyright, trade infringement, non-solicitation agreements, and interference with business assets and relationships.

Benefits of Hiring an Experienced Business Lawyer

When you have a lawyer who understands your business's foundation, they will offer the immediate advice you need if something goes wrong. At Lesemann & Associates, we will help you during contract drafting and dispute resolutions and advise on the legal options that will benefit your company.

If you need legal help solving a business dispute, don’t hesitate to reach out to our business attorneys at Lesemann & Associates. You can contact us online or call us at (843) 724-5155 to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help solve your business disputes.

Business Disputes FAQs

What Are My Legal Options if I Am Involved in a South Carolina Business Dispute?

If you are in a dispute with a business partner or customer in South Carolina, you have a few options to explore:

• Mediation: The mediation process involves productive discussions with the other party under the guidance of a neutral third party. It can be a quick and affordable solution, though the outcome is non-binding.
• Arbitration: Like mediation, arbitration uses a third party to review the dispute and come to a resolution. However, the arbitrator’s decision is legally binding.‍
• Litigation: Filing a lawsuit in civil court is often a last resort where other options fail. Litigation can be expensive and time-consuming, and you will need to hire an attorney to represent you.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Business Dispute?

Unfortunately, there is no one answer to how long it will take to resolve your business dispute. The duration can vary significantly depending on the following:

• The complexity of the dispute
• Dispute resolution method
• Court backlog and judicial process
• Cooperation and communication between you and the other party

If you go to court, a trial and judgment can typically take six to 18 months. The process can take longer if there are appeals. Mediation can lead to a quicker resolution in one to three months.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Business Disputes?

When running a business, conflicts and disagreements are bound to arise. Some of the most frequent causes of business disputes include:

Breach of contract: Tensions can escalate when parties fail to fulfill their obligations or violate the terms and conditions outlined in a contractual agreement. Broken promises, missed deadlines, payment disputes, or disagreements over performance can trigger emotional turmoil and financial setbacks.

Employment Conflicts: Disagreements over wages, wrongful termination claims, discrimination, harassment, or breaches of employment contracts can lead to heated disputes.

Intellectual Property Disputes: Disputes can arise when one party believes their intellectual property rights have been infringed upon, leading to claims of patent, trademark, or copyright violations.

Customer Complaints: Unresolved issues with clients or consumers can escalate into legal disputes. Such issues include failing to remedy problems, refunding money, or appropriately addressing grievances.

What are My Options If a Former Business Partner Sues Me?

If a former business partner sues you, you should consult a business litigation attorney first. They can review the details of the lawsuit and determine the best way for you to respond. Your options may include the following:

• Settling out of court: If the claim against you is reasonable, resolution through mediation or arbitration can be appropriate. Out-of-court settlement helps avoid a lengthy court battle and the associated legal fees.
• Filing a countersuit: If you believe the claim against you is baseless or that your former partner owes you money, you can file a counterclaim to defend yourself and recover any losses.
• Going to trial: As a last resort, you can have an attorney defend yourself in court to avoid an unfavorable ruling. Your attorney can build a case to prove that the allegations against you are false.

The key is not to ignore the lawsuit or avoid communicating with your former partner or their legal counsel. A Charleston Business Disputes Lawyer can guide you on the proper steps to take based on the details of your situation.