What to Do If Your Business Gets Sued

Episode Summary: In this episode of In the Courtroom and the Boardroom, trial attorney Colleen McKnight breaks down the essential steps business owners should take when served with a lawsuit. With a focus on clarity and control, Colleen shares her professional guidance on how to respond calmly, meet critical deadlines, protect evidence, and avoid costly mistakes. She also addresses when to involve your insurance provider, how to handle the plaintiff directly (if at all), and why public statements—even on social media—can sabotage your defense. This is a must-listen for any business owner who wants to stay ahead of legal threats with smart strategy instead of panic.

Key Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Facing a lawsuit – the first 30 days matter 01:00 – What to do immediately after being served with a lawsuit 03:00 – Deadline to file an answer and how courts handle missed deadlines 05:30 – Why you must preserve evidence and issue a litigation hold 08:30 – Consequences of deleting data or wiping footage 11:00 – Real case examples of spoliation and how it backfires 13:00 – Should you contact the party suing you? 15:00 – When to notify your insurance company (and when not to) 18:00 – Downsides of letting your insurance company assign defense counsel 20:30 – Common early mistakes business owners make 22:00 – Why you should avoid social media and public statements 24:00 – Final tips: Act quickly, stay calm, and get legal strategy early

About the Show:

In the Courtroom and the Boardroom with Colleen McKnight helps business owners tackle legal challenges with confidence. As a seasoned trial lawyer and founder of McKnight Law PLLC, Colleen provides practical, plain-English guidance on how to navigate disputes, mitigate risk, and stay focused on growth—even in the face of litigation.

Learn More:

Visit mcknightlaw.us to connect with Colleen or schedule a consultation.