Operating a business without encountering an occasional problem is virtually impossible. When this happens, companies can lose valuable time and money. The Fried Firm helps New York business owners solve problems without the costly legal hassles.
If you’re dealing with contract issues, partnership disputes, or money troubles, we can offer practical solutions to protect your business interests. We’ll never waste your time with overly complex legal arrangements or unnecessary court battles.
What Is an Example of a Business Dispute?
Business issues usually start small. Maybe you received an accusatory email or angry phone call. However, these can quickly grow into serious problems. Here are a few examples of some of the more common types of business disputes:
Breached Contracts
The parties to a contract don’t always do what they promised to do at the beginning of the relationship. Maybe a vendor was supposed to deliver products by a certain date but didn’t show up, or maybe someone hired you for a job and then refused to pay you after you finished the work. These are examples of breached contracts.
Partnership Problems
Partnership complications can arise when business owners disagree about money, leadership, or company goals. Because of how well partners know each other, these disputes can – and do – get messy.
Supplier Issues
When the materials you order arrive damaged, late, or not at all, your company pays the price. Supplier issues can also occur if a vendor unexpectedly raises their price after agreeing to a lower cost.
Brand Protection
Certain actions could endanger your brand, such as another company copying your logo, stealing your ideas, or using your name, slogan, or imagery without permission.
Employee Matters
Employees who violate company policy or leave to work for a competitor and poach your clients can threaten your reputation and bottom line.
Should I Go for Arbitration?
Arbitration affords a way to resolve disputes without going to court. It essentially works like a mini-court where a neutral party (the arbitrator) listens to both sides and makes a decision.
In many parts of New York, small-money disputes under $6,000 are automatically sent to arbitration. However, businesses of any size can take advantage of arbitration to resolve larger disputes.
Here’s how the process works:
- You both agree to have an arbitrator hear your case.
- The arbitrator sets a date for a session, usually within 30 days.
- Both sides present their evidence and arguments.
- The arbitrator makes a decision.
This helps ensure business disputes are settled efficiently and fairly.
Arbitration Can Be Preferable to Trial
Many business owners would rather engage in arbitration than go to court. Here’s why:
It’s Faster
One of the main reasons business owners tend to avoid court is that legal cases can drag on for years. With arbitration, the process can be over in a matter of months, and you can get back to running your business faster.
You Have More Control
Taking your case to court could mean getting stuck with a judge who doesn’t understand the nature of your business. Or, you can work with an arbitrator who knows the industry and has experience helping similar organizations.
It’s Private
Court records are public, which means anyone can see the details of your case — including your competitors. Arbitration is private, protecting your confidential information from the public.
There’s Less Formality
Arbitration doesn’t follow the same strict rules that the courts do. The process therefore tends to be simpler, more practical, and less stressful.
It Can Be Cheaper
While arbitrators charge fees just like attorneys do, you’ll usually spend far less than you would on a protracted court battle.
The Decision Is Final
When an arbitrator makes a decision, it’s legally binding. That means no lengthy appeals that keep the dispute going on longer than necessary.
New York Business Dispute Lawyer FAQ
Here are some of the more common questions we receive. If you don’t see yours answered here, reach out for a free consultation.
What Does a New York Business Dispute Lawyer Do?
A business dispute lawyer helps company leaders solve disagreements efficiently. The attorneys at The Fried Firm can:
- Review contracts to identify and address weaknesses
- Write robust agreements that protect your business
- Explain your options in simple terms
- Communicate with the other party for you
- Handle arbitration or mediation proceedings
- Represent you in court if necessary
Our goal is to resolve your dispute with minimal disruption to your business.
How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Business Dispute?
It depends on how you handle it. If both sides are willing to work together, you could settle in as little as a few weeks. Meanwhile, formal arbitration typically takes three to six months from start to finish, and court cases can take years, depending on complexity.
What Is the Most Effective Way to Resolve a Business Dispute in New York?
Every business dispute is different. We can help you decide whether arbitration makes sense for your situation.
For example, arbitration may be ideal for you if:
- You want to keep working with the other party.
- There’s been a clear contract violation where the facts aren’t in question.
- You’re dealing with a smaller hang-up that doesn’t justify litigation.
We only recommend going to court when other approaches have failed, or if you need certain legal protections that only a judge can provide.
Choosing the right resolution can save you time and money and help preserve critical business relationships.
What Happens if Your Business Dispute Case Needs to Be Taken to Court?
As much as we stress avoiding formal legal intervention, it may be the only option you have. Here’s what you can expect if your case goes to court:
- We’ll file a complaint that explains your side.
- The other party will respond with their position.
- Both sides will share information during discovery, including documents, written statements, and interviews under oath.
- Each side will have the opportunity to ask the judge to make certain decisions before trial.
Many cases settle during these initial stages. However, if your case needs to proceed to trial, both sides will present their evidence and arguments and a judge or jury will decide.
Contact The Fried Firm for Help with Your Business Dispute
Business disputes can completely derail operations. That’s why you need someone with the right skills to help you. The Fried Firm will explain your rights and will be transparent with you about costs and timelines.
If you need help with a business dispute, contact us for a free consultation.
