If you are a lifestyle entrepreneur, you may be among the lucky ones that are less likely to be sued. Most lifestyle entrepreneurs often have a business based on a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast. So, unless you are infringing on someone’s intellectual property, your type of business is typically safe from lawsuits. Moreover, it is the startup founders and the big business owners that are at the most risk to litigation. However, no one’s business is bulletproof. It only takes one unhappy customer to file a lawsuit against your company. There are a countless number of cases, where people represented themselves in court. In fact, many have chosen this option for small claims court cases involving less than $100,000. However, what about the struggling entrepreneurs with court cases involving more than $100,000 and their business is breaking even or on the verge of bankruptcy? What if you are a food manufacturer? It is your job to recall any products that could have been at risk of being contaminated with E. Coli or Salmonella. Failing to do so will endanger your customers to falling ill, which could bring on a lawsuit. Alternatively, what if you run a health clinic? It is your job to assure you and your employees follow the Hippocratic Oath. Otherwise, you could be sued for medical malpractice. Is it possible for a struggling entrepreneur to hire a lawyer without breaking the bank? Self-representation is not always ideal. It can be absolutely terrifying for some people. If you are a professional public speaker, the likelihood of successfully defending yourself in court is greater. Although, what if you find it terrifying to stand before a judge without legal representation? What if the other party has a seasoned lawyer? Is it possible to hire a lawyer even if you cannot afford one? Contrary to popular belief, hiring a lawyer is quite affordable. You can choose to look for law firms that work on a no win, no fee arrangement. This arrangement is available to both plantiffs and defendants. Many people believe that law firms would be only interested in plantiffs because their intent is to incur damages done to them. However, defendants have the right to countersue to recuperate their losses too. Many law practices will only request payment if you are due to receive compensation from your court case. Usually, most law firms will either bill you on a monthly basis or bill you on a “pay as you go” system. This is why the no win, no fee arrangement is an excellent alternative for people with little to no money. This legal model brings relief to the masses of people unable to afford legal aid. There are some law firms will use the term (no win, no fee) to attract prospective clients, but they may be misrepresenting their type of service. Some firms may require the client to pay disbursement fees, which are miscellaneous expenses separate from lawyer fees and court costs. Unfortunately, these fees can add up to thousands of dollars. So, if a client is responsible for such fees, it is not really a no win, no fee arrangement. The reality is that there are law firms who truly offer a no win, no fee arrangement. However, it is best to inquire within to assure that you will not be required to pay anything. Featured photo credit: Skeeze via pixabay.com
