E-Commerce Lawsuit: Can You Sue An Online Business?

In the last few decades, e-commerce has grown to become an important part of peoples’ everyday lives. From ordering packages to buying services and sending data, the internet has changed the way we do business, which inevitably also means problems can and will arise.When legal trouble does occur, can you sue an online business? Depending on where the seller or owner of the website lives and operates out of, it can be incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to bring a lawsuit against them. Another factor is how often they conduct business in your area. The closer they live to you and the more often they conduct business in your area, the better chance you may have of bringing a lawsuit against them.What are the rules to an e-commerce lawsuit? Ask these questions:Does the website or online business advertise in your state?Did the online business know where you lived, in other words, did you purchase a product that was shipped to you?Does the online business have employees that conduct business in the state you reside in?Does this online business have a registered agent that services the state you live in?Does the online business have brick and mortar stores in your state?Does the website you did business with do direct sales?Did you agree to the websites ‘terms and conditions’ prior to purchasing the product or service?Did the business knowingly sell a defective product?Generally, the terms of the contract dictate where a lawsuit can be brought. Additionally, many terms and conditions have arbitration clauses to settle matters outside of court. If a business, however, knowingly sells a defective product, and does business in the area where the victim is located, then the victim can bring a personal injury lawsuit in their state against the business.For more information about suing an online business, send us a message.[formidable id="7" title="1"]

How To Respond To A Demand Letter

A demand letter is letter that makes a legal claim which demands another party to take an action or make restitution.Many parties use demand letters as a way to try to resolve a dispute or breach of contract before filing a lawsuit.When a company or individual receives a demand letter, do not ignore it. It’s important to respond to the demand letter and consider the claims. Failing to do so can place the business or individual in legal hot water.When you receive a demand letter:1. Remove any personal emotions from the matter.2. Consult with an attorney about drafting a formal response if the matter is complex.3. Write the letter on company letterhead and respond in a professional matter.4. Lay out all the facts of the claim to argue your case.5. Respond within the requested time frame using both email and postal service and keep your receipts of to prove it was delivered.Take the time to try to understand the obligee’s arguments and whether they have any merit. Assessing the situation from their point of view can help you draft your counterclaims and determine if any of their demands are valid and worth compensation.Be aware that this letter can be used against you in a court of law. Being threatening or using unprofessional language can result in you having a harder time defending your case in court.Presenting a strong counter argument to the demand letter’s claims can put you in a strong position. The opposing counsel may recommend that their client drop their dispute or pursue more conciliatory resolutions.[formidable id="7" title="1"]

Should I Hire In-House Counsel?

Is your business drowning in legal bills from your outside law firm?

Do you have trouble getting your attorneys on the phone when you need them the most?

When you do get them on the phone, are you overcome with anxiety about the bills you will be getting, even when they are handling minor legal issues?

You might be thinking it's time to hire in-house counsel.The problem is, businesses run into a whole host of problems when they bring on full-time in-house counsel. In-house counsel can be tepid, lazy and otherwise ineffective.Fortunately, there is another option that you may not have known existed. It’s a successful option called the "Outside-In-House Counsel" relationship where a firm works with several businesses across the country in a close-knit capacity. These firms provide the on-call service you would expect from your in-house counsel, but operate powerhouse law firms, providing aggressive representation. And because they’re not traditionally in-house, the rates are more affordable.Don’t settle for just any old law firm. Let us know if you’d like a referral for one today. Our sponsors are expedient and responsive to their clients' needs.[formidable id="7" title="1"]