Running a business in Pittsburgh involves numerous challenges, not the least of which is the potential for disputes. When a dispute rises to the level of litigation, it is crucial to have the advice and guidance of an experienced business attorney.
At Jones, Gregg, Creehan & Gerace, we work with businesses across multiple industries to resolve all types of disputes. Although we often recommend that clients pursue alternative forms of dispute resolution, our trial-ready preparedness gives us an advantage in and out of the courtroom.
Our experienced business dispute attorneys have a proven history of achieving positive outcomes in arbitration proceedings, mediation, and litigation. When you become our client, you will have confidence knowing that our dedicated advocates are in your corner. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Common Business Disputes in Western Pennsylvania
Business disputes left unresolved can become a distraction to successfully operating an enterprise and even jeopardize its viability. Our business practice group works with clients to quickly and successfully resolve a variety of disputes, including:
Business-to-Business Dispute
Disputes between businesses arise in all types of professional relationships, including those with strategic partners, vene likely when there is no formal agreement in place, business-to-business disputes can involve a variety of situations: enforcement of contracts, business interference, intellectual property infringement, and violation of nondisclosure and noncompete agreements. When inter-business disputes cannot be resolved through negotiations, our business dispute attorneys are fully prepared to litigate.
Contractual Dispute
Contractual disputes typically involve breach of contract, failure to deliver, the interpretation of contract provisions, and misrepresentations. Although contract disputes can be avoided when agreements include provisions that clarify the rights and obligations of all parties, as well as an agreed-upon method for dispute resolution, contract disputes often rise to the level of a court claim.
Customer Dispute
Businesses that provide goods and services to consumers in Pittsburgh are wise to address complaints about the quality of products or warranties in order to avoid litigation. When dangerous or defective products result in injuries to customers, however, businesses are at risk of product liability claims, often in the context of a class-action lawsuit. Brick-and-mortar businesses are also at risk of premises liability lawsuits when customers, vendors, and other visitors are injured in accidents on their property.
Partnership Dispute
Partnerships are the most common type of dispute. Partners often disagree about the control and authority of the individual partners, the direction of the partnership, ownership interests, and financial disputes arising from cash flow problems. Our business dispute attorneys work with clients to establish partnership agreements that help to avoid disputes and/or reach negotiated solutions when partnership disputes arise.
Shareholder Dispute
Shareholder disputes in small and midsize businesses can arise when there are disagreements between key stakeholders about long-term strategies, management, and hiring decisions. Some of the most common shareholder disputes involve debt and financing issues or even misappropriation of company funds. Our attorneys work to help clients avoid such disputes by preparing shareholder agreements and bylaws that establish the voting rights and the expectations of both members and shareholders.
Employment Dispute
Although the contemporary workplace is governed by a variety of state and federal employment laws, when the employment relationship breaks down, it is crucial to have proper legal representation. We represent both employers and employees in connection with claims arising from discrimination and harassment, wage and hour violations, wrongful termination, and other employment-related disputes.
The Jones, Gregg, Creehan & Gerace Difference
Given that business disputes can be an unnecessary distraction as well as a drain on profits, it is crucial to have the informed representation we provide. Our firm works to help clients avoid disputes that may result in litigation by:
- Establishing policies and procedures governing operations and business transactions
- Negotiating and preparing well-conceived agreements that include enforcement provisions
- Obtaining releases and waivers of liability from customers and clients
- Ensuring that products and services provided by the business include necessary warnings and disclaimers
- Designing employment agreements and handbooks clarifying the rights and responsibilities of employees and the employer
We have decades of experience helping businesses mitigate the risk of disputes and reaching negotiated solutions that can avoid the need for civil litigation. Trust our legal team to protect your interests and your bottom line.
Contact Our Experienced Pittsburgh Business Dispute Attorneys
At Jones, Gregg, Creehan & Gerace, we are committed to helping our clients find innovative solutions to business disputes and avoiding time-consuming, costly litigation. When a disagreement cannot be resolved through negotiations, our trial-ready approach allows us to take the appropriate legal action. Regardless of the forum — arbitration, mediation, or litigation, we have a proven history of achieving positive outcomes. Contact our office today to speak with an experienced business dispute attorney.