Being served with a lawsuit can be intimidating, whether it’s a civil claim, business dispute, or personal legal matter. But how you respond can significantly impact the outcome. At The Law Office of Terrell A. Ratliff, we’ve helped countless clients navigate legal challenges and avoid costly missteps. Here are the top 5 mistakes to avoid when facing a lawsuit—and how we can help you fight back effectively.
🚫 Mistake #1: Ignoring the Lawsuit
Too many people think ignoring a lawsuit will make it go away—it won’t. Failing to respond to a complaint or summons can lead to a default judgment, meaning the opposing party automatically wins.
What to Do Instead:
Contact a qualified attorney immediately. At The Law Office of Terrell A. Ratliff, we ensure your legal response is filed on time and built to protect your interests.
🚫 Mistake #2: Speaking to the Other Party
Anything you say can be used against you. Trying to “work things out” without legal guidance often backfires, especially if the other party has legal representation.
What to Do Instead:
Let your attorney do the talking. We communicate strategically and professionally to protect your position and reduce your legal risk.
🚫 Mistake #3: Posting About It Online
Discussing your case on social media may seem harmless—but it can destroy your case. Opposing attorneys routinely use public posts as evidence.
What to Do Instead:
Stay silent online. Focus on building your case, not your timeline. We guide our clients on what to say—and more importantly, what not to say—while the lawsuit is ongoing.
🚫 Mistake #4: Withholding Information from Your Lawyer
Your attorney can only defend you with all the facts. Hiding details, even embarrassing ones, can weaken your case and hurt your credibility in court.
What to Do Instead:
Be open and honest. At The Law Office of Terrell A. Ratliff, we operate without judgment and with strict confidentiality. The more we know, the stronger your defense.
🚫 Mistake #5: Choosing the Wrong Attorney
Not all lawyers have the same experience. Choosing someone unfamiliar with your type of case—or worse, trying to represent yourself—can be a costly mistake.
What to Do Instead:
Terrell A. Ratliff is a respected litigator with experience in civil litigation, criminal defense, and professional license defense. Whether you’re facing a business dispute or a personal legal issue, we have the tools and expertise to help.
🏛️ Why Choose the Law Office of Terrell A. Ratliff?
- 📍 Based in Cherry Hill, NJ—Serving clients statewide
- 💼 Experience in civil lawsuits, student defense, license defense & more
- 🛡️ Strategic, aggressive, and client-focused legal representation
- 📞 Free consultation to assess your case and next steps
📍 Contact Us Today
Law Office of Terrell A. Ratliff
📍 811 Church Road, Suite 105, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
📞 (856) 344-3808
📧 Te*****@ra********.com