Is It Safe To Start A Business Without A Business Lawyer?
Even for entrepreneurs who are careful planners and very risk adverse, most feel like hiring a business lawyer is either a waste of money or a luxury they can't afford. But many times, finding the right business lawyer can make the difference between finding success and going bankrupt. Here's why.
There Are Countless Regulations and Zoning Rules You Need to Follow
A single business location might be regulated by the federal government, the state government, a county, and a city. In addition to each of those levels of government, there may be specialized agencies for your type of business that add additional rules. It's almost impossible to keep track of if you've never done it before.
The problem is that even if you think you're doing everything right, you can still miss something. Maybe you checked with your state and city but didn't even realize your county had jurisdiction within city limits. You also might not have been aware that your business type was regulated by a specific agency.
Because you don't know what you don't know, your safest route is to turn to a business attorney who knows exactly how things work in your jurisdiction.
You're Also Responsible for Respecting Your Employees' Rights
On the surface, you might think this isn't a problem because you're a nice person who would never discriminate. Unfortunately, it isn't that simple.
An innocent question that might normally be polite conversation, such as asking a job applicant if they have kids if they compliment your family photo on your desk, could lead to a discrimination lawsuit that you might lose. You also need to know the ins and outs of technical things like exactly how to calculate overtime pay under your local law.
Again, a business lawyer can act as a strong advisor who can help you achieve your goals without fear of unintentionally breaking the law.
Don't Forget About Your Customers
What would happen if someone got hurt in your store? Are your displays far enough apart for wheelchairs to pass through as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act? If an employee says or does something harmful to a customer, are you responsible?
Your business lawyer will help you take proactive steps to avoid these types of problems. And of course, they'll also be ready to help you if you're ever faced with a lawsuit.
To learn more, contact a local business attorney today.