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3 Things Employers Should Consider When Faced with Disputes

As many business owners in Maryland know, difficult decisions are rarely black-and-white. Many decisions can be reached only after considering several potential solutions, predicting the short- and long-term repercussions of each option and weighing the pros and cons.

The same can be said when it comes to resolving employment disputes. Employers may be tempted to believe or misled into thinking that they only have two options: fight against allegations in court or offer up a significant settlement to the plaintiff. However, there are many different ways that these situations are resolved that fall somewhere in the middle. So, before you make a snap decision that could ultimately work against you as an employer, you should stop and consider a few important things.

  1. Litigation is not the only answer. There are different ways to resolve employments disputes that don't require people to go through the stress and cost of litigation. Mediation and arbitration, for instance, are two types of alternative dispute resolutions than can prove to be highly effective means of settling a dispute without setting foot in a courtroom.
  2. Think about the big picture. It can certainly be upsetting to be accused of misconduct by an employee, but protecting yourself from the allegations may not always involve launching an aggressive and public defense against the plaintiff. In some cases, it may be best for a company's reputation, brand and financial bottom line to seek quieter, faster ways of resolving an issue.
  3. It doesn't have to be "all or nothing." Many cases are resolved through negotiation. Finding a fair settlement can be in everyone's best interest, even if neither side gets everything they want.

These are just a few things that you should keep in mind as an employer if you are involved in an employment dispute; there are many other issues that should be taken into account as well. It all depends on the details of each specific case.

Because it can be very overwhelming and complicated to navigate this system, it can be crucial to work with an attorney who is familiar with the challenges of employment law. Having legal representation can help you understand your rights and legal options so that you can pursue a satisfactory solution.