How to Respond to Demand Letters Once One Shows Up
There are a lot of things that people can do in order to get them to take the desired action. When one party is involved in making a claim against another, it is not uncommon for them to send out a demand letter. This letter will spell out certain things that are demanded from the offending party in order to satisfy a claim. If you are the recipient of a demand letter, then there is a right way to respond. And how you respond will make all the difference in the future. Here are some things that you will want to consider when a demand letter shows up at your front door.
When a demand letter shows up you may find yourself welling up with a ton of emotion that denies any involvement in the action. You may even be tempted to take a course of action that would end up making the situation worse. Here are some things that you should do instead of being irrational towards the letter.
- This is not the time to blow off the letter or act like the issue will go away. What you will find is that there are usually consequences for ignoring a demand letter. This type of letter is used before any legal action is taken against another person or party. Failure to act will only quicken your time being spent before a judge. The point of the letter is to inform you of a claim against you. It is your responsibility to act in a logical manner and not overreact. Irrational action brings more trouble. By thinking through the matter clearly, you will find a mutual solution or course of action that is favorable to both parties.
- Consider all the points that the letter is trying to make. Make sure to read the letter completely. Take note of facts that are being presented. And note any retribution demands that are being made. Evaluate the facts that surround the moment and note any discrepancies that might be in the letter. You will also want to write out your version of the event. Make note of any damages or losses that you sustained at the moment. This is your time to make counterclaims to offset the demands of the other party.
- You will read a lot of words that try and convey the motives behind the action and demands being lobbed at you. It would be a good idea to try and understand why the demands are being made of you. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes and see why they are acting the way they are.
The last thing that you will want to decide is whether or not you will need a lawyer. A lawyer will be able to help you decide if the letter is valid or if it is a frivolous attempt to rob you blind. Listen to what your lawyer says and act in a responsible way. You may just find that the demand letter was not as scary as you might have seen it to be.
