How do you tell a company you will sue them?

Asked by: Cathy Parisian  |  Last update: January 17, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (18 votes)

A letter of intent to sue is used to notify an individual or business that legal action may be taken against them if the demands included in the letter are not met.

How to write a notice of intent to sue?

How to Write
  1. Begin with the Sender's Information and Effective Date. (1) Sender's Name and Address; and. ...
  2. Include the Name of the Recipient and the Reason for the Lawsuit. ...
  3. Add the Names of the Parties and the Settlement Demand. ...
  4. Reference the Governing Law and Sign.

Should you tell your employer you are suing them?

Communicate politely with HR and management and check with your lawyer before discussing the lawsuit with anyone. Not everyone you work with will know about your lawsuit, nor should they. And remember that filing a lawsuit is not a lawful reason for an employer to fire its employee.

Is it worth suing a company?

The answer depends on your claims and willingness to pursue litigation. If your claims are strong and you are invested in the litigation process, it can be very “worth it” to feel you are standing up for accountability, getting compensation for your injuries, and incentivizing the company to change its ways.

Should you tell someone you intend to sue them?

A person is not legally obligated to tell someone that they are suing them. Out of courtesy, they should and it would help them gain sympathy with a judge. But very often, the first hint of being sued is by court summons, or being served.

Top 5 Reasons To Sue Your Employer

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Is telling someone you'll sue them a threat?

It can be considered illegal or not, depending on the situation. Threatening to sue someone with a civil lawsuit is not a problem, but it can be subjected to illegal harassment if it is meaningless. An empty threat with a lawsuit is considered illegal when the person suing does not hold anything against the person.

What happens if you sue someone and they can't pay?

The California statute of limitations for filing a judgment is ten years. If the debtor cannot pay or complete payment within this time, you must renew the judgment. The judgment must continue to be renewed to ensure the debtor pays the full amount.

Can you lose your job for suing?

California law, however, prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who engage in protected activities, including filing a lawsuit related to workplace issues.

What are the downsides of suing?

Upfront Costs and Expenses

Though we work on contingency, lawsuits have unavoidable costs – case expenses, legal fees if resolution fails, and the risk of paying defense fees in some instances. While unavoidable, expenses may be recovered upon a successful outcome, but they represent a financial risk.

How much money is enough to sue?

In general, claims are limited to disputes up to $5,000. However, natural persons (individuals) can claim up to $10,000. Corporations, partnerships, unincorporated associations, governmental bodies, and other legal entities cannot claim more than $5,000.

Should I quit my job if I'm suing them?

Important Things to Note

First, it is essential to note that you can continue working for your employer after filing a claim against them. Whether your case against your employer alleges unpaid wages, any form of discrimination, or harassment, you still have the option to continue working.

Does suing affect my future employment?

In California, certain laws provide some degree of protection against employment discrimination based on one's involvement in litigation. Consulting with a legal team can help you to fully understand your rights and how best to protect future job prospects given your unique circumstances.

Can I sue for quiet firing?

If the tactics used in quiet firing violate specific provisions of the California Labor Code—such as wage and hour laws, safety regulations, or other employment standards—the employee might have a basis for a complaint or legal action against the employer.

How do you start a lawsuit letter?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  1. Type your letter. ...
  2. Concisely review the main facts. ...
  3. Be polite. ...
  4. Write with your goal in mind. ...
  5. Ask for exactly what you want. ...
  6. Set a deadline. ...
  7. End the letter by stating you will promptly pursue legal remedies if the other party does not meet your demand.
  8. Make and keep copies.

How do you let someone know you're suing them?

Once you file your lawsuit, you must formally let the defendant know you're suing them. You do this by having someone deliver a copy of the filed forms to them. This is called service.

Can you email intent to sue?

We recommend you send your letter via email or mail. If you plan to mail your letter of intent to sue consider including tracking information or a signature request.

Do companies prefer to settle out of court?

Settling is often cost-effective

Research has long indicated that settlements are more cost-effective in most cases. Even when businesses may assert that no wrongdoing occurred, settlements outside of court can be a means of limiting how much the lawsuit costs the organization.

Is it better to sue or settle?

Litigation takes time and often leads to more time due to appeals and retrials. You will have to be involved as the trial progresses. Whether you are the plaintiff or the defendant, if the total time spent in litigation is not worth a good outcome in court, then settlement is probably a better option.

What can you lose in a lawsuit?

If a creditor files a lawsuit against you and wins a judgment, they can seize quite a few assets. They can garnish your wages, levy your bank account, and even go after your personal property. This includes everything from cars and furniture to clothing and household goods.

Can I threaten to sue my employer?

DO NOT THREATEN YOUR EMPLOYER – Threats that you will sue will only be used against you. Threats you will report your employer's unlawful conduct to a branch of the government, however, is protected whistle blowing.

Can you sue your employer for emotional distress?

Yes, you can sue your employer for emotional distress if you can prove that their actions or negligence caused severe emotional harm.

Is it hard to get a job after suing a company?

Most people in this position often ask, “Can I be denied a job because I sued my last employer?” The answer is no. They might be less inclined to hire you because of your current legal circumstances, but they cannot base their decision on a lawsuit.

What if you get sued but have no money?

If the defendant doesn't pay, several actions can be taken: Wage Garnishment: A portion of the defendant's wages can be redirected to satisfy the debt. Bank Levies: Funds can be taken directly from the defendant's bank account.

How to prove you were not served properly?

Surveillance: You can provide surveillance footage showing you were not served at the alleged date or that the service was improper. Mail Records: If there's no mail delivered to you or if you haven't signed the receipt. It can indicate improper service.

How to make yourself judgement proof?

To recap, generally, you become judgment proof when you:
  1. aren't working or have a very low-paying job, or your only source of income is government benefits.
  2. don't own many or any assets such as money in a bank account, investments, or equity in real estate.