How to respond to someone threatening to sue you?

Asked by: Jarvis Maggio  |  Last update: January 3, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (67 votes)

By remaining calm, seeking advice from a qualified attorney, and responding strategically with a strong factual argument supported by legal authority, you can effectively defend yourself against the threat of litigation.

How to respond when someone threatens to sue you?

If you want to respond to a legal threat, you may be able to do it yourself, or you may prefer to have a lawyer write a response. Use your best judgment as to what you think is best. If the person has no valid claim against you, don't be afraid to tell them that their claim is not valid.

What if you ignore someone suing you?

If you ignore service of the lawsuit, a default judgment WILL be entered against you. If you defend the case, you have the opportunity to show that you are not liable. If you ignore the case, EVERYTHING in the petition, including the allegations about your liability, are accepted as true by the Court.

How do you respond to threatening behavior?

Do not overreact or mirror the threatening language or the threatening behaviour. Continue to show respect even when the person is being rude or threatening. Ask the person to stop the behaviour – 'Mr … stop shouting at me' – while informing the person of the organisation's protocols for responding to threats.

Can you fire someone for threatening to sue you?

So no, an employee can't be fired for threatening to sue. That doesn't mean threatening to sue is a guaranteed remedy against getting fired.

How to Respond to Legal Threats - Justin R. McCarthy

25 related questions found

Is threatening to sue someone considered harassment?

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 is a letter threatening to sue?

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. By sending an intent to sue letter, you may be able to resolve the dispute without having to initiate a costly lawsuit.

What is the best way to respond to threats?

Like a crisis, you need to:
  • Get to a secure location as soon as possible.
  • Notify the Police.
  • Provide all information available to you.
  • Do not try to be the mediator!
  • Remain calm.

How to deal with threats and intimidation?

You should tell the police you're being intimidated - they can help keep you safe. The police can arrest the person who's intimidating you. If you don't feel able to tell the police straight away, talk to someone else instead - for example, a friend, neighbour or a professional, like a doctor.

How to respond if someone threatens you?

What to Do If You Have Been Verbally Threatened
  1. Think Before You Act. ...
  2. Tell Someone About The Threat. ...
  3. Gather and Keep All Evidence. ...
  4. Obtain a Restraining Order. ...
  5. Consider Pursuing Civil or Criminal Action.

How do you protect yourself from someone suing you?

Investing in an umbrella liability insurance policy is a good first step to protecting yourself against civil action. The company who provides your homeowner's insurance or auto insurance policy probably offers this type of add-on policy. It pays out to cover losses above and beyond what your normal policy might cover.

Can you go to jail for ignoring a lawsuit?

yes, if you ignore a lawsuit the court automatically assumes you are unable to dispute it, which means the default judgment is in favor of the person suing you. The judge will perceive you as guilty and you will go to jail.

What to do if someone keeps suing you?

Request that the plaintiff be ruled a vexatious litigant.

Your attorney can gather evidence to present to the court showing that the plaintiff has a history of vexatious litigation. When the judge sees proof of this, the plaintiff's baseless case against you will likely be dismissed.

What does threatens to sue mean?

to take legal action against a person or organization, especially by making a legal claim for money because of some harm that they have caused you: He was so furious about the accusations in the letter that he threatened to sue.

What constitutes a frivolous lawsuit?

A frivolous claim, often called a bad faith claim, refers to a lawsuit, motion or appeal that is intended to harass, delay or embarrass the opposition. A claim is frivolous when the claim lacks any arguable basis either in law or in fact Neitze v. Williams, 490 U.S. 319, 325 (1989) .

How to politely threaten legal action?

How To Write an Effective Legal Threat Letter
  1. Be calm and professional. ...
  2. State clearly what relief you want. ...
  3. Specify what you will do next if the letter's recipient doesn't solve the problem immediately (give the recipient a deadline, say ten days, in which to act). ...
  4. The Escape Clause.

How to resist intimidation?

When Intimidation is Overt
  1. Shine a bright light on it. The meanest and nastiest acts of intimidation, like cockroaches, are usually seen only in the dark. ...
  2. Call the appropriate authorities. If you are threatened with violence or harassment, call law enforcement officials. ...
  3. Make sure all your actions are done in a group.

What can you do legally if someone threatens you?

You can also file a civil lawsuit with your local court for emotional or physical harm. You can file for a restraining order against a person so they will stop threatening you and stay away from you. Know how to protect yourself from notarios and fake websites.

What are five strategies for dealing with threats?

There are 5 responses:
  • Escalate.
  • Avoid.
  • Transfer.
  • Mitigate.
  • Accept.

How do you respond to threats of legal action?

Here's what you can do if you find yourself facing a litigation threat:
  1. Be Fearless: The first step in handling a litigation threat is to remain calm and fearless. ...
  2. Consult with a Lawyer: ...
  3. Consider Your Options: ...
  4. Respond with a Strong, Factual Argument: ...
  5. Provide Legal Support:

What are the four responses to threats?

Trauma Response (The 4 F's – Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn) How does your body respond when you perceive danger or a threat? Often known as a trauma response, it is an initial reaction that is triggered when there is a perception of or an actual threat, like an oncoming car or a growling dog.

What are the three responses to threat?

Fight, flight, freeze, flop, friend

But the other three common reactions to fear and danger - freeze, flop and friend - are just as instinctive as fight or flight, and we don't get to choose which ones we experience in the moment.

Is it bad to threaten to sue?

Is It Illegal to Threaten to Sue Someone in California? Yes. Under California's Penal Code, Section 422, those who threaten a person (or their immediate family) could be charged with a criminal offense. This will happen if the threat results in the person's reasoned and sustained fear for their safety.

How to respond to intent to sue letter?

You must fill out an Answer, serve the plaintiff, and file your Answer form with the court. Generally, this is due within 30 days after you were served. If you don't, the plaintiff can ask for a default. If there's a default, the court won't let you file an Answer and can decide the case without you.

How do you deal with a threatening letter?

i) The police If there is any threat of immediate danger or violence, you should call 999. The Metropolitan Police advise that even if you don't feel there is an immediate risk, you should still report threatening, offensive or abusive mail. You can do this by calling or visiting your local police station.