So, You've Been Sued

Congratulations, you are now a defendant in a civil action. Yes, it is a dubious honor indeed. Although there are probably many things rushing through your mind, there are certain things you must do.

Most important: Shut up.  Don't profess your innocence to anyone.  Don't explain anything to anybody. Don't complain about being sued.  Don't complain about the plaintiff.  Don't call the plaintiff. And certainly DON'T CALL THE PLAINTIFF'S LAWYER.  Remember the Miranda rights from TV: "anything you say can and will be used against you".  

Just shut up and find a lawyer.  Start now.  Don't wait till later because the suit isn't wine, it won't get better with age. If the media show up, just refer them to your lawyer.  If you don't have a lawyer find one now.

You will have time to respond to the complaint. In Florida, you may have as little as five days or as many as thirty in federal court.  Use it wisely.

Collect all the documents you think are important to the suit.  Take them with you to the initial appointment with a lawyer.  Make a mental list of all witnesses you think are important and be prepared to discuss the witnesses and the documents with your lawyer.  Do not write anything down.  Like Henry Kissinger said: "Even paranoids have enemies".  You've been sued, its time to be a little paranoid.