Demand letter before litigation?

What you are describing certainly sounds like a demand letter. A demand letter is simply a demand for payment of money or damages you are claimed to owe in exchange for avoiding legal action. I strongly recommend you consult with an experienced GA litigation attorney, such as myself, before deciding on your next steps.

Although engaging a lawyer is preferred, there is generally no legal prohibition against a non- lawyer making his/her own demand or respoding to a demand provided you do not threaten violence or bodily harm or use any other language which may give rise to criminal liability. However, if the amount the claim is undisputed, and depending on the type of claim, there are provisions which allow a court to award the person making the claim his/her attorneys fees in addition to the amount of underlying claim if a demand is rejected under circumstances if the case goes to court. Thus, use of an attorney is again advised but generally not legally required.

It is always beneficial for a demand letter to include the supporting evidence. Your response should likewise including supporting evidence in an effort to defend against the claims. I strongly suggest you consult with an experienced GA litigation attorney, such as myself, before deciding on your next steps.

The first question I would ask, is the nature of the dispute. Is it actionable? Does the person who sent the demand letter have any legal right to bring a lawsuit against you? Typically costs associated with a lawsuit are the filing fee and service of process/summons and possibly free judgment interest, depending on the alleged violation, if it is monetary.

Hello - so sorry that you received this. First off, be aware that there is zero requirement that you reply to a demand letter; sometimes, strategically, it's better not to, because anything you say could be used against you should the employer escalate the matter. Second, in many demand letters, a lawsuit is threatened, but many people make threats and never follow through with a lawsuit. Third, if the letter is from the employer, rather than from an attorney, it's less likely to be factually and legall accurate than if it came from an attorney. Finally, if you are concerned, it'd be a good idea to have the letter AND your contract AND any other pertinent information reviewed by an employment attorney. I'd be happy to help you with this if you'd like to request me, and I can almost always provide a quick turnaround.