Business litigation can be broadly defined as the legal processes for resolving disputes involving a business, and may include lawsuits, arbitration, mediation, and administrative law proceedings. These business disputes may involve customers, vendors, other businesses, members of the public, insurance companies, or state and federal government agencies.
In Hawaii, business litigation encompasses a variety of legal disputes that businesses may encounter. This includes conflicts with customers, suppliers, other businesses, the public, insurers, and government entities. The resolution of these disputes can occur through several avenues such as lawsuits in state or federal courts, arbitration (a private dispute resolution process where an arbitrator makes a binding decision), mediation (a facilitated negotiation process aimed at reaching a voluntary settlement), and administrative law proceedings (which involve disputes with government agencies and are resolved before administrative bodies). Hawaii's state statutes and the Hawaii Rules of Civil Procedure govern the conduct of lawsuits in state courts, while federal laws and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure apply to cases in federal courts. Businesses in Hawaii may also be subject to specific regulations and statutes that pertain to their industry, which can affect how litigation is handled. It is important for businesses to consult with an attorney to navigate these complex legal processes effectively and to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.