Case studies, legal analysis, and advocacy tracking how small businesses fare in the American court system — from pandemic contract disputes to default judgments.
A Kalamazoo wedding venue operator followed the governor's shutdown orders. The couples who broke those orders then sued. The courts sided with the couples — never considering that the company was simultaneously coordinating rehearsals, ceremonies, receptions, and more for over 110 clients who chose to stay.
A three-day calendaring error cost a Kalamazoo business $11,548 — and the right to defend itself on the merits. The plaintiff never signed the contract. Never made a payment. But the court called itself "a stickler" and refused to consider the defenses.
During the pandemic, one Kalamazoo company managed 125 active clients — each requiring 2-4 separately planned events including rehearsals, ceremonies, and receptions — totaling 400+ events per year. It offered 100% rescheduling at its own expense. The 15 who refused sued. The media reported "$78K in 10 lawsuits" — never mentioning the hundreds of events delivered.
We document cases where small businesses face systemic disadvantages in the legal system. If you have a story, we want to hear it.
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