The Power of an Apology
Often, clients contact me because someone did them wrong. I listen to their story, and advise them on what I think their case is worth. After I explain the process, and what they could receive from a law suit in monetary damages, they often say, “and I want an apology, too!”
It is then that I explain to them that the legal system is designed to provide recoupment of monetary loss. There is no way to force someone to issue an apology.
Sometimes, the opposite scenario occurs, and my client calls me because they did someone wrong. I often suggest to them that they contact the other party and offer a sincere apology, and offer to cover any monetary loss. This is often the end of the matter, and the client does not need to go through the hassle of a law suit.
Because someone who has been wronged is often fully satisfied with an apology, it is usually the best first step. Just make sure that your apology is truly sincere, and that it is not an admission of wrong doing that can come back to haunt you.