Courts in the United Stated work rigorously to preserve the equality of both parties involved in litigation. Preliminary injunctions help ensure the plaintiff has a fair day in court, and preliminary injunction bonds do the same for the defendants. Think of them as two sides of the same coin – equally important for the administration of justice.
What is a Preliminary Injunction Hearing?
In the simplest terms possible, injunctions work like court orders requiring someone to start or stop doing something immediately. When it comes to preliminary injunctions, they’re issued at the start of a lawsuit and stay in effect for the duration of the proceedings. The judge will convene a preliminary injunction hearing where the plaintiff’s counsel will argue why an injunction should apply to the defendant. Counsel must prove there are no other options besides the injunction, that vital harm will happen without the injunction, and that the plaintiff has a compelling case. For example, at the conclusion of a hearing a judge might issue a preliminary injunction forcing a company (the defendant) to stop producing or selling a product the plaintiff believes is dangerous.
What is a Preliminary Injunction Bond?
Judges take a risk when they grant an injunction. Whenever the courts compel an enterprise or individual to do something against their wishes, it harms their rights and economic opportunities. Therefore, judges issue injunctions cautiously and take steps to discourage plaintiffs from requesting frivolous injunctions – namely by using preliminary injunction bonds. Here’s how they work: a plaintiff obtains a preliminary injunction bond before the judge agrees to proceed with the hearing. Then, if the judge declines to grant the injunction, the defendant is allowed to file a claim against the bond seeking compensation for their court fees, associated costs, and sustained damages. Since bonds hold the plaintiff financially responsible for unsuccessful injunctions, they help preserve the integrity of the process and keep the courts running efficiently.
What is the Purpose of a Preliminary Injunction Bond?
The surety bond requirement exists to discourage unmerited injunctions. A preliminary injunction bond, a type of court bond exists to help defendants recover from the financial consequences of fighting an injunction – which can be substantial. To understand how the liability and payment process works, it helps to examine the three parties involved in the preliminary injunction bond agreement:
- Principal – The bond holder, most likely the plaintiff. The principal pays to obtain the bond and pays for any claims filed against the bond. This party has the final financial responsibility for any failed injunctions.
- Obligee – The bond beneficiary, most likely the defendant. If a judge refuses to grant an injunction, the obligee may file a claim against the bond seeking compensation. Payment is guaranteed for all valid claims.
- Surety – The bond company, meaning whoever issues the bond. The surety agrees to pay for any valid claims if the principal refuses to pay. Afterwards, the surety can collect that same amount from the principal along with interest and fees. The longer the principal delays payment, the more he ultimately pays.
Who Needs a Preliminary Injunction Bond?
Almost everyone seeking a preliminary injunction needs to secure a bond before the hearing proceeds. The judge will make it clear if you need a bond, in what amount, and according to what terms. At that point, everything stands on hold until you secure the bond, so make that your immediate priority. Seek out a surety bond company who works in your state, issues preliminary injunction bonds, and has the resources to meet all the court’s requirements. Be sure to balance the need to get a bond quickly with the need for a top surety company partner like Viking Bond Service.
How to Acquire a Preliminary Injunction Bond?
As long as you have the right bond partner, it’s a relatively simple process to obtain a surety bond. You will need to submit a standard surety bond application, which asks about your background, finances, and business interests. You will also need to submit a copy of the motion/compliant, submit to a credit check, and possibly provide a financial statement and collateral agreement. Considering how complex and unpredictable the injunction process can be, bond companies must do extensive underwriting to evaluate their risk. As part of that evaluation, you may need to supply additional documentation or meet specific requirements
How Much Does Preliminary Injunction Bond Cost?
The courts determine how much coverage the bond must provide – meaning the total amount the surety company agrees to pay out in claims – based on state statutes. The actual surety bond cost is a small fraction of that total, usually around 5% depending on the applicant’s credit worthiness. However, some preliminary injunction bonds require the applicant to stake collateral equal to all or some of the bond’s value – in which case the premiums cost only around 1% of the value.
Take the Next Steps With Viking Bond Service
You don’t want to wait to get a bond or pick the wrong company. Instead of picking one priority over the other, contact Viking Bond Service first. Our team is here to explain the ins and outs of your bond agreement, and to get you a premium quote as quickly as possible. Whether you need to get information, ask questions, or complete an application, access everything online through Viking Bond Service.
