How to recover gracefully when you have messed up
Avoid punishment
Can you be sued for your error?
1. Yes
Don't apologize until you talk to a lawyer. Sometimes an apology can be used in court as an admission of guilt.
2. No
Are you sorry? Yes .
Pr - em pt  punishment by offering your own penalty, compensation or a gift.
People more willingly accept apologies that come with something tangible.
3. Accidental
Don't fake anguish - just own up to the error. If the other person senses that you are not being sincere, he or she will be more likely to want to punish you.