Breaking a contract is a serious matter. It can have far-reaching consequences, including financial losses. If at all possible, it’s essential to try to avoid any breach of contract and work things out amicably first.
When you sign a contract with someone, you are legally agreeing to specific terms. The contract may be signed by two or more parties and is legally binding. When you fail to comply with the terms of the agreement in a “substantial” way, you may be considered in breach of contract and according to business litigation rules, the other parties may sue you.
You may be held liable for monetary damages if you breach a contract. There are three different types of monetary damages: expected damages, reliance damages, and restitution damages. Collectively these are known as “compensatory damages.”
Expected damages pay the harmed party bringing them up to the level they would be if the breach hadn’t happened. Reliance damages pay them for expenses they incurred while fulfilling their end of the bargain. Finally, restitution pays the harmed party for any benefits the breaching individual enjoyed by breaking the contract.
Additionally, if you breach a contract, you may also be subject to incidental, consequential, and punitive damages.
The court may also order you to do something or refrain from doing something as part of resolving the contract breach.
During the contract process, all parties may agree to limit the damages and evaluate how risks will be dealt with. If a contract breach occurs, check the original agreement for any limitations. The court may also impose limitations during a lawsuit.
The judge may force the losing party to sell goods to compensate for the breach of contract. An example may be a building or piece of property that was purchased as part of the deal. In the event of a breach, the owner may be forced to sell it to free up financial assets to pay damages to the other parties.
Breaking a legal contract can ruin your reputation, and it could be difficult to regain respect with business associates and peers. Business owners especially have a lot to lose.
Dealing with a lawsuit can be stressful and affect your personal life, health, and family. Therefore, never sign a contract that you do not intend to fulfill.
Contact business litigation attorneys, Haber Law today if you need help drafting a contract with ample provisions for breaches or if you are dealing with a contract dispute. We are complex business litigation experts and want to help you resolve your issue.
In the world of high-end residential real estate, developers are constantly pushing the boundaries of…
The reading of a community association’s election results can be filled with mixed emotions ranging…
A well-drafted partnership agreement among law firm partners is often the initial step to long-term…
The leadership team at Haber Law today announced the promotion of long-time office administrator, Nilka…
Haber Law Equity Partner Roger Slade and Senior Associate Eddie Holiday prevailed in a two…
The developer of the planned Edition Residences in Miami’s Edgewater is on unforeseen footing after…