Legal Guidance For Dallas-Fort Worth Businesses Breach Of Contract Claims

Contracts are an integral part of a company’s day-to-day business operations. When the other party to a contract causes a breach, not only does it interrupt business operations, it can threaten your bottom line. If your company is dealing with a business conflict or a breach of contract, our business litigators at Palmer Lehman Sandberg, PLLC, can protect your rights and best interests.

From our offices in Dallas, our breach of contract lawyers provide legal services to businesses of all sizes in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area and throughout Texas. Whether you are a decision-maker for a locally owned retail store chain or a national financial institution, we provide personalized guidance to help your company identify your business needs, goals and objectives. When a conflict arises, like a breach of contract claim, we will propose legal strategies that promote a cost-effective resolution and help you assess the risks and benefits involved in various options. We want to help you resolve your conflict as efficiently as possible.

Understanding The Importance Of An Enforceable Contract

Contracts are a significant part of business operations that, when drafted well, protect both parties. A well-written contract outlines each party’s responsibilities, providing much-needed structure and definition. The use of clear and transparent language prevents misinterpretation.

If a contract contains unclear or vague language, significant challenges arise when one party fails to live up to the written promises. It is important to protect your interests with a well-written and enforceable contract. However, even the most thoughtful partnership agreements or contracts can still be breached. When that happens, our business litigators have decades of experience and can help you work toward a resolution.

Common Breach Of Contract Scenarios

Even with a well-drafted contract or agreement, conflicts can still arise that result in a breach. Some of these scenarios can include:

• Failure to pay: When one party does not pay the other as agreed in the contract, this can be considered a breach.
• Failure to deliver goods or services: If a party fails to provide the goods or services specified in the contract, that constitutes a breach.
• Substandard performance: If a party provides goods or services that do not meet the contract’s standards, that can constitute a breach of the parties’ agreement.
• Violation of noncompete agreements: In employment law scenarios, an employee can violate their agreement not to compete with the other party.
• Breach of confidentiality: If a party discloses confidential information that was supposed to be kept secret, that can constitute a breach.

When one party breaches a contract, and that breach constitutes a material breach, the other party may have a breach of contract claim and may be able to sue for damages. Our business litigators have experience representing businesses with all types of breach of contract claims. Our lawyers can help you assess your situation, evaluate your potential claims and advise you on the best course of action.

Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions About A Contract Breach

At Palmer Lehman Sandberg, PLLC, we know that if you are experiencing a conflict over a contract, you probably have a lot of questions. In their many years of experience, our contract lawyers have compiled answers to questions they are most commonly asked. For answers about your specific scenario, our breach of contract lawyers are available by appointment for consultations.

What constitutes a material breach of a contract?

A material breach occurs when one party’s failure to perform a contractual obligation is so significant that it undermines the very purpose of the agreement. In other words, it is a serious violation that goes to the heart of the contract. It often involves a failure to perform an essential term of the agreement. If you face a situation where you believe the other party has materially breached your contract, it is important to consult with an experienced business law attorney to understand your legal options.

What if the other party has an excuse? Are there defenses to a breach of contract claim?

There are several reasons or excuses that the other party might give for breaching a contract. These are defenses that can be raised in response to a breach of contract claim. Common breach of contract defenses include:

• Impossibility of performance: The other party can claim that unforeseen circumstances made it impossible to fulfill the contract.
• Duress or fraud: The other party can claim that the contract was entered into under duress or based on fraudulent information.
• Lack of capacity: A breaching party can claim that one of the parties lacked the legal capacity to enter into the contract.

In addition, the other party can claim that there was a waiver and that the company alleging a breach waived their right to enforce the contract. Lastly, there are statutes of limitations for bringing a breach of contract claim. A possible defense to a breach of contract claim is to allege that the lawsuit was not filed in a timely matter. The specific defenses available will depend on the facts of your case.

How long does it take to resolve a breach of contract lawsuit?

The length of a breach of contract lawsuit will vary based on the facts of the case. These can include the complexity of the case and contract and the circumstances surrounding the alleged breach. The court’s schedule can also delay litigation. However, if the parties are willing to negotiate a settlement and attempt mediation, they may be able to resolve their case within a few months. More complex cases that proceed to trial can take a year or more. At Palmer Lehman Sandberg, PLLC, our business litigators will work diligently to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while protecting your interests.

Resolving Breaches Through Litigation Or Alternative Dispute Resolution

Some contract breaches can be resolved by negotiating with the breaching party and encouraging them to fulfill their promise. In other cases, violations are egregious and necessitate litigation, sometimes even requiring us to pursue attorney’s fees and exemplary or punitive damages.

No matter how complex your breach of contract scenario might be, we are committed to finding solutions through mediation or arbitration while preparing each case for trial. However, we do not shy away from the courtroom when our clients’ best interests need the level of protection that we can confidently provide.

The Palmer Lehman Sandberg, PLLC, Advantage

When you are dealing with a breach of contract, you need business law attorneys who not only understand the complexities involved in your case but aren’t afraid to go to court to protect your interests. At Palmer Lehman Sandberg, PLLC, our business lawyers provide strategic and tailored legal solutions designed to protect your interests. Our attorneys take the time to understand your business goals. Then, we craft a legal strategy designed to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation. We are committed to providing responsive and effective representation, whether through negotiation, mediation or in the courtroom. Our lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and resolve your contract disputes as efficiently as possible.

Consult A Dallas Breach Of Contract Lawyer

To schedule a consultation to discuss your potential breach of contract case further, call our firm at 214-242-6444. You can also schedule an appointment by sending us a message through our online form.

We offer convenient office hours, flexible appointment times and reasonable fees. Visa, Mastercard and Discover are accepted.