Business Contract Disputes: An Overview
A business contract is an agreement between two parties that is enforceable by law. Business contracts are vital legal documents that guide all transactions, from the sale and purchase of a business to its daily operations.
A contract dispute may occur for a myriad of reasons. Parties involved may dispute various definitions of terms in the contract, or there may be a dispute regarding the terms of offer and acceptance. The enforceability of a contract may come into question if it was signed under duress, or if it contains unconscionable terms. One party may claim that a breach of contract has occurred if the other fails to perform their duties as detailed in the contract.
A breach of contract can be categorized as either a material breach or a non-material breach. A material breach of contract involves violation of the fundamental terms of the contract. If one party commits a material breach of contract, the other party may end the agreement and pursue damages in court. A non-material breach of contract, or a minor breach, is less serious, and is usually not grounds for ending the agreement, though the offending party will pay damages if found guilty.
The court will look at various factors when determining whether a breach of contract is material or minor, including whether the breach was intentional and the impact that a material breach ruling would have on the offending party. A material breach of contract can result in huge losses for the breaching party.
Contact Business Litigation Experts at Byrnes, O’Hern & Heugle
If you are currently involved in a business contract dispute and are seeking guidance from a knowledgeable professional, contact our attorneys at Byrnes, O’Hern & Heugle. With years of experience guiding clients through commercial litigation, we will provide you with trustworthy, reliable advice. We can help you at any stage of your contract dispute, whether you are trying to avoid litigation or are working through it.
Contact us today for your free initial consultation.
