Contracts are legally binding agreements that are commonly used in employment or business dealings. From employment non-compete clauses to real estate deals, there are a variety of contracts that a business can use to establish terms and conditions for the parties involved. But what happens when a contractual agreement isn’t respected?
When faced with a contract dispute, an experienced employment rights law firm can help you determine next steps in order to protect yourself. Based in Bellevue, the breach of contract lawyers at HKM Employment Attorneys are positioned to help local employees in Bellevue, Washington facing contract law disputes. Let our highly skilled, experienced lawyers offer advice and act as your advocate as you explore your legal options.
What Does a Breach of Contract Mean?
Breach of contract is when a party fails to meet a portion or the whole of an agreement without a valid legal excuse. A breach of contract dispute can arise when one party disagrees with certain terms of the agreement. A breach of contract attorney can help settle the dispute or prove a legal violation occurred.
In some instances, the contractual agreement includes clauses outlining how to handle potential breaches, but a poorly drafted agreement increases the chances of disputes occurring.
If the original contract doesn’t outline the consequences for a specific violation, the parties may explore other options. This includes drafting a new arrangement and attempting adjudication to address the issue. If these attempts fail, it may be in your best interest to file a lawsuit.
Examples of Breach of Contract
There are four types of contract breaches that legal professionals commonly see when counseling their clients. These include:
1. Minor breach
Also known as a partial breach, this occurs when one party fails to comply with a portion of a contract. When this happens, the jilted party can sue for damages. If this sounds like your situation, reach out to us today for an initial consultation.
2. Material breach
This is also known as a total breach because it impairs the entirety of the agreement. Some contractual agreements explicitly state which parts of a contract will be considered a material breach if neglected. For example, a contract can require an employee to meet certain sales goals or else the entire contract is considered breached. For these types of legal issues, an employment contract attorney will help you gather evidence to support your claim of a total breach.
3. Anticipatory breach
This breach occurs when one party realizes early on that the contract won’t be fulfilled as originally anticipated. An example is if you’re working on a construction project that’s scheduled to be completed at a specific date. But if there are delays in getting the blueprints or materials, then the entire project gets delayed. This is considered an anticipatory breach, as one or both parties can anticipate that the project won’t be completed by the original deadline.
4. Fundamental breach
The most common type of breach of contract case, a fundamental breach is when there is a failure to complete a contractual term that was essential to the agreement. If a party fails to complete the job or if the business owners fail to pay once the job is completed, then legal representation may be necessary to find a resolution for the issue.
What Kind of Lawyers Handle Breach of Contract?
The litigators at our Bellevue law office have significant experience with contractual disputes that lead to a settlement or lawsuit. We use that knowledge to provide reliable legal services for clients across a number of industries and practice areas.
If you believe you are a victim of a breach of contract, reach out to the employment lawyers at HKM Employment Attorneys today. We’ll provide you with the legal advice needed to guide you through the process.
How Do I Sue for Breach of Contract in Washington?
Your legal representative will walk you step-by-step through the process of suing for breach of contract. Written contract disputes in Washington have a six-year statute of limitations. With oral agreements violations, you have three years to file a lawsuit. Chapter 4.16 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) outlines these laws in detail.
Before determining whether a breach occurred, the court will consider the following questions:
- Did a valid contract exist?
- What was each party required to provide?
- Did any party modify the contract after its creation?
- Did the reported breach occur?
- Was it a material breach?
- What type of damage did the alleged breach cause?
- Does the accused party present a legal defense in response to the allegations?
Remedies for Breach of Contract
A remedy refers to the ruling a court makes in your favor if the other party is guilty of a breach of contract. A civil court may grant an injunction, which allows the non-compliant party enough time to either fulfill the contract or pay restitution. You could also receive compensation for any damages or losses caused by the breach.
Consult a Contract Breach Lawyer in Bellevue Today
If you’re looking for the best breach of contract lawyer in Bellevue, you’ll find them at HKM Employment Attorneys. We dedicate our skills, experience, passion, and desire for justice to ensuring our clients receive the support they need in court. Contact us today to get started with a consultation.