Employment contracts are used to ensure that all parties involved will uphold their end of the agreement within the contract. Usually, employment contracts are upheld. However, sometimes one or more parties are unable or unwilling to keep their end of the deal. When an employment contract has not been upheld by one or more parties, a breach of contract is said to have occurred. The party that violated a clause within this legally binding contract can then be held liable for damages in civil court. When a party is unable to follow through with the contract for whatever reason, they may be granted an injunction to pay restitution or to perform their mandated responsibilities. Employees may feel like they have nowhere to turn when their employer breaches their contract, but you have rights, and an attorney can help you enforce those rights to financial compensation.

Statute of Limitations for Breach of Contract

Under 42 Pa.C.S.A. §5525(a), there is a four-year statute of limitations for breach of contract lawsuits. However, if both parties agreed in the contract for a shorter period of statute of limitations, the time you have to file a lawsuit may be less than four years. Often, an employee does not want to go through the hassle of filing a lawsuit and hopes that the breach of contract will somehow resolve itself or the employer will make good on their word. Months can quickly turn to years, which is why it is best to get on top of any breach of contract early on.

Minor Breach of Contract

A minor breach of contract is referred to as an immaterial or partial breach, and this occurs when one party has met the stipulations for the contract, but there are minor differences with the performance and what the contract demanded.

Fundamental Breach of Contract

When one party completely undermines the contract, a fundamental breach has occurred. This is the most serious type of breach of contract, and the other party is left with no other option but to terminate the agreement.

Material Breach of Contract

A material breach occurs when one party fails to perform a duty within the contract. The aggrieved party may file a lawsuit to require the other party to carry through with their obligation, or they may sue for damages.

Did a Breach Occur?

In order for an employment breach of contract to have occurred, the following questions must be answered according to the American Bar Association:

  • Was a contract formed?
  • If a contract was formed, what are the terms?
  • Did a duty of performance arise?
  • Are there any defenses to enforcement?
  • Was the contract breached?
  • If the contract was breached, what is the appropriate remedy?

A Pennsylvania Employment Attorney Can Help

If you have suffered damages due to your employer’s breach of your employment contract, you have the right to be compensated for your damages or to obligate your employer to follow through on their promise. Call the Pennsylvania breach of contract attorneys of HKM Employment Attorneys today.

PITTSBURGH EMPLOYMENT LAW ATTORNEYS

HKM Employment Attorneys LLP

220 Grant Street
Suite 401
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: 412-308-9716

PITTSBURGH PRACTICE AREAS

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Kim S profile picture
Kim S
July 12, 2026
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Quite pricey, but if you can afford their help, don't hesitate to contact this firm! Stephanie was very prompt and thorough in her communications! In the past, I've interacted with lawyers who don't respond for days, and make you feel like they are too busy to be bothered, but Stephanie gets back to you within a few hours! She knows her stuff, too and explains things in a way that doesn't coerce you into a decision. She was very helpful with handling an employment matter and in the end, the outcomes were what I was hoping to happen!
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Torin Morgan
July 7, 2026
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I had an excellent experience working with HKM Employment Attorneys, and especially with Stephanie Soloman. She was an absolute pleasure to work with from start to finish — knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely invested in my case. She was always quick to respond to emails and phone calls, which made the whole process so much less stressful. Throughout the entire process, she made me feel safe, secure, and well taken care of. I never felt like just another file on her desk; she took the time to explain things clearly and kept me informed every step of the way. I'd highly recommend Stephanie and the team at HKM to anyone in need of employment law guidance.
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Ray Mathews
June 27, 2026
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Stephanie Solomon provided exceptional guidance and representation throughout my ADA claim. From our first conversation, she was knowledgeable, thoughtful, and refreshingly candid about the strengths and challenges of my case. She took the time to answer every question, kept me informed throughout the process, and consistently treated me with respect and professionalism. I especially appreciated that she never overpromised or told me only what I wanted to hear—her advice was always honest, practical, and clearly focused on achieving the best possible outcome. I am sincerely grateful for her skill, integrity, and dedication, and I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone seeking an attorney who is both highly capable and genuinely committed to her clients.
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Rob Taylor
May 8, 2026
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My experience with HKM. I contacted HKM shortly after termination and I was connected with a great lawyer Stephanie. She helped me navigate the legality of my claim, did all the filings for me and handled all communication. As things played out I was given honest representation and she helped me understand exactly what was infront of me. I was always met with the reality of the law in a compassionate way. I never had issues getting a response to calls or emails and no matter how stressful this can be at times my lawyer was always professional and kind. While I would hope no one would have to go through this if you do find yourself in a employment dispute I would recommend HKM 100% just remember this is long a process, nothing happens over night but if you trust them to do their jobs which they are the experts at the experience regardless of outcome will be positive.-RT
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Kayleigh Henry
May 1, 2026
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I have nothing but amazing things to say about HKM and especially Stephanie Solomon. She is truly one of a kind! She was professional, very thorough, and helped me so much during an emotional time. 100000/10 recommend!
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June Porter
March 17, 2026
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I STRONGLY recommend this law firm.
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kristina estrada
February 27, 2026
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I had an excellent experience working with HKM and Stephanie Solomon. She was professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and truly supportive. I felt thoroughly supported and informed throughout the entire process, and Stephanie was a strong, trustworthy advocate every step of the way. The HKM team was organized and professional, making everything seamless. I highly recommend Stephanie Solomon and HKM.
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Terri Marcs
November 13, 2025
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Navigating a challenging financial situation is never easy but working with Stephanie Solomon from HKM made all the difference. Stephanie supported me through a difficult time as I worked to recoup funds, and her approach was nothing short of exceptional. She was consistently responsive, quick to act, clear in her communication, and always one step ahead of the opposing counsel. Stephanie demonstrated the kind of tenacity and strategic toughness that the situation demanded, yet she balanced it with a refreshing sense of humor that made even the most stressful moments manageable. Her professionalism, empathy, and effectiveness turned a daunting process into a collaborative and ultimately successful experience. I’m deeply grateful for her support and would recommend her without hesitation to anyone seeking a strong advocate and trusted partner.
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Paula Morrison
September 10, 2025
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If you find yourself in need of an employment attorney, I highly recommend that you contact HKM and in particular, Stephanie Solomon. She’s a very competent, nonjudgemental, and dedicated attorney. My husband and I are more than grateful for her expertise and professionalism with his case and the outcome.
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Jackie W.
August 28, 2025
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I recently consulted with attorney Stephanie Solomon at HKM regarding an employment matter, and I was thoroughly impressed with the level of professionalism and expertise provided. She took the time to clearly explain my options and provided strategic guidance that gave me the clarity I needed to move forward confidently. Her ability to break down complex legal concepts into understandable terms was invaluable. I would highly recommend HKM for anyone seeking knowledgeable and professional legal counsel.
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Amy Efantis
August 4, 2025
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I consulted with HKM (Stephanie) on an employment matter. Her thoughtful & constructive counsel was enormously helpful. She discussed the issue from a number of different angles & asked pointed questions that helped me to discern next steps. I enthusiastically endorse this practice.
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S P
June 9, 2025
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Stephanie Solomon and HKM were a tremendous source of support during an incredibly challenging time in my professional life. Their expertise, responsiveness, and steady guidance helped me navigate a situation that had felt overwhelming and uncertain. Stephanie brought clarity and calm to the process, which made a world of difference. I’m grateful for her professionalism and would highly recommend working with her and the HKM team.