what kind of attorney do i need to sue for breach of contract

by Angelica Watsica IV 10 min read

If you intend to seek damages only from a breach of contract perspective, a general civil litigation lawyer or construction litigation lawyer would be well suited to the case; however, if the lines of causation are strong enough between the negligent work performed and your husband's death and your health problems, there might also be a strong personal injury component to this case as well.

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer for a breach of contract?

Feb 05, 2020 · The moment you sign a contract with someone, you are in fact entering into a business agreement with them. Thus, the most common type of lawyer used to sue a contractor is a business law attorney. There may be differences in the type of lawyer you need depending on the type of contractor you enter into an agreement with.

What kind of lawyer do I need to sue a contractor?

Dec 27, 2004 · Once the other party is notified, they can sue for breach of contract. A party has committed a minor breach. A minor breach of contract happens when a party fails to perform a small detail of the contract. In this case, the entire contract has not been violated and can still be substantially performed. This also comes up when there is a ...

Can I sue a contractor for breach of contract?

If, however, you were not a joint owner but only a cosigner of the loan, only someone authorized by the court to act on behalf of the estate can change title. It's not the bank's fault (that is, it is not a breach of contract by the bank) that no court proceeding has yet been commenced.

What should I do before filing a breach of contract claim?

Before you attempt to sue a person or business for breach of contract, educate yourself on contract law and be sure you understand what you have signed away. In order for a breach of contract case to be declared valid, it must follow a stringent set of guidelines. If you feel that the person with which you signed the contract is in breach ...

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How can you fight a breach of contract?

Be Prepared for RemedyDamages – Paying damages to the suing party in a breach of contract lawsuit is the most common remedy. ... Specific Performance – If payment does not remedy the situation, the non-breaching party may seek court-ordered performance of the contract, known as specific performance.More items...•Nov 13, 2020

What 3 elements must a breach of contract claim?

The basic breach of contract elements require you to prove:There was a valid contract;You performed your part of the contract;The defendant failed to perform their part of the contract; and.You sustained damages caused by the defendant's breach.Sep 30, 2021

What Are The Different Types of Breaches?

The following are different types of contract breaches: 1. Minor Breach: a minor breach occurs when one party “substantially performs,” or meets th...

What Is The Difference Between Oral v. Written Contract?

Contracts made only by spoken agreement may be legally enforceable. However, it is best to memorialize them in writing, especially if a legal remed...

What Remedies Are Available For A breached Contract?

There are several remedies for breach of contract: 1. Compensatory Damages: The most common legal remedy, compensatory damages are a monetary award...

What Should You Do in The Event of A Breach?

If there has been a breach of contract, your first step is to look at the contract to see if there is instructions as to what you should do in the...

Do I Need to Consult An Attorney?

Contract law can be complicated, and every state has different lawsuit filing procedures and deadlines for breach of contract claims.Speaking with...

What is breach of contract?

A breach of contract may occur when a party to a valid contract has failed to fulfill their side of the agreement. For instance, the terms of a contract are what guides the parties in what they must do and how they should do it in order to maintain their promise. If a party does not do what the contract instructs that they do, ...

What is legal remedy?

Legal remedies refer to monetary award damages, such as compensatory, nominal, and liquidated damages. In contrast, equitable remedies are issued by a court when a legal remedy will not sufficiently make up for the damage done. This includes remedies, such as specific performance, reformation, or rescission.

What is anticipatory breach?

Often referred to as anticipatory repudiation, this type of breach occurs when the breaching party tells the non-breaching party that they will not be fulfilling the terms of their contract. Once the other party is notified, they can sue for breach of contract. A party has committed a minor breach.

Can a buyer sue for breach of contract?

The buyer can then sue for breach of contract and collect compensatory (monetary) damages from the seller, or they might seek restitution for the missing merchandise instead. Other examples of damages might include expectation, reliance, consequential, and punitive damages.

What is mutual mistake?

Mutual Mistake: If the parties are mistaken about the purpose or terms of their agreement, then this can serve as a defense to breach of contract. Duress: If the other party forced the breaching party to sign the contract against their will, it is a defense and will invalidate the contract.

What is the doctrine of Unclean Hands?

Unclean Hands: Unclean hands or the “dirty hands” doctrine is typically raised in cases where both parties have committed a wrongdoing that led to a breach of contract. It is an equitable or affirmative defense that prevents the party bringing the lawsuit from collecting any damages because both are at fault.

Can a contract be breached?

Some other ways that a contract can be breached include when the contract is fraudulent, if the contract was formed illegally or is unconscionable, and when there is a mistake of fact present in the contract terms. The parties may also include conditions that are unique to their particular contract, which will specify when a party’s actions can be ...

What is a contract in a contract?

In order for an agreement to be considered a contract, one party must agree to give another something else in exchange for a promise. For example, let’s say that you’ve hired a web designer to prepare your website. In the contract, it should state that you will be paying the web designer “x” amount of money in exchange for a website. It is considered a contract because you’ve agreed to remit payment on the promise that the web designer will prepare your website.

What is capacity defense?

Capacity is another contract defense that will arise if one or both parties is mentally impaired, underage or otherwise exempt from the ability to make a contract. Any contract signed or initiated by someone who lacks capacity will be voided immediately. In order for capacity to come into play, the defendant must prove that he or she lacks capacity ...

What is breach of contract?

Breach of Contract Claim: Breach of contract refers to one party failing to follow through with their side of a contract. This may occur when the party has not delivered on their claims within an appropriate time frame, or when one party fails to perform at all. A contractor may found liable for breach of contract if they miss deadlines, do not begin the project, partially complete the project, or fail to utilize construction materials that were previously agreed upon in the contract. There are four main types of breach under the breach of contract umbrella: 1 Minor Breach: This occurs when a party fails to perform part of the contract, but does not violate the entire contract. This is sometimes referred to as an impartial breach; 2 Material Breach: This occurs when a breach is so substantial that it impairs the contract as a whole. In addition, the core purpose of the agreement must be rendered completely defeated by the breach. This is sometimes referred to as a total breach; 3 Fundamental Breach: This is essentially the same as a material breach. However, a fundamental breach is considered to be much more egregious than a material breach; or 4 Anticipatory Breach: An anticipatory breach is a breach that occurs when one party notifies the other that they will not be able to fulfill the terms of their contract. Anticipatory breach may also be referred to as anticipatory repudiation.

What are the different types of breach of contract?

There are four main types of breach under the breach of contract umbrella: Minor Breach: This occurs when a party fails to perform part of the contract, but does not violate the entire contract. This is sometimes referred to as an impartial breach;

What is contract fraud?

Fraud Claim: contract fraud occurs when one party knowingly makes a false claim, intending to trick or deceive the other party into signing the contract. A homeowner may sue a contractor for fraud if they told the homeowner that the completed project would look one way, but the result is vastly different.

Can you sue a contractor for breach of contract?

As can be seen, suing a contractor typically requires that you first prove there was a breach of contract, or at a minimum an agreement for services to be performed. Regardless of whether you have a written contract or not, suing a contractor is often a complicated and lengthy process. This is especially true since state laws vary.

What is a contract for a contractor?

When hiring a contractor, such as for home repairs, most homeowners and contractors sign a legal contract that specifies the terms of the arrangement. This includes the work that is to be completed, the amount that is to be paid for the work completed, and a time frame that sets a deadline for the when is to be completed.

Can a breach of contract claim be recovered?

Breach of contract claims generally allow a homeowner to recover damages such as a refund of payments made to the contractor. Alternatively, they may be able to refund the difference in costs for hiring a new contractor to complete the project.

What is a material breach?

Material Breach: This occurs when a breach is so substantial that it impairs the contract as a whole. In addition, the core purpose of the agreement must be rendered completely defeated by the breach. This is sometimes referred to as a total breach; Fundamental Breach: This is essentially the same as a material breach.

How much does it cost to file a small claims lawsuit?

You will also need to pay the filing fee, typically $100, or ask the court clerk for a waiver based on low income or public assistance.

What happens if you don't show up for a small claims court?

If you fail to show up, your claim will be dismissed. If the contractor fails to show up, you may win your case by default. If you find you cannot sue in small claims court, you can still sue in civil court, although it is more complicated and takes longer.

What happens if you sign a contract?

If you signed a contract, he can be in breach of that contract. If the construction work is defective or if he was fraudulent in some way, there can be a case for suing. If he just stopped working and disappeared, you would probably have a good case. In situations where there are construction defects, most states require a homeowner to give his ...

What information should be included in a contract?

The contract you signed should include the work information. Other information includes invoices, receipts, and canceled checks associated with the work performed. You also have to know the contractor’s legal name. It may be different from the individual name on the contract.

Does a contract contain arbitration?

As a third way to handle disputes, sometimes, a contract contains information on arbitration. This excludes going to trial and tries to settle disputes out of court. Some states offer arbitration and mediation services free or at a reduced rate.

What happens if you ignore the warning?

If you ignore this warning and convey confidential information in a private message or comment, there is no duty to keep that information confidential or forego representation adverse to your interests. You should seek the advice of a licensed attorney in the appropriate jurisdiction to fully discuss your case.

Can an attorney provide legal advice in Florida?

Attorneys can only offer legal advice for cases innvolving States in which they are licensed to practice or they would be committing the unauthorized practice of law. I am not licensed in either Florida or Virginia so I cannot provide you any legal advice. You should re-ask your Question and select Florida and Virgina. DISCLAIMER: This response should be considered general in nature, for information purposes only and should be used only as a starting point for addressing legal questions and issues. It is based on the limited information provided and, in some instances, makes certain assumptions. It is intended only for cases involving Nebraska and Nebraska law and is not applicable to any other state or jurisdiction. The author does not warrant the accuracy or validity of the information contained within this response, and hereby disclaims any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions. In addition, this response is not a substitute for professional legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor should it be considered a solicitation for additional legal advice or legal representation. If you ignore this warning and convey confidential information in a private message or comment, there is no duty to keep that information confidential or forego representation adverse to your interests. You should seek the advice of a licensed attorney in the appropriate jurisdiction to fully discuss your case. You should be aware that there are Statute of Limitations (the deadline imposed by law within which you may bring a lawsuit) as well as other requirements and/or limitations that limit the time you have to file any potential claims you may have. This response may be considered advertising in some jurisdictions under any and all applicable laws and ethical rules. The listing of any area of practice that the author practices in does not indicate any certification or expertise therein, nor does it represent that the quality of legal services to be performed would be greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. It is merely an indication by the author of areas of law in which he practices. The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. Readers are urged to make their own independent investigation and evaluation of any lawyer being considered.

Athina Karamanlis Powers

In the case of toxic mold you need to know that the SB 732 Toxic Mold Protection Act of 2001applies.#N#Case law in 2013 (Bowden v. Young), 2011 (Martinez), 2006 (Stovensky), 2009 (Johnson) are some of the cases that set perimeters in the issues of Toxic Mold Litigation..You really need to discuss the issue and your evidence with an attorney...

Sagar P. Parikh

If you were renting this condo, you would have claims for the breach of warranty of habitability, breach of the covenant of quiet enjoyment, negligence, and related actions. You may have claims against both your landlord and the HOA.#N#A full consultation would be necessary to properly advise you.

Christian K. Lassen II

Only a tiny handful of lawyers would want to get involved with this, so try a toxic torts type lawyer in your state. Avvo has the best lawyer finder tool to locate an attorney nearby.

Adam Jay Jaffe

Most any lawyer experienced in civil litigation can help. There are some plaintiff's attorney's that specialize in an area of law called, "Toxic Torts." They will be harder to find, but if you do a google search, you should be able to find some. When looking, do not limit your search to La Verne, but to all of LA County...

How to file a small claims lawsuit?

Small claims court deals with cases below $25,000 depending on the state. The process demands that you: 1 Gather all the evidence: Depending on your case, the required evidence will probably be your receipt, membership card, transaction details, photo and/or video of your injury, call and/or email records, etc. 2 File your case in a small claims court: Check with your nearest county court to see all the requirements including how to file, filing fees, and the process of serving your defendant. 3 Serve Lowe’s: Ensure you mail your papers to the right address and, if possible, obtain an acknowledgment of receipt from Lowe’s. 4 Prepare for your day in court: Be prepared to present your case and applicable evidence before the judge in a convincing manner.

What happened to Brenda McMullen?

In 2018, Brenda McMullen sustained physical and emotional injuries after stacked pavers fell on top of her while she was shopping at Lowe’s. She sued Lowe’s for damages and was awarded $13.14 million in compensation. This case shows that it is possible for consumers and employees to stand up against large corporations such as Lowe’s.

Edward Clement Sweeney

I am sorry for your loss. This may be a case if they breached the contract to provide you with a tin roof. It sounds like they did not do a complete job, An attorney experienced in this area would have to hire a mold expert and may have to hire medical experts if you try to relate your husband's death to the condition.

Brandon Alexander Robinson

If you intend to seek damages only from a breach of contract perspective, a general civil litigation lawyer or construction litigation lawyer would be well suited to the case; however, if the lines of causation are strong enough between the negligent work performed and your husband's death and your health problems, there might also be a strong personal injury component to this case as well.

Fred T Isquith

Any general litigator should do. Did you not need a specialist in real estate work. It wouldn't hurt if the water had some experience in the area. However, we cannot accept cases will make recommendations on this AV VO service

Ying Zhou

I am so sorry for your losses and sufferings. I have had clients who had similar issues with shoddy roofing work and have successfully sued the responsible parties in court.

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Construction

  • Contractors are typically hired by homeowners to fix, design, remodel or build part of their house. Unfortunately, projects do not always end up as anticipated by the homeowner. Most homeowners and contractors sign legal contracts that specify the work that will be completed, the amount that will be paid for the work, and a time frame that gives a deadline for when the work s…
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Issues

  • Lawsuits are filed against contractors in many situations. In some cases, a contractor may fail to follow the agreed upon contract. Contractors may miss deadlines or fail to perform all of the work required.
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Types

  • There are a number of different types of legal claims that homeowners can file against a contractor if they decide to move forward in filing a lawsuit. Common legal claims filed by homeowners in civil court against contractors include breach of contract, defective construction work, and construction fraud. The types of damages available to homeowners may vary by state.
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Risks

  • A breach of contract is a legal term that is used when one party does not follow through with their side of a contract. In most contractor and homeowner relationships, a written contract is involved in the transaction. If a contractor does not follow or fulfill their contract obligations, the contractor may have breached the contract. A contractor ...
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Effects

  • A breach of contract claim will typically allow a homeowner to recover damages. Damages may include a refund of payments made to the contractor, a refund of the difference in cost involved in hiring a new contractor to complete the project, the costs associated with the construction materials, and decreased market value of a house based on construction delays or incomplete …
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Summary

  • Fraud is a legal term that is used to describe misleading promises or misrepresentations made by a contractor to a homeowner. A homeowner may sue a contractor for fraud if they told a homeowner that the completed project would look a certain way, but in reality, the completed project had a different look altogether.
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Causes

  • Fraud can also occur if a contractor promises to only use certain, high-quality building materials, and then saves money by substituting those materials for less costly and lower quality materials. If a homeowner made a deposit to a contractor, and the contractor took the homeowners money without beginning the work, the homeowner may also file a claim of fraud against the contractor.
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Results

  • For the best outcome in your case, you should consider speaking with a property renovation lawyer who can help you file your case, discuss possible claims, and help you get awarded the correct amount in damages.
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