Corpus Christi Commercial Contract Dispute Attorneys

Breach of Contract Lawyers in Corpus Christi, TX

A breach of contract can inflict significant harm on your business, jeopardizing its financial health and long-term sustainability. Whether it's the failure of a supplier to deliver commodities as promised, a client not fulfilling their payment obligations, or a partner not adhering to the agreed terms, each instance not only disrupts your operations but also erodes trust and can tarnish your business reputation. The ripple effects of such breaches can be far-reaching, which is why it is in your best interest to enforce your rights when another party fails to live up to the terms of a commercial contract.

At Hilliard Law, our Corpus Christi commercial contract dispute lawyers fight for the results our clients deserve. We pride ourselves on our unwavering commitment to our clients, providing personalized service and proactive communication throughout the legal process. No matter the complexity of your conflict, our team is well-versed in the intricacies of contract law and understands how to effectively advocate for you in and out of the courtroom. 

Our track record speaks for itself, so if you have become involved in any type of commercial contract dispute, we encourage you to call (361) 882-1612 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation.

Understanding How Commercial Contracts Work

A commercial contract is a legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties, where each party assumes certain obligations concerning a commercial transaction. These contracts can encompass a wide variety of situations, including the sale of goods or services, real estate transactions, employment contracts, and lease agreements, among others. They serve as the backbone of any commercial relationship, setting out the terms and conditions of the transaction and providing an unambiguous framework for the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of each party involved.

Commercial contracts are carefully structured and drafted to ensure clarity and protect the interests of all parties. The specific terms of the contract generally detail the obligations of each party, the goods or services to be exchanged, the pricing or payment terms, and the procedure for dispute resolution. These contracts may also include clauses related to confidentiality, termination rights, and remedies for breach.

Diligent drafting and reviewing of contracts before executing them play a pivotal role in proactively avoiding potential breaches and disputes. A well-drafted contract outlines the scope of work, delivery timelines, payment terms, and other key details, thus minimizing the risk of misunderstandings that could lead to disputes. Additionally, a thorough review of the contract allows parties to identify and negotiate on potential gray areas before entering into the agreement. 

Still, it is not always possible to anticipate and avoid breaches of contract. When the unexpected occurs, our Corpus Christi commercial dispute attorneys are here to provide tenacious advocacy. 

What Is Considered a Breach of Contract?

A breach of contract, in its simplest terms, constitutes a failure to fulfill the terms and obligations outlined within a contract. There are several different types of breaches, each with its own legal implications. The nature of the breach can significantly influence the course of legal action and possible remedies.

Our litigation team at Hilliard Law can help you understand and explore your legal options if you have suffered harm due to any of the following types of breaches of contract:

• Material breach. A material breach occurs when a party fails to perform a significant aspect of the contract, rendering the agreement's fundamental purpose unfulfilled. In such instances, the aggrieved party is typically released from its obligations under the contract and is entitled to seek damages for the loss suffered due to this breach.
• Partial breach. Also known as an “immaterial breach,” this happens when a party fails to fulfill a minor term of the contract – one that doesn't necessarily affect the contract's overall execution. In a partial breach, the non-breaching party is generally still required to perform their contractual duties, but they may typically seek damages equivalent to the impact of the minor breach.
• Anticipatory breach. An anticipatory breach arises when one party communicates, either through words or actions, their intention not to fulfill their contractual obligations even before the performance is due. The aggrieved party can treat the contract as breached and seek remedies even before a material, partial, or actual breach has occurred.
• Actual breach. An actual breach occurs when a party outright refuses to perform their part of the agreement or fails to do so by the time performance is due. This usually allows the non-breaching party to pursue legal remedies immediately.

What Constitutes Contract Fraud?

When you enter into a contract with another person or entity, you assume you negotiated and agreed to its terms in good faith. “Contract fraud” may occur when a party to a contract misrepresents important facts, intentionally deceives the other party, or acts in bad faith, which subsequently influences the other party's decision to enter into the contract. Essentially, contract fraud undermines the very foundation of trust and honesty, which are integral to any binding agreement.

There are several different types of contract fraud, including:

• Fraudulent misrepresentation. Fraudulent misrepresentation involves one party making false statements about essential facts or terms of the contract with the intention to deceive or mislead the other party. These statements aren't just innocent or minor inaccuracies but deliberate falsehoods that significantly impact the agreement. The misled party, believing these false or misleading statements to be true, can enter into the contract only to suffer losses or damages later.
• Nondisclosure. Also known as concealment, this occurs when a party deliberately withholds crucial information that the other party should rightfully know before signing a contract. Nondisclosure isn't always easy to recognize, as it involves the absence of information rather than the presence of false information. However, the implications can be just as damaging considering the misled party enters the contract without full knowledge of the conditions or the other party’s ability to perform the terms.
• Fraudulent inducement. This involves a party being tricked into signing a contract that they wouldn't have agreed to if not for the deceitful tactics employed by the other party. The deceit can take many forms, including manipulation, coercion, or the use of undue influence.

When any form of contract fraud can be proven, the contract can be declared void, and the aggrieved party can seek legal remedies. If you think you or your organization may be a victim of contract fraud, our Corpus Christi commercial contract dispute lawyers can evaluate your circumstances and walk you through your legal options.

Discuss your breach of contract case today by calling (361) 882-1612 or contacting us online!