Sarasota Breach of Contract Lawyer
Contracts are essential to the construction industry. All construction projects rely on contracts between the client, the general contractor, subcontractors, suppliers, and more. Construction contracts outline the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of all parties involved. These documents help manage different projects and prevent disputes from arising. Unfortunately, not everyone always upholds their responsibilities outlined in contracts, resulting in a breach. For contractors, a breach of contract can cause real financial loss. It is possible for contractors to take legal action after a breach, but the process is not easy. Our Sarasota breach of contract lawyer explains in further detail below.
What Do Valid Contracts Include in Florida?
Before taking legal action for breach of contract, a valid and legally binding contract must be in place. In Florida, there are many elements that make a contract valid and they are as follows:
- An offer: In any contract, one party must present an offer to the other parties. For example, a contractor may offer to perform renovation work for a homeowner. They may offer to use certain techniques and materials, and provide that the project will be completed in a certain amount of time.
- An acceptance: Just as an offer must be made in a construction contract, it must also be accepted by the other parties.
- Consideration: All parties in a construction contract must bring something of value. For example, while a contractor may offer to perform certain renovation work for a homeowner, the homeowner would then agree to make payments according to an agreed-upon schedule for the work.
How Can Contractors Prove Breach of Contract?
When contractors believe a supplier, client, or other party has breached a contract, there are several elements they must prove. These are as follows:
- A contract was in place that was valid and legally binding.
- One or more parties did not fulfill their responsibilities outlined in the contract and so, they breached the agreement.
- The contractor incurred damages, or losses, due to the breach of contract.
Damages Available for a Breach of Contract
Again, to take legal action for a breach of contract, a contractor must have suffered damages, or losses. The damages can be recovered through a lawsuit. The damages available in these legal actions include:
- Compensatory damages for the losses sustained, such as damages for non-payment
- Consequential damages, which compensate contractors for any losses they sustained as an attempt to compensate for the breach
- Liquidated damages, which the parties have already agreed to in advance, typically using a clause within the contract
Depending on the type of contract, as well as the breach, contractors can recover all or some of the damages listed above.
Call Our Breach of Contract Lawyer in Sarasota Today
If you are a contractor and believe your rights have been violated, our Sarasota breach of contract lawyer can help. At The Cahall Law Firm, PLLC, our experienced attorney can help you file your claim and build the strong case you need to collect the full damages you are entitled to. Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need.
