Clear, well-written contracts are the basis of the business world. A contract defines the rights and responsibilities of each of the parties. When adherence to the terms of legally valid contracts is required, it’s not uncommon for contract disputes to arise. The consequences can be severe and long-lasting if your business is involved in a contract dispute.
The attorneys at Jones Gregg Creehan Gerace have extensive experience representing parties involved in a wide range of contract disputes. When you work with us, we will work diligently to evaluate, interpret, and enforce your contractual rights. With decades of experience, our Pittsburgh contract dispute attorneys have a strong and thorough understanding of business procedures and practices. We’re prepared to advocate for your rights and interests. Contact the skilled contract attorneys at Jones Gregg Creehan Gerace to schedule a free case evaluation.
What Constitutes a Contract Dispute?
A contract dispute occurs when one or both parties fail to fulfill their obligations under a contract. In some cases, a party’s failure to uphold its obligation constitutes a breach of contract. The party who has been injured can pursue a breach of contract claim in a civil court. When there is an active dispute between two or more parties who signed a contract, and the dispute cannot be resolved out-of-court, a Pennsylvania judge will need to review the language of the contract and issue a ruling on whether the injured party has a right to financial damages and other remedies.
The Most Common Types of Contract Disputes
If you’re in the middle of a contract dispute or anticipate a dispute will arise, you’ll benefit from discussing your case with an attorney. The attorneys at Jones Gregg Creehan Gerace have extensive experience representing clients in various contract dispute cases. We have an in-depth understanding of Pennsylvania contract laws and use our legal knowledge and experience to advocate for clients in contract disputes involving the following:
- Business or partnership disputes
- Sale of a business
- Settlement agreements
- Non-competition agreements
- Intellectual property disputes
- Landlord/tenant disputes
- Real estate transaction
- Employment agreement disputes
Pittsburgh Breach of Contract Attorneys
Breach of contract disputes are among the most common types of business litigation. A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to uphold the duties, responsibilities, or obligations outlined in a written contract. For example, if an employee signs an employment contract with a non-compete agreement that limits their ability to work for a competitor during their employment. The employee provides a competitor with freelance work while under the employment contract.
In that case, the employee breached the obligations outlined in the contract’s non-compete clause. The other party would have grounds to pursue legal action against the employee through a breach of contract lawsuit. When a party breaches a contract, it can bring your business to a standstill. It’s important you have an experienced legal team on your side. The Jones Gregg Creehan Gerace attorneys are prepared to represent your best interests.
Material Misrepresentation Can Invalidate a Contract
Contracts are only valid when the parties involved give knowing and informed consent to the agreement. There must be a “meeting of the minds” between the parties. Misrepresentation involves a false statement. When one party to a contract misjudges its ability to deliver a good or service in a timely manner, it misrepresents a material aspect of the contract. Even when a party doesn’t intentionally misrepresent, a court may invalidate the contract. However, the misrepresentation must have been central to the contractual bargain.
How to Resolve a Contract Dispute
There are three main methods to resolve disputes over a contract and other contractual issues: mediation, arbitration, and litigation. Litigation is the most well-known outcome, and it involves bringing a legal claim or defending a legal claim in court in front of a judge. After both sides present their arguments, the judge or jury will make a legally enforceable decision. Litigation is time-consuming and costly, and many businesses will pursue alternative dispute practices to save time and money.
Mediation involves a neutral third-party mediator who leads the discussion between the two contesting parties. Mediation aims for the parties to arrive at a mutual solution together. In some cases, a contract will require the parties to pursue arbitration should a dispute arise. An arbitrator is a neutral third-party individual who carefully listens to each side’s evidence. The arbitrator will issue a binding decision. Generally, contracts prohibit individuals from appealing the decision.
Contract Dispute Litigators in Pittsburgh
In an ideal world, litigation would never be necessary. Unfortunately, negotiation and mediation efforts aren’t always successful. The attorneys at Jones Gregg Creehan Gerace always pursue the most beneficial, cost-effective solution in our client’s cases. When obtaining an out-of-court solution isn’t an option, our trial-ready attorneys are prepared to represent you in court. Business litigation may be the best strategy for your business to obtain the financial and legal closure it needs to move forward. We will continue negotiating with the adverse party during litigation for the best outcome possible while using our trial experience to litigate effectively in court.
How to Avoid Contract Disputes
One of the best ways to avoid a contract dispute is to ensure all parties agree before signing the contract. Worrying with an attorney who can draft a clear, legally valid contract can help prevent disputes in the future. For example, the language in the contract should clearly and precisely state the duties of all parties involved. Any trade terms or technical words should be clarified and defined. The attorneys at Jones Gregg Creehan Gerace are prepared to help you negotiate and draft effective contracts that protect your interests.
Discuss Your Contract Dispute Case with a Pittsburgh Attorney
Whether you need assistance drafting clear, precise, legally enforceable contracts for your business or you’re in a contract dispute, Jones Gregg Creehan Gerace is here to help. We’ve represented many Pittsburgh clients in resolving contract disputes cost-effectively. Contact Jones Gregg Creehan Gerace to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about how we can advocate for you.