Breach of Contract

Pennsylvania Breach of Contract Lawyer
 

Contracts establish legally enforceable obligations between individuals, businesses, and other parties. When one party fails to perform its contractual obligations, the resulting dispute can cause financial losses, disruption to a business, or other significant harm.
 

McGowan Legal LLC represents individuals and businesses involved in breach of contract disputes in Pittsburgh and throughout Western Pennsylvania, including contract negotiations, pre-litigation disputes, and civil litigation.
 

Breach of Contract Claims in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania
 

Contract disputes can arise from many different types of agreements, including:
 

• Business and commercial contracts

• Purchase and sale agreements

• Employment and independent contractor agreements

• Real estate agreements

• Construction contracts

• Service agreements

• Leases and rental agreements

• Settlement agreements

• Promissory notes and loan agreements

• Partnership and business agreements

A breach may occur when a party fails to perform a required obligation, refuses to make a required payment, delivers something materially different from what was promised, or otherwise fails to comply with the terms of an enforceable agreement.
 

What Must Be Proven in a Pennsylvania Breach of Contract Case?
 

The elements of a breach of contract claim depend on the circumstances, but a typical Pennsylvania breach of contract action generally requires consideration of:
 

1. Whether a valid and enforceable contract existed;

2. What obligations the contract imposed on each party;

3. Whether the defendant breached a contractual obligation; and

4. Whether the breach caused legally compensable damages.

The precise language of the agreement is often central to a contract dispute. Courts may also consider the parties' conduct, communications, amendments, and other evidence concerning the formation and performance of the agreement.

Common Contract Disputes
 

McGowan Legal LLC assists clients with disputes involving issues such as:
 
Failure to Pay
A party may breach a contract by failing to make payments when required. Disputes can involve unpaid invoices, loans, installment payments, commissions, or other contractual obligations.
 
Failure to Perform
A breach can also occur when a party fails to perform services or other obligations required by an agreement.
 
Disputes Over Contract Interpretation
Parties sometimes disagree about what a contractual provision means or how an agreement applies to a particular situation. Resolving these disputes may require examining the language of the contract together with the circumstances surrounding the agreement.
 
Anticipatory Breach
In some circumstances, a party may indicate before performance is due that it will not fulfill its contractual obligations. Whether such conduct constitutes an actionable breach depends on the particular facts and applicable Pennsylvania law.
 
Settlement and Release Agreements
Disputes can also arise concerning settlement agreements and releases. Because these agreements may resolve existing or potential claims, the precise language used can be particularly important.
 

Damages for Breach of Contract
 

Depending on the circumstances, a party injured by a breach of contract may be entitled to seek monetary damages or other relief available under Pennsylvania law.
 

Potential remedies may include:
 

• Compensation for financial losses caused by the breach

• Contractually specified damages where enforceable

• Interest

• Attorneys' fees where authorized by the contract or applicable law

• Specific performance in appropriate circumstances

• Other equitable or legal remedies
   

The availability and amount of damages depend on the contract, the nature of the breach, the resulting losses, and applicable Pennsylvania law.
 

Contract Disputes Involving Businesses
 

Contract disputes can be particularly disruptive for small businesses. An unpaid contract, failed transaction, disputed business agreement, or disagreement with a customer, vendor, contractor, or business partner can affect both cash flow and ongoing operations.
 

McGowan Legal LLC represents small businesses and individuals in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania in contract disputes and related civil litigation.
 

Resolving Contract Disputes
 

Not every breach of contract dispute needs to proceed to trial. Depending on the circumstances, a dispute may be resolved through negotiation, a demand for performance or payment, mediation, settlement, or litigation.
 

Before pursuing a particular remedy, it can be important to review the contract carefully, identify the alleged breach, evaluate available evidence, and determine whether the agreement contains provisions concerning notice, dispute resolution, attorneys' fees, venue, or other matters.
 

Pennsylvania Breach of Contract Attorney
 

McGowan Legal LLC represents clients in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and throughout Western Pennsylvania in breach of contract matters. Whether you are seeking to enforce an agreement or defending against an alleged breach, understanding the terms of the contract and the available legal remedies is an important first step.
 

Contact McGowan Legal LLC to discuss your Pennsylvania contract dispute and your available options.