Houston Breach of Contract Litigation Attorney

Contracts are the backbone of any business relationship, but when one side doesn’t hold up their end, it can lead to costly issues. Whether it’s a vendor failing to deliver goods, a partner not meeting agreed-upon terms, or a contractor leaving a project incomplete, a breach of contract can disrupt your plans and even threaten your livelihood. Sometimes, despite efforts to resolve the issue, taking the dispute to court becomes the only way to protect your rights and recover what’s owed. 

At Fahl & Donaldson, we understand how disruptive contract disputes can be, especially when they affect your business or personal finances. With decades of experience, we’ve helped clients across Texas handle these tough situations, bringing knowledge, determination, and a trial-ready approach to every case. Our team works closely with you to get a clear picture of your goals and create a strategy that works for you, whether it’s negotiating a settlement or fighting for your rights in court. When it feels like everything is on the line, we’re here to stand by your side and help you move forward.

What Constitutes Breach of Contract in Texas?

Someone breaches their contract when they fail to fulfill their obligations outlined in the legally binding document. In Texas, a valid contract must contain an offer by one of the parties, an acceptance by the other, a meeting of both parties about the contract’s terms, consent to the agreement, and a plan to deliver the agreement’s terms. 

The Texas Court of Appeals Case of Frost National Bank v. Burge explains that the four required elements of a breach of contract claim include:

• A valid contract: Whether the contract is written, verbal, or implied, it must meet the above qualities of a valid contract.
• Plaintiff fulfilled obligations: The part claiming the breach of contract must have fulfilled their end of the agreement or have a valid excuse for not performing their part.
• Defendant failed to perform: The other party did not fulfill their contractual obligations, whether they refused to perform them, performed them inadequately, or failed to act at all.
• Breach resulted in damages: The breach of contract caused measurable harm, like financial losses or disruptions to operations.

With the help of our knowledgeable lawyers, you can better understand if your claim fulfills these elements and your legal options to recover the compensation you deserve. We understand the high stakes in breach of contract claims and will fiercely advocate for your business’s best interests.

What Damages Can You Recover for Breach of Contract?

A breach of contract can be frustrating and also lead to significant financial loss, delays, and operational disruptions. Filing a breach contract claim allows you to pursue compensation for your losses, which, depending on your unique circumstances, may include the following:

Compensatory

Compensatory damages aim to make you whole and return your business to the financial position it would have been in if the contract had been fulfilled. These damages often include lost profits, the cost of covering the goods or services, and repair or replacement costs. We calculate these damages by assessing your past, present, and future losses to give you the best chance of maximum compensation for the harm the breach caused.

Consequential

Consequential damages are indirect losses caused by a party’s breach of contract. To recover these damages, you must have anticipated them due to a breach, the breach must have directly caused the damages, and you must mitigate the damages by taking steps to minimize loss. Common consequential damages include loss of profits from other contracts dependent on the breached contract, loss of reputation, and expenses to remedy the breach.

Incidental

Unlike compensatory and consequential damages, which reimburse specific financial losses, incidental damages compensate the non-breaching party for expenses directly related to the breach. These may include the cost of returning or disposing of goods, operation disruption, and legal fees. 

Nominal

You may seek nominal damages if you suffered a breach of contract but do face substantial damages. These damages help recognize that a violation occurred, maintain the integrity of contracts, and establish a record of the breach for future use.

Common Types of Contract Disputes

At Fahl & Donaldson, we help clients navigate a range of contract disputes, recognizing that each situation is unique and requires a tailored approach. The following are some of the common types of contract disputes we handle:

Breach of Construction Contracts

Construction projects involve multiple parties, making clear agreements crucial for success. Disputes often arise when there are delays, substandard work, or deviations from project specifications. We work closely with our clients to resolve these conflicts, protect their investments, and pursue fair compensation for any financial losses.

Insurance Contract Disputes

When an insurance provider fails to uphold its obligations under a policy, it can leave individuals or businesses in a vulnerable position. We help our clients address issues such as denied claims, delayed payments, or disagreements over coverage terms, ensuring that insurance companies meet their contractual duties.

Commercial Lease Disputes

Leases are critical to many business operations, especially in the commercial sector. Conflicts can emerge over rent adjustments, maintenance responsibilities, or lease renewal terms. Our team assists clients in enforcing or challenging lease terms to protect their business interests and maintain operational stability.

Service Agreement Breaches

Service agreements outline essential terms for any professional relationship, from consulting and design services to maintenance and support. When one party fails to perform or delivers unsatisfactory results, it can disrupt plans and impact profitability. We represent clients in disputes involving unmet service expectations, delayed timelines, and non-payment issues.

Vendor and Supplier Disputes

Reliable vendor and supplier relationships are crucial for maintaining a seamless supply chain. Disputes often involve late deliveries, defective goods, or changes to agreed terms. We assist clients in holding vendors accountable for their obligations, protecting the integrity of their business operations.

Non-Compete and Confidentiality Agreements

Non-compete and confidentiality agreements safeguard businesses from potential losses related to competition and intellectual property misuse. Disputes can occur if an employee or former partner violates these terms, jeopardizing business assets or client relationships. We help clients pursue legal remedies to enforce these agreements and prevent further harm.

Legal Remedies for a Breach of Contract in Texas

When a contract is breached in Texas, the non-breaching party has several legal options to pursue fair remedies. Texas law provides a range of remedies, depending on the nature of the breach and the terms of the contract. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you may be eligible for the following damages:

• Compensatory Damages: Compensatory damages are intended to cover actual losses caused by the breach, placing the non-breaching party in the position they would have been in if the contract had been honored.
• Liquidated Damages: Some contracts include liquidated damages clauses that set a predetermined amount of compensation. Texas courts generally enforce these if they are reasonable and not punitive.
• Specific Performance: For unique assets, such as real estate, a court may order specific performance, requiring the breaching party to fulfill their contractual obligations when monetary compensation is insufficient.
• Rescission: Rescission allows the non-breaching party to cancel the contract and return to their pre-contract position. This remedy is used when the contract is fundamentally undermined.
• Restitution: Restitution requires the breaching party to return any benefits received, ensuring they do not profit from their failure to uphold the contract.
• Punitive Damages: In exceptional cases involving fraud, malice, or gross negligence, Texas courts may award punitive damages to punish and deter wrongful conduct, though this is rare in contract cases.

Understanding which remedy is most appropriate for a breach of contract case depends on the specific details of the agreement and the impact of the breach. At Fahl & Donaldson, we help clients assess their options and pursue the remedies that best address their losses and protect their interests.

Why Hire a Houston Breach of Contract Lawyer?

The financial and legal fallout of a breach of contract can be overwhelming, so it is essential to have an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer’s help to navigate Texas law and the complex legal process. At Fahl & Donaldson, we can save you time and money by enforcing agreements, recovering damages, and protecting your business’s best interests.

With this commitment to excellence and unwavering support, we can make a difference in your breach of contract claim in the following ways:

Real Trial Experience

Our seasoned lawyers have over 100 years of combined trial experience with all types of complex business litigation, including breach of contract cases. While we understand you want your case settled as quickly as possible, we are prepared to present your case to a judge and jury if necessary.

Agile Representation

With breach of contract cases, bigger law firms are not always better. They often leave you uncertain about the details of your claim and don’t give your high-stakes situation the attention it deserves. Unlike these big law firms, Fahl & Donaldson remains flexible and agile every step of the way, providing personalized service and clear communication, so you can make the best decisions for your business.

Comprehensive Services

We understand the toll a breach of contract can have on your business, so we provide comprehensive services that take your legal burdens off your plate. This way, you can focus on your business with peace of mind that your claim is in the right hands.

Why Choose Fahl & Donaldson For Your Breach of Contract Case? 

Contract disputes can be challenging, especially when they threaten your business or personal finances. At Fahl & Donaldson, we understand how critical these issues are, and our goal is to provide you with skilled, effective representation that upholds your rights and interests. With our deep knowledge of Texas contract law and years of litigation experience, we are committed to helping our clients find the most effective path to resolution.

When you work with us, you can trust that we’ll advocate for you every step of the way, focusing on strategies that align with your goals and protect your long-term interests. If you’re dealing with a breach of contract, don’t navigate it alone – reach out to Fahl & Donaldson for a clear, practical approach to resolving your dispute. Contact us today at (346) 241-7355 or through our contact form.