Business relationships and contracts are the backbone of any company, but disputes can arise when parties do not honor agreements as they were intended. Whether it involves unpaid invoices, breaches of contract, partnership disagreements, or vendor conflicts, a dispute can seriously threaten the financial stability and reputation of your business.

A Richmond business and contract dispute lawyer could help you resolve these types of issues. Our skilled civil litigation attorneys at Ashwell & Ashwell, PLLC could work to protect your interests, negotiate effective resolutions, and pursue legal remedies when necessary.

Common Causes of a Contract Dispute

A dispute can arise any time one or both parties fail to follow their obligations under the terms of the agreement. Common reasons for contract disputes include:

  • Non-payment or late payment: One party fails to pay for goods or services as agreed
  • Failure to deliver goods or services: A vendor or contractor does not provide the product or complete the work on time
  • Defective or substandard performance: Services or goods are delivered but fail to meet contract specifications
  • Violation of non-compete or confidentiality clauses: One party improperly shares confidential information or competes in violation of the contract
  • Termination disputes: Disagreement arises over whether a party had the right to end the contract early
  • Lease or rental disputes: A tenant fails to pay rent, maintain the property, or vacate the premises as agreed

If your Richmond business is in disagreement with another party over contractual issues, a seasoned attorney from our office could help you resolve it effectively and efficiently.

What Damages Could You Receive in a Contract Lawsuit?

If you file and win a breach of contract lawsuit, you may be entitled to one of several remedies. The court may order the other party to perform their contractual obligation—legally known as specific performance—but this is relatively rare. If permitted by the court, you could also rescind the contract as if it never existed.

Monetary damages are the most common remedy. The goal is to put the non-breaching party in the position they would have been in if the contract been fully performed. Monetary damages can include compensatory damages to cover actual losses, such as unpaid invoices, lost profits, or costs incurred due to the breach. In addition, the injured party may receive consequential damages for indirect losses that were reasonably foreseeable at the time the contract was formed.

In some cases, liquidated damages can apply, which are pre-agreed amounts specified in the contract. Courts generally do not award damages that are speculative or punitive, focusing instead on financial compensation that directly results from the breach. Proper documentation of losses is crucial for recovery. A Richmond lawyer experienced in handling business contract disputes could gather the documentation needed to pursue maximum recovery.

How a Lawyer Could Help With Your Contract Dispute

As soon as you learn of a contract disagreement, it is crucial to consult with a Richmond attorney. Early involvement from a lawyer could help you address the problem and reach a resolution without the need for filing a lawsuit. Your attorney could negotiate with the other party, either directly or through mediation. At a minimum, a skilled lawyer could provide critical guidance on protecting your legal rights during the interim period before a lawsuit is filed.

If the case proceeds to trial, your lawyer could use the discovery process to gather evidence that supports your case. Following this, they could present your strongest legal arguments in court.

Contact a Richmond Attorney for Help With Business Contract Disagreements

If your business is facing a contract dispute or other commercial legal issue, you need to act quickly to protect your interests. Our experienced attorneys at Ashwell & Ashwell, PLLC could help you navigate complex agreements, resolve disputes efficiently, and pursue remedies such as damages or enforcement of contracts. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, we could work to safeguard your business and minimize your financial risk.

Contact us today to speak with a Richmond business and contract dispute lawyer and get professional guidance tailored to your situation.