Common Legal Remedies for Breach of Contract (2024)

Business contracts are vital for doing business. A business contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties outlining the terms and conditions under which they will do business. Contracts help each party understand their rights and obligations. Some common types of business contracts include sale contracts, partnership agreements, service contracts, employment contracts, lease agreements, and joint venture agreements. In an ideal business world, all the parties to a business contract would do what is expected of them, and there would be no problems. However, the reality is that parties to a business contract sometimes do not do what is expected of them. In the legal world, this is called a “breach.” When a breach of contract occurs, the non-breaching party can seek legal remedies to address the harm or losses suffered as a result of the breach. The specific remedies available depend on various factors, such as the terms of the contract, the nature of the breach, and the applicable laws. That said, below are some of the common legal remedies for breach of contract.

Damages

The most common remedies people seek after a breach of contract are damages. After a party breaches the terms and conditions of a business contract, the non-breaching party may be entitled to monetary compensation to cover the harm or losses suffered because of the breach. There are several types of damages that can be awarded in a breach of contract case, including the following;

  • Compensatory damages: The damages put the ‘innocent’ party back to the position they would have been in had the breach not occurred. They compensate for actual economic losses suffered as a result of the breach.
  • Punitive damages: These damages are awarded to punish the breaching party for egregious or harmful conduct. However, these damages are rarely awarded in breach of contract cases.
  • Liquidated damages: These damages are expressly provided for in the contract in the event of a breach.
  • Nominal damages: This is a small amount of money awarded to the non-breaching party when no substantial loss has been suffered.

Specific Performance

Specific performance may be a legal remedy in some situations. This legal remedy is often available in cases where monetary compensation is insufficient and the subject matter of the contract is unique. With this remedy, the court orders the breaching party to fulfill its contractual obligations as specified in the contract.

Injunction

The court may order the breaching party to refrain from taking certain actions or to perform a specific act. This is called an injunction. For example, an injunction may prevent the breaching party from violating specific contract terms or force them to fulfill their contractual obligations.

Rescission and Restitution

Rescission is when the contract is canceled, and the parties are restored to their pre-contractual positions. With rescission, it is like the contract never existed. This remedy is available if the breach is material. The non-breaching party may seek restitution and cancellation if they have given a benefit to the breaching party. This puts the non-breaching party back in the situation they were in before the breach and terminates the contract.

Contact Silicon Valley Business Attorneys at SAC Attorneys

To learn more about the legal remedies for breach of contract or if you need help with a breach of contract case, contact our skilled business attorneys at SAC Attorneys LLP.

Common Legal Remedies for Breach of Contract (2024)

FAQs

Common Legal Remedies for Breach of Contract? ›

In short, the potential remedies for a breach of contract claim can include compensatory damages, specific performance

specific performance
Specific performance is an equitable remedy in the law of contract, whereby a court issues an order requiring a party to perform a specific act, such as to complete performance of the contract.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Specific_performance
, injunction, rescission, liquidated damages, and nominal damages. If someone breaches a contract with you or your company, you deserve justice.

What are the 5 remedies for breach of contract? ›

5 Common Remedies for a Breach of Contract
  • #1. Compensatory Damages. Compensatory damages are the most common damages awarded in breach of contract cases. ...
  • #2. Liquidated Damages. ...
  • #3. Rescission. ...
  • #4. Specific Performance. ...
  • #5. Injunction. ...
  • Have a Contract that has Been Breached? We Are Here to Help.
Jun 5, 2022

What is the most common legal remedy? ›

The most common type of remedy in contract law is damages. Damages are typically awarded to compensate the non-breaching party for any losses suffered as a result of the breach.

What are the four types of damages available for breach of contract? ›

  • Compensatory Damages. Compensatory damages compensate the non-breaching party for the actual financial losses suffered as a direct result of the breach of contract. ...
  • Consequential Damages. ...
  • Incidental Damages. ...
  • Punitive Damages. ...
  • Nominal Damages.
May 1, 2024

What are the possible remedies for a breach of contract quizlet? ›

Damages are inadequate remedy for a breach of contract. Equitable remedies include rescission and restitution, specific performance, reformation.

What is the legal remedy for a breach of contract? ›

In short, the potential remedies for a breach of contract claim can include compensatory damages, specific performance, injunction, rescission, liquidated damages, and nominal damages. If someone breaches a contract with you or your company, you deserve justice.

What 3 elements need to exist for there to be a breach of contract? ›

Every case is obviously different but, in general, most parties to a breach of contract action agree that (1) a contract exists, (2) the contract is enforceable and not void, and (3) that they performed under the contract.

How to win a breach of contract case? ›

You may be sure you have an air-tight case, and you may be right, but a winning breach of contract lawsuit has four factors.
  1. Factor #1: A Well Written Contract. ...
  2. Factor #2: A Clear and Obvious Breach. ...
  3. Factor #3: Substantial and Identifiable Damages. ...
  4. Factor #4: A Defendant with Deep Pockets.

What is the most common breach of contract? ›

Although a breach of contract can have various elements, the most common are:
  • Failure to complete a project on time;
  • Failure to provide payment on time;
  • Failure to meet the standards found in the contract;
  • Failure to complete the project as presented in the contract.

How much compensation for breach of contract? ›

The general remedy for breach of contract is a monetary sum amounting to the financial loss suffered as a result of the breach. The common law position is to place the innocent party in the same position as if the contract had been performed, such as accounting for a loss of sales.

How to prove breach of contract? ›

A party bringing a breach of contract claim generally must plead and prove:
  1. The existence of a valid and binding written or oral contract between the parties.
  2. The plaintiff's performance, partial performance (in some cases), or excuse for nonperformance of its contractual obligations.
Jul 1, 2023

How to claim damages for breach of contract? ›

If a contract breach is successfully established, the injured party will still be required to provide evidence to demonstrate that they suffered loss and damage caused by other party's breach of contract.

How much can you be awarded for breach of contract? ›

In a breach of contract case, damages typically cannot exceed four times the actual losses.

What are the three 3 most important remedies available for breach of contract? ›

There are five important types of damages that might be available, depending on your situation: compensatory damages, specific performance, an injunction, liquidated damages, or rescission. If you are dealing with a potential breach of contract, you probably need legal advice on what you should do next.

Which is the most basic or common remedy available for a breach of contract? ›

Compensatory Damages

This is the most common breach of contract remedy. When compensatory damages are awarded, a court orders the person who breached the contract to pay the other person enough money to get what they were promised in the contract.

What are the remedies of actual breach of contract? ›

Remedies for Breach of Contract
  • 1] Recession of Contract. When one of the parties to a contract does not fulfil his obligations, then the other party can rescind the contract and refuse the performance of his obligations. ...
  • 2] Sue for Damages. ...
  • 3] Sue for Specific Performance. ...
  • 4] Injunction. ...
  • 5] Quantum Meruit.

What are the 5 breaches of contract? ›

  • Minor Breach. ...
  • Material Breach. ...
  • Anticipatory Breach. ...
  • Fundamental Breach. ...
  • Actual Breach.

What is needed to prove a breach of contract? ›

First, one must prove that you and the party entered into a contract. Secondly, it is important to prove that your ends of the contract were either fulfilled or waived. If you have an unfulfilled obligation, problems may arise.

What is the most common type of damages awarded by a court? ›

Usually, compensatory damages are awarded in civil court cases in order to compensate for damages, injury, or another incurred loss. As we'll explore further in the article, they are different from punitive and treble damages. Compensatory damages can be classified into two types: actual and general.

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