Philadelphia Breach of Contract Attorneys

Breach of Contract Litigation in Pennsylvania

Contract disputes are among the most common issues businesses face. A breach of contract can result in significant costs and may lead to various legal challenges. It is important that you work with an experienced business litigation lawyer, like those at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, if you are dealing with a contract disagreement.

Our firm recognizes the unique, diverse needs of each individual business, including both small, local businesses and large, corporate entities. With more than two decades of combined experience, our attorneys are well-prepared to help you navigate an array of contract disputes, including breach of contract issues. We offer personalized representation and aggressively advocate for our clients.

What Constitutes a Breach of Contract?

The state of Pennsylvania recognizes both oral and written contracts as valid, acceptable, and legally enforceable. This means that an individual party may be held liable for breach of contract, regardless of whether the contract in question was entered into verbally or in writing.

But what exactly constitutes a breach of contract?

In the simplest terms, a breach of contract occurs any time one party fails to uphold its responsibilities, duties, and/or obligations outlined in the oral or written agreement. For example, if an individual signs an employment contract that contains a non-compete agreement limiting their ability to work for a competitor during their employment, but the employee provides freelance work for a competitor while working under the employment contract, they have breached the obligations outlined in the contract’s non-compete clause. As such, the other party (i.e., the employer) would have grounds to bring legal action against the employee for breach of contract.

It goes without saying that written contracts are generally far easier to enforce than oral contracts. However, if you can prove that you had a verbal contract with another party, and that other party failed to uphold the terms of that verbal agreement, you could have grounds to sue for damages. In any case, we encourage you to contact our Philadelphia breach of contract attorneys for detailed information regarding your legal options, as well as aggressive representation of your rights.

Types of Contracts Commonly Involved in Breach of Contract Claims

While any type of verbal or written contract can serve as the basis of a contract dispute, some types of contracts are more commonly the subject of business litigation than others.

These include:

• Employment contracts
• Independent contractor arrangements
• Non-compete agreements
• Shareholder/partnership agreements
• Purchase/sale of goods, materials, and services
• Implied and explicit warranties/guarantees
• Terms of service/use
• Consumer transactions
• Construction contracts
• Insurance policies
• Financing arrangements
• Loans

These and other contracts are important to the smooth, day-to-day operations of your business. When contract disputes and breach of contract allegations arise, it can bring your business to a standstill. It is extremely important that you have the right legal team by your side, one that understands the importance of achieving swift, favorable resolutions that protect your rights, your business, and your livelihood.