Contracts are extremely useful tools with the full weight of the law behind them. When you sign a contract on behalf of your business, you promise to perform. When the individual or business you’re contracting with signs, that entity also makes a promise. If contractual promises are broken or breached, the contract itself is still enforceable and penalties and restitution can result. The law firm of Doreen J Shindel and Associates specializes in the intricacies and enforceability of all elements of breach of contract laws in New York.
Components of a New York Contract
Under New York contract law, contracts have two basic but vital elements. Both parties to the contract must have a full understanding of what they’re agreeing to. One party offers to do or provide something, and the other agrees to accept that performance or product in exchange for certain remuneration. Enforceability hinges on both ends of this arrangement.
Breach of Contract in New York
Breaches of contract occur when one party to the contract fails to perform as agreed. The success of winning a breach of contract complaint in New York depends on proving certain elements:
- The contract must meet all legal criteria for enforceability.
- You performed exactly as you promised to.
- You alerted the other party that he was in violation of the contract when he failed to uphold his end of it.
- You incurred damages as a result of the default.
Contract Law in New York
Breaches of contract do not always involve instances of clear and utter default. They may fall into gray areas, and when this occurs you need the help of a seasoned contract attorney in New York. If you contract with a plumbing engineer when you’re building a home or business, he may provide you with plans and install plumbing as promised. Later, you may discover that the job was inferior to what was agreed; that he took shortcuts, or that the materials used were not as he promised. He may not have had the experience he claimed to have, and as a result, the work presents a danger to anyone who sets foot in your establishment. The American Bar Association explains how such breaches might result in tort claims – not only is the offending party liable for compensating you for any money lost, but he may also be liable for punitive damages.
New York Contract Attorneys Can Help
Breach of contract law in New York is complicated. Don’t guess at the viability of your case, or wonder how you might possibly be compensated. Call the New York contract lawyers at Doreen J Shindel & Associates. We’ll review your contract and establish exactly what went wrong. Maybe the other party let you down, or maybe you’ve been accused of not performing, as you should have. Either way, we can tell you where you stand. Fixing the problem might be as simple as some discussion or negotiation, but if it involves more, our Long Island contract attorneys have the experience to find the appropriate remedy to put the law on your side.