Tampa Contractual Interference Attorney
Contractual interference with a contractual relationship can result in immense damages to a business. In some cases, it may not even be noticed, which can be catastrophic for a company. Contractual interference occurs when one party intentionally damages another person’s contractual or business relations with a third party, causing economic harm to a person or company. Below, our Tampa contractual interference attorney explains the elements you must prove in a case and more.
What Must You Prove in a Contractual Interference Case?
To prove a case of contractual interference, you must establish the following elements:
- A valid contract existed: A valid and legal contract existed between you and another person or company must have existed.
- Knowledge of the contract: The defendant must have known that the contract existed.
- Intentional interference: The defendant must have had the intention to interfere with the contract between you and another party.
- Improper interference: The defendant must have acted wrongfully or improperly, such as using fraud to prevent the performance of a contract, inducing the other party to breach the contract, or other actions that disrupt the contractual relationship.
- Causation: The actions of the defendant must have caused you to suffer damages, such as financial harm.
- Damages: You must have sustained actual damages due to the interference.
If you can prove the above elements of your case, you may be entitled to damages. The main form of damages available in contractual interference cases are compensatory damages. These can cover any financial loss you suffered as a result of the interference. In some cases, plaintiffs in these cases can also receive punitive damages. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate plaintiffs for the harm they suffered. Instead, they are meant to punish defendants and deter them from acting in a similar manner in the future.
Defenses to Contractual Interference
Perhaps you are not the one suing for contractual interference, but maybe you need to defend another person’s accusations against you. There are many defenses available in these cases and they include:
- Justification: If you had a valid reason for contractual interference, such as to prevent unethical or illegal conduct, that can serve as a defense.
- Privilege: If you had a privileged relationship with an individual who was part of the contract, such as an attorney-client relationship, your privilege may protect the action you took.
- Lack of intent: To be held liable for contractual interference, you must have had intent. If you simply made a mistake or were acting in good faith, that can also serve as a defense.
- Statute of limitations: Plaintiffs have just four years from the interfering act to file a lawsuit based on contractual interference. If this time has expired, they have lost their right to take legal action.
Call Our Contractual Interference Attorney in Tampa Today
Whether you are prosecuting or defending a case, our Tampa contractual interference attorney at BBDG Law can help. Call us now at (813) 221-3759 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney and to get more information.
