Minneapolis Breach of Contract Lawyers

Resolving Cases in Hennepin County & Twin Cities Metro

A breach of contract is a common type of civil dispute. This prevalence arises from the central role contracts play in both personal and commercial interactions. Whether they involve businesses, consumers, employees, or independent contractors, contracts define the terms and obligations of these relationships. 

When one party fails to meet their contractual duties, the aggrieved party often feels the immediate impact of financial loss, operational disruption, or other significant hardships. As a result, pursuing claims to enforce contractual terms and seek remedies is frequent and necessary to resolve these disputes and uphold fair business practices.

At RWI Law, our legal team routinely handles breach of contract matters as part of our civil litigation practice. We understand the stakes can be high for businesses and others who experience these conflicts. Our attorneys can take specific initial legal steps to resolve the matter, engage in skilled negotiation, or take your case to trial in civil court in a well-prepared lawsuit seeking a favorable outcome. 

Arrange for a confidential consultation with a Minneapolis breach of contract attorney at RWI Law. Call (320) 408-2614 or email us on our online contact form.

More About Breach of Contract

A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to fulfill its obligations under a legally binding agreement. This failure can be non-performance, delayed performance, or performance in a manner inconsistent with the terms agreed upon in the contract.

Examples of breach of contract can include but are not limited to:

• Non-delivery of goods or services: A supplier agrees to deliver materials to a manufacturer by a specified date but fails to do so.
• Incomplete work: A construction company is hired to build a new office but leaves the project incomplete or performs substandard work.
• Payment issues: A client agrees to pay for services rendered but fails to pay within the agreed timeframe.
• Violation of confidentiality: An employee shares proprietary information with a competitor despite signing a confidentiality agreement.

What Can You Do to Resolve Breach of Contract Before Filing a Legal Claim?

Before filing a claim for breach of contract, RWI Law can help you take several steps to address the issue and potentially resolve the matter without resorting to litigation. 

These steps can include: 

• Review the contract: We can carefully review the terms of the agreement to determine whether a breach has occurred and to understand each party's specific obligations.
• Communicate with the other party: Open a dialogue with the other party to discuss the issue and attempt to reach a resolution. Clearly communicate your concerns and expectations regarding the breach.
• Send a demand letter: If informal communication does not lead to a resolution, consider sending a formal demand letter outlining the breach, the desired outcome, and the consequences of failing to rectify the breach.
• Negotiate a resolution: Explore options for resolving the breach through negotiation, mediation, or alternative dispute resolution methods to reach a mutually agreeable solution.
• Document everything: Keep detailed records of all communication, including emails, letters, and notes from conversations related to the breach. This documentation may be valuable if legal action becomes necessary.

Taking these steps before filing a formal claim can demonstrate a good-faith effort to resolve the breach amicably. It may help in resolving it without the need for costly and time-consuming litigation. If these attempts fail, we can file a formal claim seeking legal remedies through civil court proceedings. 

Resolving a Breach of Contract

When a breach occurs, the non-breaching party typically seeks to rectify the situation directly, such as through the abovementioned steps. Legal action is often considered a last resort after unsuccessful attempts at negotiation or mediation.

Legal remedies that can be pursued for losses sustained due to the breach in a lawsuit include:

Compensatory Damages

These are intended to cover the actual loss incurred by the non-breaching party. The aim is to place the injured party in the same position they would have been in if the contract had been fully performed.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the breaching party's conduct is deemed particularly egregious or malicious. They are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. However, they are not commonly awarded in breach of contract cases.

Nominal Damages

These are symbolic damages awarded when a breach has occurred, but the non-breaching party has not suffered a significant financial loss. The purpose is to recognize that a legal wrong has occurred, even if the damages are minor.

Liquidated Damages

These are predetermined damages specified within the contract itself, agreed upon by the parties at the time of contract formation. Liquidated damages are intended to provide a fair estimate of potential damages in the event of a breach and are enforceable, provided they are not punitive.

Is There a Statute of Limitations on Contract Disputes?

In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for contract disputes is typically six years for written contracts and four years for oral contracts. This means that a party has either six years from the date the cause of action accrues for a written contract or four years for an oral contract to file a lawsuit to enforce the terms of the contract.

Oral contracts are generally enforceable but are subject to limitations and challenges compared to written contracts. While oral contracts can be legally binding, proving the existence and terms of an oral agreement can be more complicated than with a written contract. Creating written contracts to clearly outline the agreement's terms and protect all parties' interests is generally advisable. Written contracts provide greater clarity, evidence, and legal protection in disputes. 

Turn to RWI Law for Skilled Legal Help in Contract Disputes

Our experienced team can help you create clear, enforceable contracts to minimize the risk of breaches. Where disputes occur, we can take steps to work toward amicable resolutions before taking legal action. 

Should legal action be necessary, our experienced trial lawyers can represent you in court to pursue a favorable outcome. We can also provide ongoing guidance to help you avoid potential breaches and maintain robust contractual relationships. 

Reach us online or at (320) 408-2614 to discuss your legal concerns with a Minneapolis breach of contract attorney today.