What to Do When Accused of Breach of Contract

I often am asked what to do when accused of a breach of contract?

 Hi, I’m Reed Bloodworth an Orlando Florida attorney. I’ve been practicing business litigation commercial litigation and estate and trust litigation since 2004.

What to Do When Accused of Breach of Contract

Well there are a number of things you can do but something I would like to address is whether or not you should engage with the other party in verbal sparring or e-mail exchange or things of that nature. 

Can’t Take It Back

Often times this type of exchange with a person who’s been accusing you of breaching a contract can escalate the matter quickly. It can also lead to statements that perhaps you don’t really want out there. 

Remain Calm

So when you’ve been accused of breaching of contract I think the first thing to do is remain calm. You don’t want to immediately jump to the defense of this and write a nasty e-mail or leave a nasty voicemail or something of that nature.

Ask for Legal Advice

If you have an attorney it might be a good idea to inform the attorney of what’s going on and ask his advice or her advice.

Don’t Admit Breach

Another thing is, as a general rule, do not admit to any type of breach. You don’t want to leave a voicemail stating, “I’m sorry I breached the contract.” You don’t want to send an e-mail that says “I apologize for the breach I’ll make up for it.”

Valid Defense?

A lot of times you’re going to breach or be accused of a breach of contract and you’re going to have a valid defense. Perhaps the goods that you ordered weren’t properly made or they’re sub-standard work or the contractor that you hired did not perform adequately.

These are valid defenses to a claim for a breach of contract and a valid reason for you to withhold payment. So before you engage with someone who is accusing you of a breach contract speak to an attorney first.

Again my name is Reed Bloodworth an Orlando Florida attorney. Give me a call. Let’s talk about what happened to you.