Oklahoma City Breach of Contract Attorneys

Contract Dispute Representation in Oklahoma City and Nearby Areas

When your business becomes involved in a contractual dispute, you need legal representatives who can protect and advance your interests in and out of the courtroom. With over 100 years of collective experience, our team at the Self Legal Group is more than prepared to handle these conflicts and other matters of business law. 

Our Oklahoma City breach of contract lawyers understand how to effectively approach these cases from both sides. Whether your business has been directly harmed as the result of a breach or is being accused of breaching an argument, we can offer tenacious and compassionate legal representation. We routinely leverage our team’s diverse skills to deliver outstanding results.

Facing a contract dispute? Protect your business with experienced legal representation. Contact us today at (405) 451-3534 for a consultation.

Understanding Types of Breach of Contract

When your business enters a legally binding agreement with another party, there is always the possibility that the other party won’t live up to their obligations under the contract. Many contracts include provisions that address the possibility of a breach of contract and require specific remedies for such breaches. Other contracts contain no such remedies. Proactively thinking about and preparing for breaches can minimize the fallout should a conflict emerge. To this end, our Oklahoma City breach of contract attorneys can help you prepare, negotiate, and finalize contracts with language designed to protect your business.

Four Major Types of Breach of Contract Explained:

• Material Breach. A material breach occurs when one party fails to perform the specific obligations described in the contract (meaning they may have delivered something substantially different from what was agreed upon) or fails to perform contractual obligations on time. 
• Minor Breach. A minor breach is partial, meaning only some portion, element, or aspect of the contractual obligation was not delivered. 
• Anticipatory Breach. If it becomes clear that a party will not be able to fulfill their contractual obligations, the non-breaching party often has the right to terminate the contract and take legal action before a breach actually occurs. 
• Actual Breach. The breaching party commits an “actual breach” if they refuse to fulfill their contractual obligations or improperly perform their contractual duties.

Key Elements of a Breach of Contract Claim

When one contractual party believes the other party has breached some element of their agreement, they potentially have several legal options, even if the contract contains no language about what happens in the event of a dispute. In Oklahoma, a business has three years to file a lawsuit involving the breach of an oral contract and five years to take legal action involving the breach of a written contract. 

Proving Your Breach of Contract Claim: Essential Elements

• The existence of a valid contract
• You (the plaintiff) fulfilled all contractual obligations
• The defendant breached the contract
• You suffered damages as a direct result of the breach

A successful breach of contract claim allows the non-breaching party to recover compensatory and non-compensatory damages. This means the breaching party may need to pay the non-breaching party for any calculable losses resulting from the breach as well as other consequences indirectly caused by the breach. 

Common Defenses Against Breach of Contract Claims

Not every breach of contract claim is valid. If your business is accused of breaching a contract, there are several defenses that may apply:

• Lack of a valid contract – If there was never a legally enforceable agreement in place, a breach cannot occur. A contract must have mutual consent, offer, acceptance, and consideration.
• Fraud or misrepresentation – If one party was misled or provided false information when entering the contract, the agreement may be void.
• Duress or undue influence – Contracts signed under pressure, threats, or coercion may not be enforceable.
• Impossibility of performance – If fulfilling the contract becomes impossible due to unforeseen circumstances (such as a natural disaster or legal changes), this may be a valid defense.
• Mutual mistake – If both parties made a fundamental mistake about a key contract term, the agreement may not be enforceable.

Legal Remedies for Breach of Contract

When a contract is breached, the non-breaching party may seek legal remedies to recover losses or enforce the agreement. Common remedies include:

• Compensatory damages – Monetary compensation to cover direct losses caused by the breach.
• Consequential damages – Additional financial losses that resulted from the breach, such as lost business opportunities.
• Liquidated damages – A predetermined amount of money agreed upon in the contract as compensation for a breach.
• Specific performance – A court order requiring the breaching party to fulfill their contractual obligations instead of paying damages.
• Rescission and restitution – Cancelling the contract and restoring both parties to their pre-contract positions.

Preventing Contract Disputes

Taking proactive steps can help your business avoid costly contract disputes. Here’s how:

• Draft clear and enforceable contracts – Ensure all terms, obligations, and penalties for breaches are clearly stated.
• Use precise language – Ambiguities in contract terms can lead to disagreements and legal battles.
• Include mediation and arbitration clauses – These clauses provide alternative ways to resolve disputes without going to court, saving time and money.

By understanding defenses, remedies, and prevention strategies, businesses can better navigate contract disputes and protect their interests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Contract Disputes

What is the first step if I suspect a contract breach?

• If you believe a contract has been breached, start by reviewing the contract’s terms carefully. Look for dispute resolution clauses, deadlines, and any penalties outlined. Then, consult with a contract lawyer to determine the best course of action. Understanding your business formation structure may also be important, as it can affect your legal options and obligations.

Can I resolve a contract dispute without going to court?

• Yes, many contract disputes are resolved through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration before litigation. These alternatives are often faster, less expensive, and more private than a court battle.

How do I know if my contract is legally enforceable?

A legally enforceable contract must include:

• An offer and acceptance
• Consideration (something of value exchanged)
• Mutual consent (both parties agree voluntarily)
• Legal purpose (it must not violate any laws)
  If any of these elements are missing, the contract may not hold up in court.

What happens if a contract does not have a dispute resolution clause?

• If a contract lacks a dispute resolution clause, parties may need to rely on state laws or go to court for resolution. However, negotiation or mediation is still an option before taking legal action.

Can verbal contracts be enforced in Oklahoma?

• Yes, verbal contracts can be legally binding in Oklahoma, but they are harder to prove. Certain contracts, such as real estate agreements or contracts lasting more than a year, must be in writing to be enforceable.

What damages can I recover in a breach of contract case?

Depending on the situation, you may be entitled to:

• Monetary compensation for direct and indirect losses
• Specific performance, requiring the other party to fulfill their obligation
• Cancellation of the contract and reimbursement for losses

How long do I have to file a breach of contract lawsuit in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations is:

• 3 years for oral contracts
• 5 years for written contracts

Waiting too long could result in losing your right to take legal action. 

Contact Our Oklahoma City Attorneys for Legal Support

If your business has suffered direct or indirect losses as the result of a breach of a contract, it is in your best interest to get legal advice right away. Our team of lawyers at Self Legal Group will fight to recover every penny lost as a result of a breached contract. 

You will also need capable legal representation if your company is named in a breach of contract lawsuit. An unfavorable outcome can result in substantial monetary penalties and significant reputational damage. Our Oklahoma City breach of contract lawyers know how to navigate these disputes and will always work to secure the best possible outcome.

Need help with a breach of contract case? Don’t wait—get the legal support you deserve. Contact us now at (405) 451-3534 to discuss your options.