Contract Disputes in Washington: When Is a Breach Worth Suing Over?
Contracts form the foundation of countless personal and business relationships in Washington, from employment agreements to service contracts and real estate deals. But when one party doesn’t hold up their end of the bargain, it can leave the other party frustrated and wondering: is it worth filing a lawsuit? Understanding the remedies available and the practical factors to consider can help you make that decision with confidence.
What Constitutes a Breach of Contract?
A breach occurs when one party fails to fulfill their contractual obligations without a valid legal excuse. This can take several forms:
- Failure to perform: A party does not complete the promised work or service.
- Defective performance: Work is completed, but not to the agreed-upon standard.
- Late performance: Timeliness was an essential part of the contract, and delay causes harm.
Not every breach justifies a lawsuit, but significant breaches that cause measurable harm often do.
Remedies Available in Washington
If a breach is proven, Washington law provides several possible remedies:
- Compensatory damages: Monetary compensation to cover the actual losses caused by the breach.
- Consequential damages: Recovery for additional losses that were reasonably foreseeable when the contract Disputes was made.
- Specific performance: A court order requiring the breaching party to carry out their contractual duties (often used in real estate transactions).
- Rescission: Canceling the contract and restoring both parties to their pre-contract positions.
The right remedy depends on the type of breach and the harm caused.
Factors to Consider Before Suing
Even if a breach has occurred, filing a lawsuit isn’t always the best or most practical option. Key considerations include:
- Financial cost vs. potential recovery: Will the damages awarded outweigh the costs of litigation?
- Strength of evidence: Are the contract terms clear, and can you prove the breach and resulting harm?
- Business or personal relationships: Will suing damage an important relationship you want to preserve?
- Alternative resolutions: Mediation, arbitration, or negotiation may achieve results more efficiently.
A breach of contract can disrupt your life or business, but not every dispute needs to end up in court. By understanding the remedies available and weighing the practical factors, you can make a sound decision about whether to pursue legal action. If you’re facing a contract dispute in Washington, the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer can evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you pursue the outcome that makes the most sense for your situation.