There are four standard elements required to establish a claim for breach of contract in California: (i) the existence of a valid contract, (ii) the plaintiff's performance or excuse for nonperformance, (iii) the defendant's breach of contract, and (iv) resulting damages.
When a material breach occurs, you have the option of compelling performance, collecting damages, or even terminating the contract if it is so written.
The term 'breach' refers to when a party fails to fulfil its promises per its contractual obligations. A breach of contract will not always give you the right to terminate the contract. Only breaches concerning certain terms will give you the right to terminate.
When the breach of contract is a serious breach or a breach of an essential term, the other party will have a right to terminate the contract or keep the contract going. However, your contract may require the hirer to provide you with a 'notice to remedy a breach' before it can be terminated.
If one party neglects to fulfill the obligations outlined in the document, the non-breaching party may elect to terminate the contract. This may occur because the breaching party was unable to fulfill their responsibilities, or they did not fulfill them to the standard outlined and expected by their contract.
If you decide to pursue a claim for breach of contract, you will need evidence of the breach. It is therefore crucial to collate and retain all relevant evidence. You should take photographs of any defective goods as soon as they are received. If possible, speak to witnesses and make a note of their recollection.
Breach of contract damages generally cannot exceed four times the actual losses, but everything depends on the facts of your specific case. Your lawyer can identify whether you can recover these damages in your case.
You need to sue the person or business who signed or entered into and then breached the contract. Generally, someone cannot sue a third party they do not have a contract with.
There are four standard elements required to establish a claim for breach of contract in California: (i) the existence of a valid contract, (ii) the plaintiff's performance or excuse for nonperformance, (iii) the defendant's breach of contract, and (iv) resulting damages.