Determining what constitutes a breach involves identifying key elements: the presence of a valid contract, a clear breach of its terms, and resultant damages. Legal professionals need to confirm these fundamental aspects before moving forward. Initiating a claim starts with issuing a formal letter before action.
Statement of Claim State how each defendant was involved and what each defendant did that caused the plaintiff harm or violated the plaintiff's rights, including the dates and places of that involvement or conduct.
Once the plaintiff proves that a valid contract existed, they must show that they upheld their part. After that, the plaintiff must show that the defendant did not fulfill their obligations. And finally there must be evidence of actual damages that the plaintiff suffered as a result.
4 Elements of a Breach of Contract Claim (and more) The existence of a contract; Performance by the plaintiff or some justification for nonperformance; Failure to perform the contract by the defendant; and, Resulting damages to the plaintiff.
You cannot bring a breach of contract claim merely because the other party has failed to perform; you must have suffered loss as a result. The type of loss you have incurred must have been a foreseeable consequence of the subsequent breach at the time you made the contract. You are under a duty to mitigate any loss.
For the sake of illustration, here are some commonplace examples of contract breaches: Not finishing tasks outlined in the contract on time. Not paying as per the terms of the contract once work is completed. Not providing services or products that are up to the standards in the contract.
Statement of Claim State how each defendant was involved and what each defendant did that caused the plaintiff harm or violated the plaintiff's rights, including the dates and places of that involvement or conduct.
Include references to the terms that were breached, quoting relevant sections of the contract, and detail how the other party was in breach of said term(s). List the responsibilities and obligations you deem to be unmet, and explain how the other party is in breach of them.
Statement of Claim State how each defendant was involved and what each defendant did that caused the plaintiff harm or violated the plaintiff's rights, including the dates and places of that involvement or conduct.