Operating a successful business is a task that requires the undivided attention of a business owner. That is why it can be frustrating and costly when a third party interferes with one of the most important parts of running a business – the formation of contracts. If your business was affected when a third party interfered with your contract negotiations, you should consult with an experienced Baltimore interference with contractual relations lawyer.
The legal team at the Heyman Law Firm possess years of experience litigating a wide range of contractual relations lawsuits, and we would be proud to use this knowledge to represent your business. Our firm understands the importance of creating contracts with clients, and we are prepared to help you file a claim against a party that interferes with that process. To schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your claim, contact the Heyman Law Firm at (410) 305-9287, or contact us online.
How Interference with Contractual Relations Happens
Tortious interference with contractual relations occurs when a third party meddles with a contract you have with a person or business entity. The purpose of this manipulation is often to coerce a party to your contract to step away from contract negotiations with your business or to entice them to breach their contract.
Tortious interference with a contract can be carried out in several different ways. For example, one of your competitors could offer money or other incentives to the company you are negotiating with. Another possibility is that a third party may engage in blackmail of the person or entity you are contracting with. Believing they have no other option than to comply with the third-party’s demands, the contracting party will break their agreement with you.
It is important to note that it is easy to confuse aggressive competition with tortious interference with a contract. For example, if one of your competitors lowers the price of their services to severely below market prices to lure one of your clients away, this may be considered competition instead of interference. Even if your competitor lowered prices until the point they would not earn any profits on a contract, you would need other evidence to show that they intentionally interfered with your contract and the
To learn more about filing a lawsuit for interference with a contract, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Baltimore business lawyer today.
Suing for Wrongful Interference with A Contract
A wrongful interference with contract claim requires a large amount of evidence for a plaintiff to prevail. As mentioned, it is not enough to show that another company competed against you for a contract; you must show how they tampered with your contract or contract negotiations.
To prove tortious interference with a contractual relation, a plaintiff must prove the following elements:
- That a contract existed between them and a client
- The defendant was aware of the contract with a third party
- The defendant intentionally took steps to pressure or cause the third party to abandon the contract or to prevent the contract from being performed
- The defendant succeeded in causing the third party to breach the contract by using improper means
- The plaintiff suffered damages due to the contracting party’s breach or failure to perform the contract
It is also important to note that you must file an interference with contracts claim before the statute of limitation deadline has run. The statute of limitations is a law that determines how long a plaintiff has to file a particular type of lawsuit. If you are concerned about whether your case may be affected by the statute of limitations, you should speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. If you delay in filing your case, the court may bar your claim, and you will be left without an avenue to pursue compensation.
Not only will our firm help you determine the appropriate time to file your case, but we will also help you gather evidence to prove your contractual relations claim. The Heyman Law Firm knows the importance of creating contracts with prospective clients, and we will help you protect your business from this practice. Prevailing in a contractual interference case is difficult, but we will work tirelessly to build your claim against the person or entity that caused an issue with your business contracts.
Work with a Baltimore Business Litigation Lawyer Today
If your business contracts are the subject of interference by third parties, you should contact an experienced Baltimore business litigation attorney today. At the Heyman Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing your business with the unique legal representation necessary to pursue your claim. Contracts are the lifeblood of practically every business, and we will help you protect yours. To schedule a confidential consultation, call the Heyman Law Firm at (410) 305-9287.