Experienced Contract Disputes Lawyers Serving Georgia Businesses
Contracts are a fundamental part of operating a business. They help set the terms for many partnerships and working relationships with other businesses, vendors, contractors, and employees.
At Oliver Hughes LLC, we help Georgia business owners create strong contracts and assist in navigating any potential disputes with other parties. Our years of experience in handling these types of cases make us skilled in negotiating and litigating these serious issues and achieving a favorable outcome that doesn’t harm your business.
The Importance Of A Strong Contract
If you’re considering working with another business, vendor or other party, you need a solid contract from the start to protect your business and your interests. This is where we come in. By relying on our experience and skills, we can help you:
- Negotiate terms of the contract
- Draft a contract
- Review any additions or edits to the contract
- Understand complicated legal terminology
- Identify and close potential loopholes
- Safeguard against possible future disputes
Of course, contract disputes can occur even when you take all the necessary measures to prevent them. However, by working with a contract lawyer from the start of the process, you can minimize the risks and be prepared to handle a breach of contract or other dispute when it occurs.
What Are Common Types Of Contract Disputes?
Business contracts exist between many different parties, such as contracts with a supplier or vendor, a commercial lease agreement, a construction contract, or a business partnership contract. Any of these types of contracts may be breached at any time. The most common types of contract disputes are as follows:
- Actual breach of contract is when one party does not fulfill their terms of the contract.
- Anticipatory breach of contract is when one party expects the other party to breach the contract and instead breaches the contract first.
- Minor breach of contract is when the party that breaches the contract only violates the terms of the contract in a small or insignificant way.
- Material breach of contract is when the party that breached the contract has caused significant damage to the nonbreaching party.
At Oliver Hughes LLC, we are skilled at handling any of these types of contract disputes. We will represent you throughout the negotiations process as well as in court, if necessary. We are trial attorneys who aren’t afraid to fight to protect your rights and your business’s interests.
Attorneys Ready To Answer Legal Questions About Your Contract Dispute
We understand that you are likely to have many questions when facing a contract dispute. Below, we have provided answers to some of the questions most commonly asked by prospective clients like you.
What is the statute of limitations for Georgia contract disputes?
The statute of limitations for contract disputes depends on the type of contract involved, the nature of the dispute and the presence of any specific contract language shortening the statute of limitations. For a dispute involving the breach of a written contract, you generally have six years from the date of the breach in which to file a lawsuit. For breach of oral contracts, the statute of limitations is typically four years.
If you are concerned about the statute of limitations in your dispute, you should neither assume that the deadline has passed nor that you have plenty of time to file. Instead, speak with one of our experienced attorneys who can help you understand your legal options.
What are my options to resolve a contract dispute?
When facing a contract dispute, you have several options to consider:
- Negotiation:Disputes can often be resolved through direct negotiation between the parties involved. This approach can save time and money while preserving business relationships.
- Mediation:In mediation, both parties work toward a mutually agreeable solution with the help of a neutral mediator. This process is typically less adversarial and can lead to a quicker resolution.
- Arbitration:Arbitration can be thought of as “going to court” outside the courtroom, but it is generally faster, more flexible and more private than traditional courtroom litigation. Both parties (and their respective attorneys) will make their arguments to a neutral arbitrator. After listening to both sides, the arbitrator will issue a binding decision.
- Litigation:If other methods fail or are not possible, you may need to file a lawsuit and have your case decided in court.
No matter which resolution method you choose, our attorneys are prepared to offer targeted advice, guidance and steadfast representation.
What are possible remedies for contract disputes?
Depending on the specifics of your case, several remedies may be available in a settlement or judgment. They include:
Compensatory damages: Monetary compensation for losses directly resulting from the breach.
Consequential damages: Coverage of additional losses attributable to the breach and foreseeable at the time the contract was written.
Specific performance: In some cases, the court may order the breaching party to fulfill their obligations under the contract.
Rescission: This remedy allows you to cancel the contract and return both parties to their pre-contract positions.
Reformation: If the contract contains mistakes, the court may modify its terms to reflect the parties’ true intentions.
Our goal is to help you achieve the most favorable outcome available for your contract dispute as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.
Get The Legal Representation You Need
If you’re facing complex contract disputes, you need a contract lawyer on your side. We can help you resolve any disputes while prioritizing your company and minimizing the impact a dispute might have on your business.
Call today at 470-863-3824 or send an email at your convenience. We represent clients throughout Woodstock.