Business Law
Protecting Your Agreements. Defending Your Business.
Whether you’re enforcing a contract or defending against a claim, Steve Lopez provides strategic legal representation to resolve contract disputes efficiently and protect your business interests throughout Los Angeles and Southern California.
Overview
Understanding Breach of Contract
Contracts play a critical role in business transactions and personal agreements. When a party fails to honor the terms of an agreement, it can lead to serious financial losses and legal disputes. A Los Angeles breach of contract lawyer can help evaluate the agreement, determine whether a breach occurred, and pursue compensation for the harm caused.
At The Law Office of Steve Lopez, APC, we represent individuals, property owners, and businesses throughout Los Angeles County, including Long Beach, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, and surrounding communities. Our firm assists clients in resolving contract disputes through negotiation, mediation, or litigation when necessary.
Legal Elements
What Is a Breach of Contract
Under California Law?
A Valid Contract Existed
A legally enforceable agreement existed between all parties involved.
Performance of Obligations
The plaintiff fulfilled their contractual obligations or had a valid legal excuse for not performing them.
Failure to Perform
The defendant failed to perform the duties or obligations required under the agreement.
Financial Damages
The breach resulted in measurable financial losses suffered by the plaintiff.
Fraud
Business Fraud &
Misrepresentation
Emails
Fraudulent statements communicated through email correspondence.
Written Agreements
False or misleading information contained within written contracts.
Verbal Promises
Misrepresentations made verbally that influenced the agreement.
Advertising & Promotional Materials
Misleading marketing materials or promotional statements that induce contractual agreements.
Compliance
Unfair Business Practices in
California
Deceptive Advertising
False or misleading advertising practices that harm consumers or competing businesses.
Misrepresentation of Services
Overstating capabilities, credentials, or the scope of services provided.
Misleading Contract Terms
Ambiguous or deceptive terms designed to disadvantage the other party.
Available Legal Remedies
Contract Rescission • Restitution • Injunctive Relief • Attorney’s Fees (where applicable).
Recovery
Damages Available in Breach of
Contract Cases
Money Owed Under the Contract
Recover compensation for unpaid contractual obligations and promised payments.
Consequential Damages
Recover additional losses such as lost profits or expenses resulting directly from the breach.
Interest on Contract Damages
Recover prejudgment interest where damages are certain or reasonably calculable under California law.
Attorney's Fees
Where permitted by contract, recover reasonable attorney's fees and litigation costs.
Practice Scope
Types of Contract Disputes Our
Firm Handles
Business Contract Disputes
Enforce or defend commercial agreements across industries.
Real Estate Contract Disputes
Purchase agreements, leases, and property-related disputes.
Construction & Service Agreements
Contractor, subcontractor, and service-provider conflicts.
Partnership & Shareholder Disputes
Ownership, control, and buyout-related contract issues.
Loan & Repayment Agreements
Enforce loan terms and pursue collection where appropriate.
Investment Disputes
Investor claims, securities agreements, and returns disputes.
Commercial & Consumer Contract Claims
Vendor, supplier, and consumer transaction disputes.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a breach of contract in California?
A breach occurs when one party fails to perform obligations required under a valid agreement. This may include failing to pay money owed, refusing to deliver goods, or not performing promised services.
How much can you sue for breach of contract in California?
The amount depends on the financial damages caused by the breach. Courts may award compensation for actual losses, consequential damages, and in some cases attorney’s fees and interest.
Can you sue for breach of an oral contract in California?
Yes. Oral contracts can be legally enforceable in California, although proving the agreement may require witness testimony or additional evidence.
How long do you have to sue for breach of contract in California?
Generally, the statute of limitations is four years for written contracts and two years for oral contracts under California law.
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