WHAT WE DO
Contract disputes can disrupt business operations, threaten cash flow, and damage critical commercial relationships. Whether you’re seeking to enforce contractual obligations or defending against breach claims, these disputes require experienced counsel who understand both the legal complexities and business implications at stake.
At The Pettit Law Firm, we approach contract litigation with a deep understanding that every contract dispute affects real business relationships and financial outcomes. Our trial-ready preparation and strategic expertise position our clients for success whether through negotiated resolution or courtroom victory.
Contact UsTypes of Contract Disputes We Handle:
- Contract disputes between companies
- Service agreement and vendor contract breaches
- Supply and distribution agreement disputes
- Purchase and sale agreement disputes
- Non-disclosure and confidentiality violations
- Licensing and franchise agreement breaches
- Construction and development contract disputes
- Professional service agreement conflicts
- Joint venture and collaboration disputes
- Indemnification and hold harmless disagreements
REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCES
Obtained $4.2 million fraud and breach of fiduciary duty judgment against LegacyTexas Bank – Demonstrates our capability in complex contractual and fiduciary disputes involving major financial institutions
Secured $2.122 million jury verdict in business divorce case – Successfully resolved complex partnership disputes involving contractual obligations and business ownership rights
Won complete summary judgment for franchisor against franchisee claims – Achieved complete victory for franchise company client through strategic motion practice in contract dispute
Secured favorable settlement for medical device company in complex trade secret misappropriation and tortious interference case against medical diagnostic company – Demonstrates our expertise in protecting confidential business information and addressing competitor misconduct in high-stakes commercial litigation
Secured favorable arbitration award in complex intellectual property dispute involving trademark infringement, trade secret misappropriation, and breach of fiduciary duty claims – Demonstrates our capability in defend client IP rights against former business partners who alleged misuse of confidential information and proprietary marks in competing ventures
Extensive experience in service agreement disputes – Representing both service providers and customers in breach of contract litigation throughout Texas
Contract Analysis and Interpretation: Our approach begins with thorough contract analysis, examining language, performance history, and surrounding circumstances to build the strongest possible case. We understand that contract interpretation often determines case outcomes, and we excel at presenting compelling arguments about contractual meaning and intent.
Breach of Contract Claims: When pursuing breach claims, we focus on establishing clear contractual obligations, demonstrating non-performance, and proving damages with precision. Our experience includes both material and minor breach scenarios, anticipatory breach situations, and complex performance disputes.
Contract Defenses: For clients defending breach claims, we explore all available defenses including impossibility, frustration of purpose, unconscionability, fraud in the inducement, mistake, duress, and statute of frauds violations. We also examine whether conditions precedent were satisfied and whether the claiming party materially breached first.
Damages and Remedies: Contract disputes often involve complex damage calculations including lost profits and consequential damages. We work with financial experts when necessary to quantify losses accurately and pursue all available remedies including monetary damages, specific performance, and injunctive relief.
Emergency Relief: When contract breaches threaten immediate business harm, we can seek temporary restraining orders and injunctions to protect our clients’ interests while litigation proceeds.
Multi-Party Contract Disputes: Business contracts often involve multiple parties with varying obligations and interests. Our experience in complex commercial litigation allows us to effectively navigate multi-party disputes and achieve comprehensive resolutions.
Industry-Specific Contracts: We handle contract disputes across various industries, understanding that different sectors have unique contractual practices, standards, and expectations that can affect case strategy and outcomes.
Our comprehensive approach combines legal expertise with practical business understanding, ensuring that our clients’ contractual rights are enforced while minimizing business disruption and protecting valuable commercial relationships where possible.
FAQs
A material breach is a failure to perform that goes to the essence of the contract and defeats its purpose. The determination depends on factors like the extent of non-performance, likelihood of cure, and whether the non-breaching party received substantially what they bargained for.
In Texas, attorneys’ fees are often recoverable. We analyze your contract and circumstances to determine fee recovery options.
Potential damages include direct losses, consequential damages that were foreseeable, lost profits, and incidental costs. The goal is to put you in the position you would have been in if the contract had been performed.
Texas generally provides four years for written contracts, but specific circumstances can affect these deadlines. It’s important to consult with an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.
Contract disputes often involve competing breach claims. We analyze the chronology of performance, the materiality of any breaches, and available defenses to present the strongest possible case for our clients.
Texas law can sometimes fill in missing terms if the essential elements are present and the parties intended to create a binding agreement. The enforceability depends on the specific circumstances and missing provisions.
Specific performance requires the breaching party to perform their contractual obligations rather than pay damages. It can be available when monetary damages are inadequate, often in cases involving unique property or services.
Many contract disputes can benefit from negotiation or alternative dispute resolution, but having trial-ready counsel often leads to better negotiated outcomes because the other party knows we’re prepared to litigate if necessary.
Arbitration clauses are generally enforceable in Texas. We have extensive experience in arbitration proceedings and can effectively represent your interests whether in court or arbitration settings.
Contact Us
Want to talk about your case?
Email jpettit@pettitfirm.com
Or contact us at:
The Pettit Law Firm
1900 Pearl, Suite 1740
Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: 214.329.0151
Fax: 214.329.4076