Workplace contracts are designed to protect employers and their employees. But what happens when your employer violates the terms of your contract? Contract disputes occur when any party in a legally binding contract opposes the terms outlined in the agreement or fails to fulfill their contractual obligations. In such instances, the injured party may seek legal remedies.
When navigating a contract dispute, it’s essential to have reliable attorneys on your side to support you. Weisberg Cummings has knowledgeable and experienced contract dispute lawyers who can assist.
What Is a Breach of Employment Agreement?
A breach of employment agreement occurs when a party in an employment arrangement fails to fulfill its obligations in the contract. This can involve either the employer or employee not adhering to the terms outlined in the agreement. Examples include when the employer:
- Fails to pay the agreed-upon wages or benefits without legal justification.
- Fails to honor the job role, responsibilities or work conditions specified in the contract.
- Dismisses an employee without just cause or without following the termination procedures outlined in the agreement.
When the employer breaches the agreement, the employee may pursue legal remedies, such as:
- Damages: The court may award monetary compensation for losses incurred due to the breach.
- Injunction: This court order compels the employer to do or refrain from doing a particular act.
Depending on the situation, the employee may also have the right to terminate the agreement. Besides litigation, parties may settle the dispute by negotiating a settlement. Settlements are usually faster but only apply when both parties consent.
What Are the Contract Laws in Pennsylvania?
Contract law is primarily governed by state common law. Common law is a body of laws or principles based on previous judicial decisions that determine or influence subsequent cases. Among the basic principles is that valid contracts should contain certain elements. These include:
- Offer: In an employment setting, the employer typically makes an offer to the prospective employee, specifying the terms of the arrangement. The offer must be clear and convey the employer’s intent.
- Acceptance: The employee must accept the offer, typically by signing a written employment agreement. The acceptance must be unequivocal to bind the parties.
- Consideration: Consideration is a thing of value given in exchange for a promise. It makes the contract legally binding and enforceable. In an employment arrangement, the employer agrees to pay the employee money in exchange for the work done.
Other labor and workforce laws may also impact your employment relations. For example, Pennsylvania law generally considers workers to be at-will employees unless otherwise provided by an employment contract or statute. The implication is that the employer may terminate the service with or without just cause at any time, as long as the termination is not based on unlawful grounds like discrimination. Employees also have similar rights, meaning they can resign without giving reasons.
Finally, in employment contract cases, it is sometimes crucial to consider legislation like the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) because they may have certain legal implications.
Do You Have an Employer Breach of Contract Case?
To determine whether your employer has breached your employment contract, you must assess the case against vital components. First, there must be a valid contract containing the elements discussed above. Second, the employer or a duly authorized person must violate a term or terms of the contract. The nature of the breach may determine the remedies available to you. For example, if the breach is material, you may terminate the contract and recover damages. However, in the case of minor infractions, you may only recover damages.
Determining whether you have a valid claim is technical because you must know the law and how it applies to your facts. Therefore, it is essential to consult an experienced employment law attorney for assistance. Pursuing a case without a legal basis can result in financial losses. Besides losing the case, the court may award damages or costs against you.
How Much Is Your Breach of Contract Case Worth?
The worth of a breach of contract lawsuit or settlement depends on various factors. For example, in litigation, the monetary compensation may depend on the type of damage, which includes:
- General damages: This damage compensates you for the losses suffered due to the employer breaching the contract. The purpose is to restore you to the position you would have been but for the breach. The amount may differ depending on the income or benefits lost, the extent of pain and suffering and so on.
- Punitive damages: This damage punishes the employer for their unlawful conduct. Courts usually award punitive damages when the employer acts willfully, maliciously or fraudulently.
You may also incur expenses like attorney fees and court costs. If you and your employer decide to settle, you must negotiate the settlement terms and amount considering factors like:
- The nature of the breach
- The financial loss
- The reputational damage
- The emotional suffering
An employment attorney can provide legal representation, and you can leverage their experience to increase your chances of success.
When Should You Consult Contract Dispute Lawyers?
If you’re unsure if you have a case for a contract dispute, the contract dispute attorneys at Weisberg Cummings can help. If you identify with any of the following statements, you may have grounds for a claim:
- Your employer has not been compensating you for your time.
- Your employer misclassifies your position.
- Your employer refuses to pay the full amount of your severance package.
- Your employer wrongfully terminated your employment.
- Your employer discriminated against you in the workplace.
- Your employment contract features non-compete clauses.
How Can a Contract Dispute Attorney Help?
Contract dispute attorneys can provide valuable assistance in resolving conflicts. Here are three ways they can help:
- Legal advice and consultation: Attorneys can examine your case to determine whether you have a valid claim. They can also explain your rights and responsibilities under the contract, helping you understand the implications of the dispute.
- Negotiation: A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to attempt to resolve the issue without going to court. If this strategy succeeds, you can save time and money.
- Litigation support: If negotiations fail, an attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf, ensuring that all legal procedures are followed correctly. They can also provide legal representation and argue to protect your rights and interests.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Contract Dispute Lawyer?
The right attorney can help resolve the legal issues effectively. Below are some vital considerations:
- Experience: Choose a lawyer with experience handling cases involving breach of employment contracts. They must also know the local laws and procedural rules.
- Reputation: Assess the lawyer’s track record and reputation in the industry. To gauge client satisfaction, check online reviews and testimonials from previous clients.
- Fees and billing: Determine the fee and payment structure. Some lawyers offer free consultations, which can lower your expenses. Also, prioritize lawyers who can deliver results because the most affordable option is not always ideal.
Why Should You Partner With Weisberg Cummings?
The contract dispute lawyers at Weisberg Cummings are highly experienced in contract dispute cases. We have the knowledge and skills to help you work through your case. We’ll use our in-depth understanding of contract law to identify liability issues, determine contract validity, evaluate state laws and help you navigate the complex legal system while advocating on your behalf. When you partner with us, you can expect personalized legal services that you can rely on.
Get a Breach of Contract Lawyer in Pennsylvania
You can get the legal assistance you need to settle your contract dispute at Weisberg Cummings. Our employment lawyers have over 40 years of combined experience standing up for people’s rights, and we’re prepared to do the same for you.
Schedule a free consultation with our contract dispute attorneys today!
