Breach of Contract
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Running a business in California means navigating complex relationships—with partners, vendors, employees, and clients. Even when contracts are carefully written and intentions are good, disputes inevitably arise. When they do, the outcome can have serious consequences for your company’s finances, reputation, and future.
Business litigation is more than just filing lawsuits. It’s about protecting what you’ve built and ensuring that agreements are honored. From contract disputes to partnership disagreements, employment claims, and fraud cases, litigation often becomes the last line of defense when business relationships break down.
For over four decades, Timothy McGonigle has represented business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals across California in high-stakes disputes. With extensive courtroom experience and a deep understanding of California law, he helps clients resolve conflicts efficiently while always preparing for trial when necessary.
Timothy knows how stressful business litigation can be. It can feel like your entire livelihood is on the line, with your reputation, partnerships, and financial future hanging in the balance. His role is to level the playing field—bringing clarity, strategy, and relentless advocacy to every case.
Whether you’re seeking to enforce a contract, defend against false claims, or protect your company from financial harm, Timothy provides the guidance and representation you need. His approach blends careful analysis, aggressive advocacy, and practical solutions, all tailored to achieve the best outcome for your unique situation.
Breach of Contract Lawyer in California
Contracts form the backbone of business and professional relationships. They set clear expectations, define obligations, and provide security for both parties. When one side fails to honor their agreement, however, the fallout can be devastating. A breach of contract doesn’t just break a promise—it disrupts operations, derails financial plans, and damages the trust that business relationships rely on.
For individuals and companies alike, a contract breach can mean unpaid invoices, undelivered services, missed deadlines, or even the loss of entire business opportunities. The ripple effects can touch every part of your professional and personal life—cash flow dries up, client relationships suffer, and strategic growth is stalled. In many cases, the breach leaves one party feeling not only frustrated, but deeply betrayed.
Our Los Angeles-based law firm represents individuals and businesses across California in all types of breach of contract disputes. Whether you are an entrepreneur dealing with a vendor who failed to deliver, a business partner facing a broken agreement, or a company harmed by nonperformance, we understand how high the stakes are. With over three decades of litigation experience, we provide both the courtroom strength and the negotiation skill necessary to protect your rights and restore your position.
Understanding Breach of Contract
A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to meet their obligations under the terms of an agreement. This failure can take many forms, including refusal to perform, late performance, or performance that falls below the standards agreed upon. Some breaches are minor and can be resolved with adjustments, but many are “material” breaches—so significant that they undermine the entire purpose of the contract.
Not all breaches look the same. Sometimes, they involve clear violations, like failure to pay for goods or services. Other times, they involve subtler misconduct, such as neglecting agreed-upon duties, delivering incomplete work, or providing substandard results. In both situations, the injured party may be entitled to legal remedies that enforce the contract or compensate for damages.
In California, the law provides strong protections for those harmed by a breach, but enforcing your rights requires strategic action. Our firm carefully reviews the contract, investigates the facts, and determines the best path forward—whether that means demanding performance, seeking damages, or pursuing a lawsuit in court.
Remedies for Breach of Contract
When a contract has been breached, California law offers several potential remedies. These remedies are designed to either enforce the original agreement or compensate the injured party for losses. Choosing the right remedy depends on the nature of the breach, the terms of the contract, and your goals moving forward.
Specific Performance: In certain cases, monetary damages are not enough. You may need the breaching party to perform exactly as agreed—whether delivering a product, completing a service, or transferring property. Specific performance compels them to meet their obligations as originally promised.
Compensatory Damages: These damages are the most common and aim to restore you financially to the position you would have been in if the contract had been fulfilled. This could include lost profits, replacement costs, or other measurable losses.
Punitive Damages: Although rare in contract cases, punitive damages may be available if the breach involved fraud, bad faith, or malicious intent. These damages are meant to punish wrongful conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.
Liquidated Damages: Some contracts include pre-set damages for breaches. When enforceable, these provisions allow the injured party to recover a predetermined amount, simplifying resolution and providing certainty in advance.
Consequential Damages: Also known as “special damages,” these compensate for losses that go beyond the immediate financial impact of the breach. For example, if a supplier’s failure caused you to lose a major client, consequential damages may cover that additional loss.
Each remedy carries its own challenges. Courts may scrutinize whether damages were foreseeable, whether the contract terms were clear, or whether specific performance is truly practical. That’s why having an experienced California breach of contract lawyer is critical. Our firm helps clients weigh their options, build persuasive cases, and pursue the remedies that bring the strongest outcome.
Why Legal Action Matters
It can be tempting to walk away from a broken contract and try to absorb the loss. Many business owners and professionals feel overwhelmed at the thought of a legal fight. But doing nothing often has lasting consequences. The breaching party benefits from their misconduct, your financial position weakens, and your reputation for enforcing contracts may be questioned by future partners or vendors.
Taking legal action sends a clear message: contracts matter. It protects your financial interests, restores balance to business relationships, and deters future breaches. And while litigation is sometimes necessary, many breach of contract cases can be resolved through negotiation or settlement once the other side knows you are serious about enforcing your rights.
Our Approach to Breach of Contract Cases
When you bring a breach of contract matter to our office, we begin by listening to your story and reviewing the agreement in detail. Every contract has unique terms, and every breach has its own impact. We take the time to understand your goals—whether you want performance, financial recovery, or simply closure.
From there, we develop a strategy tailored to your case. Sometimes that means sending a strong demand letter that prompts compliance. Other times, it means filing suit in California courts and preparing to hold the breaching party accountable in front of a judge or jury. Throughout the process, we provide clear guidance so you know what to expect at every stage.
With decades of business litigation experience, Timothy McGonigle has represented both individuals and companies in high-stakes disputes. He understands how contract breaches affect not only bottom lines but also reputations and relationships. His goal is not just to win cases, but to achieve results that allow clients to move forward with confidence.
Take the First Step
If you believe you or your business has been harmed by a breach of contract in California, don’t wait. Deadlines, evidence, and legal rights can quickly become complicated. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
👉 Contact our Los Angeles law firm today for a confidential consultation with an experienced breach of contract attorney. We’ll assess your situation, explain your options, and fight to secure the remedy you deserve.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Breach of Contract
Q1: What is considered a breach of contract under California law?
A breach occurs when one party fails to meet their obligations as outlined in the agreement—whether that means failing to pay, failing to deliver goods or services, or failing to perform on time.
Q2: Do I need a written contract to file a claim?
Not always. While written contracts are easier to enforce, California also recognizes certain oral agreements and implied contracts. An attorney can evaluate whether your agreement is legally binding.
Q3: What damages can I recover in a breach of contract case?
Damages may include lost profits, repayment of costs, compensation for delays, and in some cases, punitive or consequential damages. The goal is to restore you to the position you would have been in if the breach had not occurred.
Q4: How long do I have to file a breach of contract lawsuit in California?
The statute of limitations is generally four years for written contracts and two years for oral contracts. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case.
Q5: What if the other party partially performed their obligations?
Partial performance may still be a breach if it falls short of the contract terms. Courts will evaluate whether the breach is “material” enough to undermine the entire agreement.
Q6: Can I force the other party to fulfill their obligations?
Yes, in certain cases. Specific performance may be available if monetary damages are not adequate—for example, in contracts involving unique goods, services, or real estate.
Q7: What if my contract has a liquidated damages clause?
If valid, these clauses allow recovery of a predetermined amount. However, California courts may reject liquidated damages that are deemed excessive or punitive.
Q8: Will I have to go to trial?
Not necessarily. Many breach of contract cases resolve through negotiation, mediation, or settlement. But if trial is necessary, our firm is prepared to litigate aggressively on your behalf.
Q9: Can a breach of contract also involve fraud?
Yes. If the other party entered into the contract with no intention of fulfilling it, or deliberately misled you, you may also have a fraud claim alongside breach of contract.
The best way is through a consultation. An experienced California breach of contract lawyer will review the contract, evaluate the breach, and advise you on your legal options.
To schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys, please call us at 1-800-713-5260 or by completing our intake form.
