A breach of contract lawyer cost in Pennsylvania can vary depending on the type of fee arrangement the attorney uses, the complexity of the cases, and other factors. In Pennsylvania, the average hourly fee for an attorney ranges between $140 and $615 or more, depending on the experience level and location of the attorney.
If a party to a contract fails to fulfill their obligations under the contract, it is referred to as a breach of contract. If someone thinks they may be a party to a contract that was breached, it is important for them to consult with a local attorney in Pennsylvania.
A lawyer can help the individual resolve their contract issue with negotiation, mediation, and litigation. When an individual has a legal consultation with their attorney, they will be able to get information about the possible remedies that may be available.
What Is a Breach of Contract Attorney, and Why Might You Need One?
A breach of contract attorney is a lawyer who handles cases that involve violations and disputes of contract agreements. These attorneys are familiar with the laws that govern contracts and can give their clients valuable guidance if they have suffered losses due to a breach of contract.
Someone may need assistance from a breach of contract lawyer if:
- They have been accused of breach of contract and need defending in a legal action
- Another party to the contract did not fulfill their obligations, causing financial or other types of losses
- One party needs to file a file a breach of contract lawsuit to obtain compensation for damages that resulted from a contract violation
What Other Factors Cause the Costs of a Lawyer To Vary?
There will be variations in the cost of a lawyer based on several factors, including, but not limited to:
- The attorney’s location
- Lawyers who work in larger cities or more affluent areas may charge higher fees
- The lawyer’s experience level
- Lawyers with more experience and successful track records may charge higher fees
- How complex the case appears to be
- When a case involves large sums of money, multiple parties, or complex legal issues, it can require more time and resources, resulting in higher fees
- The structure the lawyer uses to bill clients
- A lawyer may charge an hourly fee, a flat fee, or a contingency fee
What Services Do Breach of Contract Attorneys Provide?
Breach of contract attorneys can provide their clients with numerous different services, which include, but are not limited to:
- Legal consultation
- Damages assessment
- Negotiation
- Mediation
- Litigation
- Contract review and drafting
Legal consultation
Legal consultations are meetings where lawyers and their potential clients discuss the case. During this meeting, the attorney may ask information about the issue, such as:
- The nature of the breach
- Details about the contract
- Damages or losses that occurred because of the beach
The lawyer may provide the potential client with legal advice about their issue as well as the options they may have to resolve it.
Damages assessment
Contract lawyers can give their clients a damages assessment. Damages are losses or harms that are suffered by a party who did not breach a contract.
An individual’s attorney will help document the losses they suffered, which can include:
- Direct financial losses
- This includes lost profits or additional expenses
- Consequential or indirect damages
- This includes harm to the client’s reputation or the loss of future business opportunities
A lawyer may need to review different types of documents to assess the damages their client incurred, such as:
- Invoices
- Receipts
- Bank statements
- Correspondence related to the breach
An assessment of damages will allow the attorney to determine the proper amount of compensation to ask for in a breach of contract case.
Negotiation
In many cases, the first step that can be taken to resolve a breach of contract case is negotiation. An attorney will communicate with the other side regarding the issues in the case and the possibilities for settlement.
A negotiation may be handled with emails, phone calls, face-to-face meetings, or other means of communication. An attorney will handle any negotiation issue to ensure their client’s rights are protected while obtaining the best possible settlement.
The negotiation of a settlement can be a faster and cheaper way to resolve a breach of contract case. If the other parties to the case are unwilling to negotiate, the parties may need to proceed with mediation or litigation.
Mediation
Mediation is a type of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that allows the parties to resolve their dispute outside of a courtroom. Using mediation, a mediator, or neutral third party, helps the parties reach a solution that satisfies all involved.
A mediator will help the parties by clearing up misunderstandings, guiding conversations, and helping the parties find common ground. It can also help the parties involved have some control over the outcome while resolving the issue in a cheaper and faster way than litigation.
Litigation
If a breach of contract issue cannot be resolved with negotiation or mediation, a party may have to file a lawsuit. The attorney will prepare and file a complaint with the proper court.
An individual’s lawyer will also represent them in court as well as argue their case in court. They will update their client during the case as well as provide guidance on any decisions they may have to make, such as settlement offers or continuing to trial.
Contract review and drafting
When someone is considering signing a contract, it is important to first have a lawyer review the contract to avoid any possible future disputes. An attorney will also ensure the contract is properly drafted and legally enforceable, which helps minimize the risk of ambiguities, misunderstandings, and other issues that may lead to a breach or dispute.
If someone has already signed a contract, their lawyer can still review it as well as examine contract provisions to ensure the contract is enforceable, clearly written, and aligns with the interests of the business. An attorney will review the contract for potential loopholes, inconsistencies, or other areas of ambiguity that can be exploited by other parties or result in a future dispute.
What Are the Advantages of Hiring a Breach of Contract Lawyer?
There are many advantages to having a breach of contract lawyer, such as:
- Saving time: When an individual has an attorney, it saves them time as well as reduces stress, knowing that they can focus on their lives while their case is professionally handled.
- Better outcomes: Having a lawyer will likely help an individual obtain a more favorable outcome than someone would be able to get if they handled the case on their own.
- Protection of your rights: An individual’s attorney will ensure that their rights are protected until their issue is resolved.
Should I Talk to a Lawyer About My Breach of Contract Case?
When you have a breach of contract issue in Pennsylvania, you should consult with a Pennsylvania breach of contract lawyer. Even though it can seem expensive to hire a lawyer, it will cost much more to try and handle the issue yourself.
You can easily find a breach of contract lawyer using LegalMatch’s lawyer matching service. LegalMatch provides a confidential and free service that can connect you with an attorney in your area who will help you with your breach of contract issue.
