Can you get lost profits for breach of contract?

Asked by: Toni Nitzsche  |  Last update: April 10, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (1 votes)

A party is entitled to recover lost profits in a breach of contract action when “(1) they are within the contemplation of the parties at the time the contract was made, (2) they are the proximate result of defendant's breach and (3) they are proven with reasonable certainty.” Tiegs v. Watts, 135 Wn.

What are lost profits for breach of contract?

Breach of contract actions often include claims for lost profits. As a general rule, lost profits—either present or anticipated future profits—are recoverable if they are a direct and natural consequence of the breach and the occurrence and amount of lost profits can be shown with reasonable certainty.

What losses are recoverable for breach of contract?

Recovery under breach of contract is generally limited to direct losses that flow naturally from the breach and are within the reasonable contemplation of the parties at the time the contract was made. Indirect or consequential losses are often excluded unless specifically addressed in the contract.

Can you get compensation for breach of contract?

Material breach of contract

Following a material breach, the innocent party may seek legal help to resolve the issue. Legal remedies may include suing for damages and, in some cases, terminating the contract. Open discussions and mediation can help both parties to resolve the situation before it escalates.

Can you get money for a breach of contract?

The purpose of compensatory damages (also known as “actual damages”) is to compensate the non-breaching party. These damages cover the losses that directly stem from the breach and make the non-breaching party whole again. Courts typically award compensatory damages in breach of contract claims.

The Most Important Element when Suing for a Breach of Contract

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How much compensation can you get for breach of contract?

Breach of contract damages generally cannot exceed four times the actual losses, but everything depends on the facts of your specific case. Your lawyer can identify whether you can recover these damages in your case.

Is it worth suing for breach of contract?

The Value of the Contract: Consider whether the breach resulted in substantial financial or other losses. If the damages are minimal, the costs of litigation may outweigh the potential recovery. For example, suing over a minor inconvenience or slight delay may not be worth the effort.

What do you need to prove for a breach of contract?

The relevant criteria are:
  1. There is a legally binding contract. ...
  2. The other party has failed to perform their duties under the contract. ...
  3. You have suffered loss as a result of the breach. ...
  4. The breach occurred within the last 6 years. ...
  5. Collating and preserving evidence. ...
  6. Reserving your rights. ...
  7. Taking legal advice.

What damages can you seek for breach of contract?

  • Compensatory Damages. Compensatory damages compensate the non-breaching party for the actual financial losses suffered as a direct result of the breach of contract. ...
  • Consequential Damages. ...
  • Incidental Damages. ...
  • Punitive Damages. ...
  • Nominal Damages.

How serious is breach of contract?

The Legal Consequences of Breaching a Contract

Depending on the severity of the breach, you could be looking at anything from a small fine to jail time. If you're found guilty of breaching a contract, the court will order you to pay damages to the other party.

Which damages are not recoverable for breach of contract?

For this reason, special damages are not usually recoverable. Special damages are meant to compensate the innocent party for injury or loss that is indirectly related to the breach. One type of special damage is emotional distress.

What is the expectation loss of a breach of contract?

The usual measure of damages for breach of contract. It refers to the innocent party's loss of a bargain, such as the profits they would have expected to receive had the contract been performed, less the costs they would have incurred to earn that profit.

Can a breach of contract cause damages for emotional distress?

Chelini establishes that a plaintiff may recover damages for emotional distress in a breach-of-contract action if the contract relates to “matters which concern directly the comfort, happiness, or personal welfare of one of the parties,” or if the subject of the contract “is such as directly to affect or move the ...

Can you recover lost profits?

You cannot recover your gross profits or gross lost sales. The law allows only for the recovery of your lost net profits. What do courts mean by “lost net profits”? Generally, “lost net profits” mean lost gross revenue or sales, less certain expenses.

What are the 3 consequences of a breach of contract?

Legal Consequences of Breaking a Contract

You may be held liable for monetary damages if you breach a contract. There are three different types of monetary damages: expected damages, reliance damages, and restitution damages. Collectively these are known as “compensatory damages.”

Can you claim for loss of profit?

The answer may be yes depending upon the nature of the business dispute, your contract with the business partner and the financial ramifications of the problem for you.

What 3 elements must a breach of contract claim?

Once the plaintiff proves that a valid contract existed, they must show that they upheld their part. After that, the plaintiff must show that the defendant did not fulfill their obligations. And finally there must be evidence of actual damages that the plaintiff suffered as a result.

Can you get punitive damages for breach of contract?

App. Div. 1998) ("While punitive damages are usually not awarded in litigation involving breach of a commercial contract, they may be awarded where there is a breach of trust between the parties beyond the contractual breach.

How are damages calculated for breach of contract?

Expectation damages can be calculated by comparing:
  1. the financial position that the claimant would have been in absent any breach (i.e., if the respondent had performed the contract) (the 'but-for position'); and.
  2. the financial position the claimant is actually in given the effects of the breach (the 'actual position').

What is the burden of proof for a breach of contract?

Burden of Proof

This means that the plaintiff must provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that: A valid contract existed. The defendant failed to fulfill their contractual obligations.

How do you win a breach of contract?

You may be sure you have an air-tight case, and you may be right, but a winning breach of contract lawsuit has four factors.
  1. Factor #1: A Well Written Contract. ...
  2. Factor #2: A Clear and Obvious Breach. ...
  3. Factor #3: Substantial and Identifiable Damages. ...
  4. Factor #4: A Defendant with Deep Pockets.

What are monetary damages for breach of contract?

Compensatory Damages

General damages compensate you for direct losses you suffered due to a breach. For example, if your supplier failed to deliver goods on time, you might have needed to purchase replacement goods. These goods may have been more expensive because you had to buy them at the last minute.

What compensation can you get for breach of contract?

An award of compensatory damages is the most common of the legal remedies for breach of contract. The calculation of compensatory damages is based on the actual losses you have sustained as a result of the breach of contract. They typically fall into two categories: expectation damages and consequential damages.

How do I sue for breach of contract without a lawyer?

Small claims court: For cases below a statutory amount that is usually less than $10,000, parties may go to court themselves and avoid hiring a contract lawyer. For small business owners, avoiding costly business litigation can be as important as winning breach of contract lawsuits.

How serious is a breach of contract?

A repudiatory or fundamental breach is so serious that the injured party can choose to terminate the contract. An example might be if a builder stopped turning up so that no progress was being made on the agreed work. Damages may be payable, along with the ending of the contract.