Tortious interference claims often arise in competitive industries. One may be liable for “tortious interference with a contract” if that person says something or does something to cause one of the contracting parties to breach the contract. If someone has breached a contract with your company, you may be able to pursue damages from not only the breaching party, but also a third party who did something or said something that caused the other party to breach. Tortious interference with a contract may also go by other names:
- Interference with a contract
- Interference with a contractual relationship
- Inducement of a breach of contract
- Tortious interference with contractual rights
- Intentional interference with contractual relations
- Unlawful interference with contractual relations
- Procurement of a breach of contract
Where a contract does not exist, tortious interference may take the form of “interference with prospective economic advantage” or “tortious interference with a business relationship”. In some jurisdictions, the law recognizes that the harm done is the same whether or not the parties have a signed contract. To prove tortious interference with a contract, the plaintiff generally needs to show:
- A contract or contractual relationship existed
- The defendant had knowledge of the contract (or contractual relationship)
- The defendant intentionally does something (or fails to do something) to get one of the contracting parties to breach
- The contract was in fact breached
- The plaintiff suffered specific economic damage as a result
The Katz Firm will dedicate the time and attention necessary to effectively and efficiently pursue your tortious interference claim. Contact the Katz Firm for a free no-obligation case evaluation.
