Breach of Contract? When Someone Breaks a Deal, You Deserve a Solution.

Navigating the complexities of a breach of contract: Trust us to find your solution with Sari Law Firm.

Contracts are the backbone of business. Whether it’s a supplier agreement, service contract, or business partnership, you rely on others to keep their word. But what happens when they don’t?

If someone has broken a contract with you or your company, it’s not just frustrating—it can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. The good news is, the law provides a range of remedies to make things right.

6 Common Legal Remedies for Breach of Contract

Each contract dispute is different. The best remedy depends on the contract itself, the seriousness of the breach, and how the breach impacted you. Below are six of the most common remedies you may be entitled to.

1. Compensatory Damages: Getting Paid for What You Lost

A concerned businessman holding two $52,000 invoices stands in front of a canceled table project, while a worried woman looks on.

Let’s start with the most common remedy: compensatory damages. These are financial damages meant to make you whole—to put you in the position you would have been in if the breach never happened.

Compensatory damages fall into two main categories:

A. Expectation Damages

These cover what you expected to receive under the contract.

Example: Let’s say you hired a vendor to build 30 office desks for your new coworking space for $45,000. They bail last minute. You scramble to find another vendor, but the only one who can do it in time charges $52,000. You can sue for the $7,000 difference—because that’s what you lost due to their breach. That’s called expectation damages.

B. Consequential Damages

These cover additional losses caused by the breach—like lost profits.

Example: While you waited for the new desks, you couldn’t open your coworking space for a week, losing out on $5,000 in new member fees. That’s a consequential damage—an extra loss directly caused by the delay. With the right proof, you can claim that too.

Important Note: You need good documentation—quotes, receipts, and emails—to prove these losses and help us fight for full compensation. An experienced attorney can help you challenge unfair limitations and maximize your recovery.

2. Specific Performance: When Money Isn’t Enough

A man in a suit confronts another man about a breached contract, holding a torn image labeled "CONTRACTED," in front of a red car in a garage setting.

In some cases, no amount of money can replace what was promised. That’s where specific performance comes in. This remedy asks the court to order the breaching party to actually carry out the terms of the contract.

Example: Imagine you’re a car collector, and you signed a contract to buy a limited-edition 2021 Ferrari Monza SP2—one of only a few hundred made worldwide. You even paid a deposit. But before delivery, the seller changes their mind and tries to back out, thinking they can now get more money elsewhere.

You can’t just buy another one off the lot. There are only so many of these cars in existence—and none exactly like the one you agreed to purchase. That’s where specific performance comes in. We would ask the court to order the seller to honor the contract and hand over the car—because no amount of money could get you another one just like it.

3. Injunctions: Stopping Harm Before It Happens

A manager sternly holds a hand up and displays a "stop" sign to a former employee, symbolizing the end of their professional relationship, as a torn contract and paperwork reinforce the message.

An injunction is a court order that tells someone to stop doing something—or sometimes to start doing something. Injunctions are especially useful in time-sensitive or competitive situations.

Example: You own a high-end catering business. A former employee, who signed a non-solicitation agreement, starts pitching your private clients for her new business. We can file for a temporary injunction to stop this immediately while the lawsuit is pending—and a permanent injunction later if you win the case.

Important Note: Speed matters. In urgent cases, timing is everything. Get legal help early so we can act fast.

4. Rescission: Walking Away from the Deal

A concerned individual receives a notice of a cancelled corporate retreat contract, with a highlighted calendar date symbolizing timely communication.

Sometimes, the best option is to cancel the contract altogether. This is called rescission, and it essentially wipes the slate clean—like the contract never happened.

You can rescind a contract if the other party commits a material breach, meaning they failed to fulfill a key part of the deal.

Example: You agreed to plan a corporate retreat for 200 employees. The client was supposed to pay 50% upfront by June 1—but they didn’t. Since that payment was a key term of the deal, you’re justified in rescinding the contract and refusing to provide services.

Important Note: The breach must be “material”—it has to go to the heart of the agreement, not just a minor misstep.

5. Liquidated Damages: Pre-Agreed Compensation

Man worried about liquidated damages for a late contract, costing $150 per day.

Some contracts include a clause that says exactly how much one party must pay if they breach the agreement. These are called liquidated damages.

They’re especially useful when it’s hard to predict actual losses ahead of time—such as delays in construction or missed deadlines in real estate deals.

Example: You hired a freelance photographer to deliver edited product photos within 14 days. The contract says they’ll owe $150 per day if late. They end up delivering them 10 days late. As long as the penalty is reasonable, courts usually enforce it. So you could collect $1,500 in liquidated damages.

Important Note: Make sure your contracts include these. We help clients add smart, enforceable penalty clauses to protect themselves from future breaches.

6. Nominal Damages: A Small Award That Can Make a Big Impact

A stern judge holds up a fine symbolized by a dollar sign, while the defendant appears hopeful, standing in front of a depiction of justice scales.

What if you can’t prove financial loss, but the other party clearly broke the contract? You might still win a judgment and receive nominal damages—a small dollar amount (like $1) that acknowledges the breach happened.

This isn’t just symbolic. Winning on principle can sometimes trigger other rights, like recovering attorney’s fees or setting up a future lawsuit.

Right Legal Remedy for Breach of Contract – Sari Law Firm

A lawyer from Sari Law Firm discusses legal options including damages, rescission, and litigation with a client in a professional setting.

At The Sari Law Firm, we understand how stressful breach of contract issues can be—especially when your business, finances, or professional reputation is at stake. Whether it’s negotiation, mediation, or litigation, our attorneys are committed to helping you resolve the matter efficiently and with confidence.

Our firm proudly serves clients throughout California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, Santa Ana, Irvine, San Diego, San Francisco, and beyond. We offer strategic legal solutions in business law, contract disputes, intellectual property, and commercial collections tailored to your unique situation.

💬 Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Whether you’re located in California or anywhere else in the United States, our legal team is ready to protect your rights and pursue the outcome you deserve.