Understanding Breach of Contract Claims in Alabama

When someone breaks a promise in a business deal, service agreement, or written contract, the consequences can be costly. As a breach of contract lawyer in Florence, Alabama, I help clients across North Alabama resolve contract disputes — from unpaid agreements and failed services to construction and real estate breaches. Whether your goal is to negotiate a fair resolution or take the matter to court, our firm works to protect your rights and recover what you’re owed.

At its core, a breach of contract happens when one party fails to live up to their side of a valid agreement. Contracts can be written or oral, but to enforce them, you must be able to show what was promised, what was performed, and how the other side failed to deliver. Regardless of the type of contract in dispute, my office is happy to schedule a consultation to discuss if you have questions or need assistance in your case.

What You Need to Prove in a Breach of Contract Case

In Alabama, to bring a successful breach of contract claim, you generally need to show four key things:

1. A valid contract existed – You and the other party had an agreement that created legal obligations.
2. You did what you agreed to do – or were ready and willing to perform.
3. The other party failed to perform – they didn’t deliver what they promised or acted in a way that violated the agreement.
4. You suffered damages – such as lost money, lost time, or harm to your business or property.

Essentially, the law says that if you kept your promise, and the other side didn’t, you may be entitled to compensation.

Common Examples of Contract Disputes

We frequently handle cases involving:

• Construction or home renovation projects that weren’t completed correctly.
• Business or partnership agreements that were broken.
• Real estate contracts that fell through.
• Service providers or contractors who didn’t perform as promised.
• Sales or supply agreements where one side didn’t deliver what was agreed upon.

In each case, our goal is the same: to prove the agreement, show the breach, and recover fair compensation for what you’ve lost.

How Contract Disputes Are Handled

Every case is different, but most contract disputes follow a similar path:

Reviewing the Agreement:
We start by carefully examining the contract itself — whether written, oral, or implied through conduct. We identify what each party promised and what obligations exist under Alabama law, as well as developing our strategy to prove our claim in court.

Gathering the Evidence:
Strong documentation is key. Emails, text messages, invoices, change orders, or even witness statements can all help show what was agreed upon and how the breach occurred.

Evaluating the Breach:
Sometimes the issue is a total failure to perform (like not finishing a job), and other times it’s poor performance or delay. We’ll determine which type of breach applies and what damages you can seek.

Demand and Negotiation:
Many cases can be resolved before filing a lawsuit. We often begin with a formal demand letter that outlines your claim and gives the other side a chance to resolve it without going to court.

Litigation, if Necessary:
If the other party refuses to make things right, we can file a lawsuit for breach of contract in Alabama state court. From there, we pursue your claim through discovery, mediation, or trial if needed. For more information on litigation, please review my other blog post here: Civil Litigation Process in Alabama: An Overview.

Related Legal Theories That Might Apply

Sometimes, a breach of contract isn’t the only claim available. Depending on the facts, Alabama law allows a few other legal paths that may strengthen your case:

• Fraud: If the other party lied to get you to sign the contract or made promises they never intended to keep, you may also have a fraud claim.
• Promissory Estoppel: If you relied on someone’s promise and suffered harm even though no formal contract was signed, the law may still enforce that promise.
• Equitable Estoppel: If the other party’s misleading conduct caused you to act to your detriment, they may be prevented from denying their responsibility.
• Unjust Enrichment: If someone benefited from your work, services, or money but didn’t pay you as agreed, you may be able to recover what’s fair even if the contract is unenforceable.
• Account Stated or Open Account: For unpaid debts or loans where the amount owed isn’t disputed, Alabama law recognizes an action to collect those balances, typically with a six-year statute of limitations.

We evaluate all possible angles to make sure your claim is as strong as possible.

What Damages Can You Recover?

The goal in a contract case is to make you whole — to put you in the position you would have been in if the other party had kept their promise. Depending on the situation, that can include:

• Compensation for financial losses caused by the breach.
• Reimbursement of costs to fix or complete the work.
• Loss of profits or business opportunities, if they can be proven.

Generally, emotional distress or punitive damages aren’t available in contract cases unless the breach involves particularly personal matters — such as major defects in a home. In many cases, contracts also include limitations or disclaimers on damages, which we’ll review carefully to understand your options.

How I Can Help

At my firm, we understand how disruptive a broken contract can be — especially when it affects your business, your property, or your financial security. We approach every case with the goal of resolving disputes efficiently, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

When you work with me, I will:

• Review your contract and identify your strongest claims.
• Gather and analyze the evidence that proves the breach.
• Communicate clearly with the other party or their attorney.
• Pursue full and fair compensation — whether that means settlement or trial.

As a breach of contract lawyer in Florence, Alabama, I handle breach of contract disputes across North Alabama and are experienced in both simple and complex contract cases. If you believe someone has broken their agreement with you, don’t wait. The longer you delay, the harder it may be to recover the damages you deserve.

Contact Me Today to Discuss Your Claim

If you’re facing a contract dispute in Alabama, we can help you understand your rights and your best path forward.
Contact Will Burress, an experienced breach of contract lawyer in Florence, Alabama, for a consultation about your breach of contract case. We’ll help you evaluate your options and work toward the best possible outcome.

If you’re ready to take the next step to bring a civil claim or defend one filed against you, contact my firm to schedule a consultation. We are ready to help you make informed decisions about your case and work towards a favorable resolution.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. The information provided does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every legal situation is unique, and you should consult with a qualified attorney to discuss the specifics of your case.