When a competitor breaks the law to obtain an unfair advantage, the harm to you or your business can be severe. Business tort law provides remedies to individuals and businesses whose business relationships or other economic interests have been harmed by the wrongful conduct of another. You have worked hard to build a business of which you can be proud and need a law firm which can protect your business from illegal and unfair competition. Our firm handles business torts in the following areas:

• Interference with contractual relations: To establish a claim for interference with contractual relations, the plaintiff must prove:(1) the client had a valid contract with a third party, (2) the defendant knew of this contract; (3) the defendant acted intentionally to induce a breach or disruption of the contract; (4) the contract was actually breached or disrupted; and (5) the client suffered harm as a result. These claims include, for example, a competitor persuading a supplier to discontinue selling goods or services to a company.



• Breach of contract: Businesses who have suffered damages as a result of another’s breach of a contract or agreement may have a number remedies available under the common law, Uniform Commercial Code and other statutes. In certain cases, tort remedies may also be available.



• Fraud: To establish a fraud claim, the plaintiff must prove the defendant intentionally misrepresented a material fact, and that the plaintiff relied upon and was harmed by the misrepresentation. These claims include a seller’s failure to disclose structural problems, mold, construction defects, water intrusion, infestations, or contamination in the sale of a home or condominium, commercial real estate or land. Fraud claims may also include misrepresentations of the assets, liabilities or profitability in the sale of a business.



• Defamation: To state a claim for defamation, the plaintiff must establish the defendant published (in writing or verbally) to a third person a statement that would tend to diminish the esteem, respect, or goodwill of the plaintiff.



• Professional misconduct: Accountants, architects, engineers, and other professionals are required to comply with Virginia’s laws and standards of professional conduct. Our attorneys are available to discuss options and pursue remedies for situations involving potential misconduct.



• Breach of fiduciary duty: Fiduciaries must fulfill special duties of care and loyalty. A person acting in a fiduciary capacity is required to make truthful and complete disclosures to those placing trust in him or her, and are forbidden to obtain an unreasonable advantage at the latter’s expense. Fiduciary relationships exist between certain business partners, corporate board members and shareholders, trustees and trust beneficiaries, and in other situations. We can help you determine whether a fiduciary duty has been breached and pursue appropriate remedies.



• Release of confidential information: The duty to maintain the confidentiality of information arises in a number of contexts, including trade secrets, customer lists, and confidential client and patient information. Our attorneys can help you minimize harm and evaluate remedies for a release of confidential information.



• Breach of Non-competition, Non-disclosure, or Non-solicitation agreements: Employers and employees often enter into these types of agreements to protect important interests, like customer lists. If your previous employer, competitor, or employee violates such an agreement you must move quickly to reduce the harm and enforce the agreement.

If you or your business has been harmed by the wrongful actions of a competitor or other person, contact our firm to evaluate your situation and available remedies. We are ready to help you today!