Contracts are legally binding agreements that define the relationship between an employer and employee. When an employer fails to honor the terms of a written or verbal contract, employees have the right to pursue legal action. An experienced Irvine employment lawyer can help you recover what you are owed and hold them accountable. Call (949) 379-6250 or contact Aegis Law Firm today to arrange a free consultation.
Why Choose Our Irvine Breach of Contract Lawyer?
- Employment Law Focus: We handle only employment-related cases, giving your breach of contract claim the full benefit of our focused knowledge and experience.
- Proven Results: We have secured over $300 million in settlements and verdicts for workers in California.
- Client-Centered Approach: We offer personalized strategies, direct communication, and aggressive advocacy from consultation to resolution.
What Is a Breach of Contract?
A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to perform their obligations under a valid agreement. In the employment context, this could involve:
- Failure to pay agreed wages or bonuses
- Wrongful termination in violation of contract terms
- Denial of guaranteed benefits or severance
- Breach of confidentiality or non-compete clauses
- Failure to honor terms in an employment offer or promotion letter
Employment contracts can be written, oral, or implied based on the employer’s policies or practices. Even without a formal, signed agreement, California courts may still find a binding contract exists if the facts support it.
Types of Employment Contracts
Employment agreements come in different forms, including:
- Written Contracts: Signed documents that outline terms such as salary, duration, duties, and termination procedures.
- Oral Agreements: Verbal promises made by an employer that may still be legally enforceable.
- Implied Contracts: Agreements based on conduct, company policies, or long-standing practices that suggest job security or ongoing employment.
Even at-will employees—who can be terminated without cause—may have contract rights if their employer promised specific conditions regarding termination or compensation.
Common Examples of Breach of Contract in the Workplace
Employers can breach a contract in many ways. Examples include:
- Terminating an employee without following the contract’s notice or cause requirements.
- Withholding agreed commissions, bonuses, or raises.
- Failing to provide stock options, retirement benefits, or other promised compensation.
- Changing job responsibilities or pay in violation of contract terms.
- Ignoring severance agreements or exit packages.
If your employer promised something and failed to deliver, you may have a valid claim.
Types of Available Compensation and Legal Remedies in Breach of Contract Claims
When an employer breaches a valid employment contract, you may be entitled to:
- Back pay for unpaid wages, commissions, or bonuses.
- Compensation for lost benefits or future earnings.
- Liquidated damages, if specified in the contract.
- Reinstatement in limited cases.
- Attorney’s fees and legal costs, if provided in the agreement.
In some cases, courts may also award consequential damages for harm caused by the breach, such as damage to reputation or career advancement.
How an Irvine Breach of Contract Lawyer Can Help
An Irvine employment law attorney will:
- Analyze contract language and employer obligations.
- Identify the specific breach and calculate your damages.
- Attempt to resolve the dispute through negotiation or mediation.
- File a lawsuit if necessary to enforce your rights in court.
- Guide you through every step of the legal process.
Having a knowledgeable breach of contract attorney in Irvine increases your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve while protecting you from employer retaliation or future contract violations.
Contact Our Irvine Employment Law Firm Today
If you believe your employer has breached a contract or failed to honor a workplace agreement, Aegis Law Firm will help you understand your rights, assess your options, and fight for a fair outcome. Call (949) 379-6250 today to schedule a free consultation.
