Handling contracts and business relationships in New York can be complex and confusing. Without strategic legal advice and intervention, you can quickly find yourself on the wrong side of a tort action or other legal issue. A common problem individuals and companies may contend with is tortious interference with a business relationship.
At Levy Goldenberg, we pride ourselves on representing New York businesses of all sizes. We want to help you understand the legal implications of tortious interference with a business relationship and how we can help you sort through the legalese to find a manageable solution.
Who Can Be Liable for Tortious Interference with a Business Relationship?
Tortious interference with a business can occur when one party intentionally or willfully disrupts another party’s business relationship or contractual relationships, causing significant economic harm. Many situations hinge on two types of interference: interference with a contract or interference with the prospective economic advantage of a business relationship.
Depending on the situation, company insiders, employees, and third parties can be found liable for tortious interference with a business relationship. When a wrongdoer has access to client or customer information and uses that information to filter business away from other clients or companies to the detriment of the company, they have illegally interfered with a business relationship. Similarly, when an individual convinces a customer or business to breach a contract with the company for the individual’s benefit, they could also have illegally interfered with a business relationship.
Tortious interference with business relationship cases are fact-specific and complicated. If you believe your business has suffered because an individual or a third party has interfered in your business dealings, you need to consult an experienced and skilled New York business law attorney. Your lawyer can walk you through your legal options and advise you about the implications of moving forward with tortious interference with a business relationship case.
Elements of a Tortious Interference with a Business Relationship Case
New York law outlines five essential elements that must be present to claim tortious interference with a business relationship. These elements include:
- Proving that a valid contractual agreement between parties exists
- Establishing that the wrongdoer knew about the existing contractual agreement and the business relationship
- Showing that the alleged interference or actions caused a breach of the contract
- Proving the individual interfered intentionally and improperly or that the person acted solely out of malice
- Identifying how the intentional actions caused harm and losses to the business and its business relationship
Interference can take several forms and may be based on fraudulent information or representation, spreading false information about a business to clients to get them back out of a deal, or convincing a party to break a contract to form a new one somewhere else. Tortious interference with business relationship laws helps protect businesses from unjustified and unethical disruptions by employees or third parties. Successful tortious interference with business relationship cases can help a company recover compensation for financial losses.
Protect Your Business Interests with the Help of an Aggressive Business Law Team
At Levy Goldenberg, we know what’s at stake. Our skilled legal team understands how interference with your business can cost you time and money while potentially hurting the reputation and integrity of your company. Our legal team commits itself to providing personalized and proactive solutions to your legal issues while resolving business disputes as favorably as possible.
We have an impressive track record of helping Manhattan business clients of all sizes protect themselves. Contact our firm today and arrange a confidential legal consultation. We can review your situation and outline your legal options for reaching the best possible outcome in your situation.