Business Fraud and Tort Claim Litigation in Los Angeles
There are only so many ways to allege or incur business liability. Because most business relationships are based on agreements, contract claims are the most common form of business disputes. Certain rights and obligations, meanwhile, are imposed by law, especially in matters involving corporations and partnerships.
A third source of legal consequences can be found in the law of business torts — fraud, misrepresentation, or interference with business prospects, to name a few examples. If you need help with the assertion or defense of business tort claims, contact an experienced civil trial attorney at Escandari & Michon in Beverly Hills.
Business Tort Liability Based on Negligence or Intentional Misconduct
Unlike contractual or corporate rights and responsibilities, business tort claims are based neither on agreement nor on one's status as the agent or officer of a business entity. They reflect instead the general understanding that business people will deal with one another honestly, responsibly and without malicious intent.
For better and for worse, however, business relationships are also human relationships, and carelessness or improper motivations can color business decisions that unfairly disadvantage other companies or individuals. At the same time, business torts are sometimes alleged as insubstantial counterclaims to a legitimate contract action.
Whether you're alleging or defending a business tort claim, or if you need to know whether proof of tort liability against another can excuse your own nonperformance of a contract, our lawyers can help you. Examples of the business torts we can analyze and litigate include:
- Fraud
- Material misrepresentation or nondisclosure
- Negligent or intentional interference with contractual relations or business prospects
- Unauthorized use of confidential information, such customer data, trade secrets, or information obtained in merger negotiations
- Claims under the California Unfair Business Practices Act
Fraud and misrepresentation claims can be factually and legally complex. Not only is there likely to be sharp disagreement as to the substance and effect of allegedly false statements, there is often a significant issue as to whether the complaining party reasonably relied on the truth of a fraudulent representation. Our experience with the proof, defense and resolution of fraud claims of all kinds can give you and your business a definite advantage on both liability and damages issues.
Even Fraud and Business Tort Claims Can Be Resolved Through ADR
We have also found that claims of fraud and other business torts can be resolved through alternative dispute resolution, even when the mutual animosity between the parties would make a negotiated settlement seem unlikely. The savings of time and money available through mediation and arbitration can make ADR techniques attractive options for the resolution of business tort claims.
To learn how you and your company can benefit from our experience with the litigation and settlement of fraud and other business torts, contact Escandari & Michon in Beverly Hills.
