Interference with a Contract or Business Relationship Can Create Legal Liability...

May 17, 2009 - PRLog -- If someone or another business attempts to interfere with a relationship that you are entering into with another business or customer, or an existing relationship, or in fact diverts that relationship, you or your business may have a claim against that individual or business for intentional interference with a business expectancy--or interference with "prospective economic advantage."

In general, four (4) elements must exist to prove this tort in the State of Illinois (other States may have similar legal bases for a lawsuit): (1) a reasonable expectancy of entering into a valid business relationship; (2) the defendant's knowledge of the expectancy; (3) the defendant's intentional and unjustified interference that prevents the realization of the business expectancy; and (4) damages resulting from the interference. See e.g. Chicago's Pizza, Inc. v. Chicago's Pizza Franchise Ltd. USA, 893 N.E.2d 981 (1st Dist. 2008). In fact, you need not even have an enforceable contract with the other business or customer--only the expectancy of entering into a relationship. See e.g. Mannion v. Stallings & Co., Inc., 204 Ill.App.3d 179, 561 N.E.2d 1134 (1st Dist. 1990).

Competitors may have a right to compete; however, how that competition is carried out is the key analysis. These types of cases are extremely fact-specific and attorneys who practice in the area of commercial litigation can readily understand whether the elements and facts support a cause of action or whether there are certain defenses available. In addition, in today's economic climate when legal budgets are minimal, some commercial lawyers will represent individuals and businesses in these situations on a "contingent" basis--that is, where the lawyer will only charge a fee (usually one-third to forty percent) if the lawsuit results in a recovery.

Visit http://www.CounselorOffices.net to learn more.

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Philip Berenz is a Chicago trial attorney truly committed to assisting individuals and businesses with securing all available remedies and compensation for injuries and disputes and defending them when necessary.