Working as a contractor can offer many opportunities for success and freedom, but comes with a number of potential pitfalls that other work does not encounter. One of the most important aspects of operating a contracting business is developing strong contracts that meet the needs of both parties while keeping your rights as a contractor protected.
When problems do arise between contractors and clients, having a strong contract to back you up can prove invaluable. In instances where parties agree to a contract that leaves too much up to interpretation, both sides can intentionally interpret a contract the way that best suits them, and this can lead to legal conflicts that cost time and money, cutting into productivity and profits.
If you find yourself facing a breach of contract dispute with a client, it is important to review your contract carefully to understand how to move forward while keeping your rights and priorities secure. Do not hesitate to use high-quality legal resources and guidance to help you understand these complex issues and avoid further complications.
Breaches of a contract
If a client is not pleased with the outcome of contracted work, there is always the risk of them doing reputation damage to your business, so it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking legal action. In some cases, a client may have a small complaint that it is ultimately worthwhile to address at your own expense for the sake of your business’s name.
However, if a client claims that you violated your contract or that some aspect of your work does not meet the standards of your agreement, it is typically unwise to simply agree to their demands outright. This is where a clear, specific contract can protect you immensely. To breach your contract with a client, you must fail to meet the obligations laid out in the contract, or fail to meet them on an agreed schedule. Of course, in many circumstances, there are delays that you cannot control that may alter an original timeline of completion.
It is also possible that a client may attempt to shift blame for someone else’s mistake onto you in a way that your contract does not support. For a small business, the fear of upsetting a client can add pressure for the business to take on liability for issues that are not within the scope of their contract, which is a dangerous precedent to set.
Protect yourself with strong legal tools
The legal issues surrounding contracting work are complex and deserve special attention. Keeping your business and yourself properly protected is not always easy, particularly if you are just getting started in your field.
Investing time and resources in developing strong legal tools helps ensure that you can focus on doing the work that you love without giving in to unfair accusations from clients. Whether you are just getting started as a contractor or have an established business, high-quality legal tools can give you the advantages and protections you need to succeed and let your work speak for itself.
