Litigation Lawyers in Westlake

In Westlake, California, commercial litigation is any civil litigation that includes a business transaction. Commercial litigation can come up in virtually any business context.

Commercial litigation in Westlake, California, can get quite expensive, very quickly. Furthermore, it can also be incredibly confusing. It often involves two sophisticated business entities, but it can also arise between two ordinary individuals who never would have imagined that they'd get caught up in commercial litigation in Westlake, California.

Common Sources of Commercial Litigation in Westlake, California

Commercial Leases: Even though more businesses than ever are relying on the internet to sell their goods, the majority of small businesses in Westlake, California still have to operate from a physical location. The space from which most businesses operate is typically rented, and the terms of the rental agreement are documented in a contract called a commercial lease. These contracts, like any other, are sometimes breached. When, for instance, the tenant fails to pay rent on time, or the landlord fails to perform required building maintenance, a conflict might arise, leading to commercial litigation.

Sales of Real Estate: Buying office space, a home, or an empty plot of land in Westlake, California is not a simple process, and something can go wrong at any step along the way. For instance, there might be a title defect, or some type of physical flaw on the property, and the seller fails to disclose it to the buyer, this will almost certainly lead to the buyer demanding compensation, in the form of a full or partial refund, from the seller. If no agreement can be reached, commercial litigation is the likely result.

Sale of Goods: In Westlake, California, the sale and purchase of personal property is also a prevalent source of commercial litigation. Just like any business transaction, things can go wrong in the sale of goods. For example, the seller might deliver the wrong goods to the buyer, or deliver them late. Likewise, the buyer might fail to pay for the goods at the agreed time. Most of the time, business people are able to resolve these disputes without resorting to commercial litigation. In rare cases, however, they have to take their conflict to court, and settle it that way.

Business Loans: Starting a business in Westlake, California, or anywhere else, is expensive. Typically, when somebody starts a business, they have to take out a loan from a bank. However, if the lender engages in some type of improper activity (such as trying to collect payment in a manner not permitted in the loan agreement), or the borrower doesn't make the payments on time, commercial litigation is likely to result.

Breach of Contract: In Westlake, California, contract law is simple in principle: when someone agrees to exchange value for value (a product in exchange for money, for example), they have entered into a contract, which is a legally-binding agreement. A contract requires at least two parties, and if either of them fails to do what is required of them under the arrangement, they are said to be in "breach" of the contract. If they do not remedy the situation, or the other party does not waive the requirement, a conflict is likely, which might lead to commercial litigation.

How Can a Westlake, California Commercial Litigation Lawyer Help?

Business owners in Westlake, California are probably aware of the fact that commercial litigation can always be just around the corner, and just about any business deal that goes bad can trigger it. It's advisable, therefore, to take some simple steps to prepare for possibly civil litigation, so it will only be minimally disruptive to your business, should it happen in the future.

A commercial litigation attorney in Westlake, California can be very advantageous in that regard. Your lawyer can advise you of your legal obligations, as well as your legal rights. Knowing what is required of you, and the people you deal with in a commercial context, is the best thing you can do to avoid commercial litigation, and to prevail in a dispute, should one occur.