Litigation Lawyers in Portsmouth

In Portsmouth, Ohio, commercial litigation is any legal dispute that involves some type of business transaction. Commercial litigation can be between two businesses, a business and an individual, or two individuals. It usually comes up when everyone involved least expects it, and it can arise from just about any situation.

In Portsmouth, Ohio, you should expect any form of commercial litigation to be expensive and complex. While large and sophisticated companies are well-equipped to deal with civil litigation, and are typically the ones facing it, civil litigation in Portsmouth, Ohio can also arise between those who are not nearly as accustomed to handling it, such as individuals and small businesses.

Common Sources of Commercial Litigation in Portsmouth, Ohio

Commercial Leases: Even though more businesses than ever are relying on the internet to sell their goods, the majority of small businesses in Portsmouth, Ohio still have to operate from a physical location. The space from which most businesses operate is usually 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 dispute might arise, leading to commercial litigation.

Sales of Real Estate: When buying real estate in Portsmouth, Ohio, a lot of things can go wrong, possibly making commercial litigation essential. In these cases, things like title defects (when the seller doesn't actually own the land or house that they're selling), physical defects in the property that weren't disclosed to the buyer, or a buyer's failure to tender payment on time, among other things, can all lead to commercial litigation.

Sale of Goods: The sale or purchase of personal property is another common source of commercial litigation in Portsmouth, Ohio. For example, a restaurant owner might order tomatoes from a supplier, and fail to pay for them. The owner might argue that the tomatoes were rotten and unusable when they arrived, and he therefore does not have to pay. Obviously, if the two parties can't resolve this dispute somehow, they will have 2 options: simply let it go, and likely never do business with one another again, or go to court, and resolve it through civil litigation.

Business Loans: When a business is started up in Portsmouth, Ohio, one of the first steps is usually to take out a loan from a bank. However, this is a complex process, and there are many things that can go wrong. If the borrower fails to make the required payments, or the lender attempts to defraud the buyer, civil litigation is a strong possibility.

Breach of Contract: Whenever a business in Portsmouth, Ohio agrees to provide a product or service in exchange for something of value (usually money), a legally-binding agreement, called a "contract," is formed. If either party fails to perform their end of the bargain, they have breached the contract, and commercial litigation is a possible way to settle the dispute.

How Can a Portsmouth, Ohio Commercial Litigation Lawyer Help?

In Portsmouth, Ohio, mostly business owners know that commercial litigation can be caused by almost any business mishap, and the prospect of litigation can rear its head with almost no warning. They also know that it's a smart idea to be prepared for this possibility, to ensure that the interruptions to their business operations that it will cause, as well as its costs, are kept to a minimum.

The best thing you can do on that front is retaining a qualified Portsmouth, Ohio commercial litigation attorney. Your attorney can provide you with advice and information that, if followed, will help you avoid litigation in the first place. And, if litigation becomes unavoidable, a good lawyer can give you the best possible chance of obtaining a favorable result in court.