Seattle Breach of Contract Lawyers Advocate for Employees

Washington firm seeks relief when employment agreements are violated

Throughout Washington, Mann & Kytle, PLLC assists workers who have been harmed because their employment agreement was violated. Our Seattle breach of contract lawyers are skillful litigators who press to hold companies to the promises they made. If you believe that you haven’t been compensated properly or that your termination was not conducted according to the agreed-upon procedure, we are ready to help.

What is an employer breach of contract?

Many employer breach of contract claims concern wages, benefits or other payments that were mandated by the agreement, but never provided. In other cases, there might have been a violation of the terms governing when and how a worker can be fired. No matter the nature of the particular dispute, we deliver tenacious advocacy to employees when a conflict erupts over contractual duties.

What types of employment contracts can be breached?

An enforceable employment agreement can override the “at will employment” standard that allows businesses to fire workers without giving a reason. As Washington lawyers with substantial experience in public employee rights cases, we can advise if the firing of a government worker violates any public rules or collectively bargained contract. Our firm can provide this counsel in cases related to employment agreements signed by individuals and union contracts that cover workers in a private company.

What are the types of breaches?

Our skillful employment law attorneys handle the following types of contact breaches:

• Material — Contract violations that go to the heart of an employment agreement are referred to as material breaches. These transgressions, such as a failure to pay compensation or an improper firing, are so fundamental that the contract can no longer stand.
• Non-material — In certain instances, an employer will fail to honor a contractual obligation, but the breach is related to an ancillary matter. Our firm can attempt to uphold the core of the agreement while negotiating alternative benefits to compensate you for the employer’s violation.
• Separation agreement — When a worker is leaving, an employer might not feel motivated to honor the terms of their separation agreement. We take swift action to enforce former employees’ rights.

Even if it seems the terms of the contract don’t support your position, we might be able to help you achieve a favorable result, especially if the language is unfair and you were forced to sign the document without any chance to negotiate.

What should an employee do if they think their contract has been breached?

As soon as you believe that potential breach might take place, you should record any information that might be relevant to a future claim, and get copies of any agreements or promises that could provide a basis for your claim, even if they are in texts, emails or phone or meeting notes. Even if you unsure as to whether an employer has violated your contract, it is wise to consult with an experienced attorney regarding your legal options. We will assess each side’s rights and obligations under the agreement and correspondence and outline how the contract language might be interpreted if the dispute went to court. Should you decide to take legal action, we will pursue the damages you are entitled under the law and any pertinent contract language.

What type of damages can an employee expect for breach of contract?

An employee who has lost their job as a result of a contract breach can seek compensation for income they would have collected as well as the damage done to their future earning potential. Certain contracts contain liquidated damages clauses or similar provisions that mandate a party in violation of the agreement to pay a set amount of money to the victimized party.

Contact a Seattle employment lawyer regarding a breach of contract claim  

Mann & Kytle, PLLC assists Washington workers who have been victimized by violations of their employment contracts. Please call 206-457-2057 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. Our office is in Downtown Seattle.