What are my legal options if a vendor breaches a contract in Ohio?

If a vendor breaches a contract in Ohio, the affected party has several legal options available to seek redress.

Firstly, the aggrieved party may seek damages for breach of contract. Generally, damages awarded must place the innocent party in the position they would have been in had the contract been properly fulfilled. In Ohio, damages for breach of contract are typically limited to the actual losses suffered as a result of the breach, plus any incidental or consequential damages that flow from the breach. A court may also award specific performance, which is an order that the vendor fulfill the terms of the contract as originally agreed.

Secondly, the impacted party may seek injunctive relief to stop the vendor from continuing to breach the contract. An injunction is a court order that directs a party to stop performing a certain action or to perform a particular action. In Ohio, a preliminary injunction may be issued before a trial on the merits of a case or as a final order, after a trial.

In addition to these remedies, the affected party may be entitled to certain legal defenses or counterclaims, depending on the particular circumstances of the case. For example, the accused party may claim that the contract was void or unenforceable, that it was induced to enter into the contract through fraud or duress, or that it was released from the contract by the other party's material breach.

If the contract includes an arbitration clause, the parties may be required to resolve their disputes through arbitration rather than through the courts. In this case, the parties would need to follow the arbitration process outlined in their contract.

If the vendor is a corporation, the injured party may also consider whether to pursue legal action against the company's directors or officers, if they are found to have acted inappropriately or negligently in performing the contract.

In summary, if a vendor breaches a contract in Ohio, the affected party has several legal options available to seek redress, including seeking damages, injunctive relief, or arbitration. It is important to consult with a licensed attorney to determine the best course of action in your specific case.