Rosenberger + Kawabata represents businesses and owners in California contract disputes. We pursue unpaid obligations and defend companies accused of breaking agreements, including service contracts, business purchase agreements, and long-term licenses.
A missed payment may be easy to document. A dispute over who performed first, whether the work met the agreement, or what a termination clause permits takes closer attention. We compare the signed terms with amendments, invoices, and the parties’ communications before recommending a demand, a negotiated exit, or litigation.
Our business litigation practice includes disputes in California courts and contractual arbitration. Related matters may involve commercial lease disputes or trade secret litigation over the use of confidential information.
Enforcing the agreement and testing the claimed loss
We identify the disputed payment or performance obligation and the evidence needed to prove or defeat the claim. That includes notice and cure requirements, disputed changes to the deal, and limits on damages. We assess the cost of pursuing the case against the amount that can realistically be recovered. The lawyers preparing the evidence also handle the hearing or trial.
Can a business recover more than unpaid invoices?
Yes, if the additional loss is recoverable under the agreement and California law. Civil Code section 3300 allows compensation for loss caused by the breach or likely to result from it in the ordinary course. Depending on the transaction, a claim may include the reasonable cost of replacement performance or other provable losses. An invoice balance alone won’t establish every category of damages. The claimant must connect the breach to the amount sought, account for losses it reasonably could have avoided, and address any enforceable contractual limits. Lost profits require supporting evidence because a forecast doesn’t establish a recovery by itself. We compare payment records and operating history with the damages demand and test alternative explanations for the loss. That analysis helps a business decide whether to pursue payment, negotiate a settlement, or defend a claim whose requested damages exceed what the evidence supports.
Will the losing party pay my attorney’s fees?
Not automatically. A contract clause or statute must authorize recovery. California Civil Code section 1717 can make a qualifying contractual attorney’s fee provision reciprocal in an action on the contract. We review the language and the claims before treating a fee award as part of the likely recovery or exposure. Winning doesn’t always mean recovering every dollar spent.
Discuss your dispute
For a contract dispute in Los Angeles or elsewhere in California, call (310) 894-6921 or contact us to discuss the agreement and the next step.