Anyone who runs a business understands that most transactions and agreements are sealed with a contract, even if it's just a handshake. At its core, contract law regulates the transfer of rights from one party to another, holding each party accountable to the agreed-upon terms. It's of utmost importance in any contract that both parties are on the same page and acting in good faith. But if one party makes a false or misleading statement in order to induce another party into a contract, causing some kind of harm, the aggrieved party may sue for fraudulent misrepresentation.
The following information covers the basics of fraudulent misrepresentation (which differs from breach of contract), including the elements required for liability and remedies.
Fraudulent Misrepresentation: Overview
A contract is not considered valid unless all parties are in agreement to the terms. If the expressed terms are not accurate, then any agreement is based on a false premise and the contract is invalid. Knowingly making false statements -- whether in writing, verbally, through a simple gesture, or even silence -- constitutes false misrepresentation if it has a material effect on the deal.
For example, a drug company working out an acquisition by another company boasts of several "promising" drugs in clinical trials but fails to mention that they likely will not make it to market based on disappointing results. Since the acquiring company assumed these drugs would add value to the deal, it suffered damages by overpaying.
Even if the representation was made without knowledge of whether it was true, it can give rise to a fraudulent misrepresentation claim if it was made in a reckless way. In such instances, the party making the representation is acting recklessly solely to induce the other party into the contract. Using the example above, let's say the drug company boldly claims it is the only one developing a particular class of pharmaceuticals even though it isn't positive about this claim. If, in fact, other companies are working on this particular type of drug, the reckless misrepresentation would have a material impact on the deal.
Other types include negligent misrepresentation, in which one party failed to adequately ensure the accuracy of the representation, and innocent representation, which is neither fraudulent nor negligent. Keep in mind that a misrepresentation that does not have a material effect on the contract does not give rise to a legal action.
The Elements of Fraudulent Misrepresentation
In order to prevail in a lawsuit for fraudulent misrepresentation, the plaintiff must be able to prove the following six elements:
Remedies for Fraudulent Misrepresentation
Depending on the nature of the case, remedies for fraudulent misrepresentation can include rescission of the contract and damages. Rescission of the contract is the most common remedy, since fraudulent misrepresentation renders it voidable (as opposed to simply "void"). Therefore, the parties may choose not to rescind the contract -- which restores the parties to their pre-contractual positions -- if this is not possible. With respect to damages, only actual losses stemming from the misrepresentation may be claimed.
Questions About Fraudulent Misrepresentation? Contact an Attorney
Whether you've been sued for fraudulent misrepresentation or believe you have entered into a contract under false pretenses, the stakes are relatively high for your business. Depending on the nature of your case, the key to your success in court may come down to just one tiny detail of fact. Speak with a skilled business lawyer near you today to find out about your options moving forward.
