Breach of Contract in Rhode Island: What to Know
Contracts are the backbone of business and personal agreements. When one party fails to hold up their end of the deal, it can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. That’s why breach of contract is one of the most common — and important — areas of civil litigation in Rhode Island.
In this blog, we’ll break down what constitutes a breach of contract in Rhode Island, how to enforce your rights, and when to hire a contract dispute lawyer.
What Is a Breach of Contract?
A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to fulfill a material term or condition of a valid agreement — without legal justification.
To bring a successful claim for breach of contract in Rhode Island, you generally must prove:
A valid contract existed
You upheld your part of the agreement
The other party breached the agreement
You suffered damages as a result
A breach can be:
Total – the party fails to perform completely
Partial – the party performs some duties but not all
Anticipatory – the party indicates they won’t perform in the future
Common Examples of Contract Breaches
At Almagno Law, we represent individuals and businesses in a wide range of contract disputes, including:
Failure to deliver goods or services as agreed
Non-payment for work completed
Construction delays or defects
Vendor or supplier contract disputes
Real estate and lease violations
Broken partnership or business agreements
Employment contract violations (non-competes, severance, etc.)
Whether you’re the plaintiff or defendant, an experienced Rhode Island business litigation attorney can help protect your rights.
How Do You Prove a Contract Exists?
A contract doesn’t always have to be in writing — verbal agreements can be enforceable under Rhode Island law in some situations. However, written contracts are far easier to prove in court.
A valid contract typically requires:
Offer and acceptance
Mutual agreement (meeting of the minds)
Consideration (value exchanged)
Capacity of parties to contract
Legal purpose
If one or more of these elements is missing, your agreement may not be enforceable.
Legal Remedies for Breach of Contract in Rhode Island
If a contract is breached, the non-breaching party may be entitled to one or more of the following remedies:
1. Monetary Damages
This is the most common remedy and may include:
Compensatory damages (to cover direct losses)
Consequential damages (to cover indirect but foreseeable losses)
Liquidated damages (predetermined amounts listed in the contract)
2. Specific Performance
In rare cases, the court may order the breaching party to perform their duties under the contract — often used in real estate transactions.
3. Rescission
The contract is canceled, and both parties are returned to their pre-contract position.
4. Reformation
The contract is rewritten to reflect the true intentions of both parties.
At Almagno Law, we help you evaluate your goals and pursue the remedy that best protects your interests.
When to Hire a Contract Litigation Attorney
If you believe someone has broken a contract — or you’ve been accused of breaching one — you should speak with an attorney before things escalate. A qualified lawyer can:
Evaluate whether a breach occurred
Review the terms and enforceability of the contract
Attempt to resolve the issue without litigation
Represent you in court if a lawsuit becomes necessary
We also help clients avoid breaches through strong contract drafting, review, and negotiation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Contract Claim in Rhode Island?
In most cases, the statute of limitations for breach of contract in Rhode Island is:
10 years for written contracts
6 years for oral contracts
But deadlines can vary based on the nature of the agreement. Don’t wait — speak with an attorney early to preserve your rights.
Why Choose Almagno Law?
At Almagno Law, we have decades of experience in Rhode Island civil litigation, including breach of contract and business disputes. We:
Serve individuals, entrepreneurs, and business owners
Offer efficient, cost-conscious litigation strategies
Pursue resolution through negotiation when possible
Aggressively litigate when necessary
Want to see how we’ve helped others in similar cases? View our case results or read client testimonials.
Legal Disclaimer
This blog and the information contained on this website are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship with Almagno Law or any of its attorneys. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.
