Florida Commercial Law: What is a Business Tort?
A business tort (also known as an economic tort) is a wrongful act that arises out of a business transaction or business relationship. If a company sustained significant financial losses as a result of the wrongful conduct of another party, that company may have a valid civil claim for damages.
At Pike & Lustig, our West Palm Beach business litigation lawyers have experience handling all sides of commercial law cases. We represent and defend companies in business tort lawsuits. Here, we highlight seven of the most common examples of business torts in Florida.
- Unfair Trade Practices
One of the most common types of business torts is unfair trade practices. Unfair and deceptive trade practices come in many different forms. The Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) is the key statute that controls these types of cases. Fraud, misrepresentation, and deception in a business context could potentially rise to a business tort claim.
- Breach of Contract
Breach of contract is another one of the most common types of business torts. In contract dispute cases, Florida courts will lean heavily on the specific terms of the business agreement in question. For this reason, it is imperative that Florida companies operate using well-drafted, carefully considered contracts.
- Unlawful Interference
Under Florida law, companies may be able to make a claim for ‘tortious interference’. In simple terms, tortious interference occurs when a third party actor unlawfully causes damage to one company’s commercial relationship with another company. These are notoriously complex legal claims.
- Civil RICO Violations
Civil claims can be brought against businesses under Florida’s RICO statute. If you are bringing a civil RICO claim in Florida, or if your South Florida business is being sued for an alleged RICO violation, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced West Palm Beach RICO claims lawyer as soon as possible.
- Professional Misconduct
In some cases, business torts are brought against individual professionals. A business tort claim may be filed against a corporate officer, a corporate director, a business partner, a shareholder, or a professional who is working outside of the company. If economic damage was caused to the business by a professional’s wrongful actions, the company may have a viable tort claim.
- Intellectual Property Claims
Finally, in the modern world, many business tort claims are centered on disputes over intellectual property. An IP-based business tort claim can come in many forms, including allegations of trademark infringement, potential copyright law violations, or trade secret misappropriation.
Contact South Florida’s Business Law Firm
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Florida commercial litigation lawyers have extensive experience representing companies in a wide range of legal disputes. If your company was economically damaged by the wrongful actions of another party, or you are being sued for a business tort, we can help.
With offices in West Palm Beach law office and Miami, we are proud to serve business throughout South Florida. To set up a fully confidential review of your business tort claim, please do not hesitate to contact our law firm today.
