Fraudulent Misrepresentation

People who own small businesses know that most deals they make, like handshakes, count as contracts. Contract law mainly governs how rights move from one person to another. It makes sure everyone follows the rules on which they agreed.

In any contract, both sides must understand and trust each other. But if one side lies or tricks the other into the contract and causes harm, the damaged party can sue for fraudulent misrepresentation.

Understanding Misrepresentation and Its Types

Misrepresentation in business law means showing untrue information as if it's true. In small businesses, this can cause significant financial problems. It can also make you miss chances and even get you into legal trouble.

There are many types of misrepresentation. The three primary types of misrepresentation are innocent, negligent, and fraudulent misrepresentation.

• Innocent misrepresentation occurs when a party makes a false statement, believing it to be true, without any intent to deceive. While it does not involve dishonesty, it can still lead to legal consequences.
• Negligent misrepresentation occurs when a party doesn't check their facts. In some instances, perhaps they didn't have a good reason to believe what they said was true. This demonstrates a degree of carelessness.
• Fraudulent misrepresentation is the most severe form. Fraudulent misrepresentation means intentionally tricking someone into a deal or agreement by knowingly giving them false information.

False representation can greatly affect you, whether you're a prime contractor working with subcontractors or a small business dealing with government contracts.

Fraudulent Misrepresentation and Contract Law

In contract law, fraudulent misrepresentation happens when someone tricks another person into signing a contract by lying or hiding important facts. This goes against the basic idea that contracts should be honest and fair.

If proven in court, the party who was tricked can:

• Cancel the contract
• Get money to cover their losses
• Make the deceptive party pay extra as a punishment (in some cases)

This concept is in place to make sure business contracts are made with trust and honesty between the people involved.

Fraudulent misrepresentation claims can also stem from reckless statements. For example, say a negotiator makes a claim about the company that they aren't sure is true. In these cases, the person making the statement recklessly convinces the other party to enter the contract.

The Role of Small-Business Concerns and Government Contracts

Small businesses that work with government contracts often face accusations of misrepresentation. Federal rules, such as the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), stress the need to be honest when dealing with government purchases. The Small Business Act and the Small Business Administration (SBA) protect the interests of small businesses trying to get government contracts.

Procurement becomes a critical concern in subcontracting arrangements. Small businesses must meet criteria to benefit from set-aside contracts reserved for them. Representing the small business's status and capabilities in good faith is essential.

Protecting Small-Business Interests

To combat misrepresentation, the submission of a bid comes under scrutiny. Certifying your small business's size and qualifications is a big deal. If these certifications are false, it can lead to severe consequences. The False Claims Act and the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act offer ways to deal with business fraud and false statements in federal contracts. This could mean hefty fines and penalties.

For small businesses, understanding misrepresentation claims is crucial to avoiding legal pitfalls. Partnering with professionals in business law and government contracts can provide essential guidance. It's important to follow the rules to reduce the risk of misrepresentation. Check whether subcontractors are eligible and do thorough research before submitting bids.

Limitation of Liability and Material Facts

In commercial disparagement, the principle of limitation of liability gains prominence. Businesses may include disclaimers to limit their exposure to specific fraud claims. However, they are still responsible for providing accurate and transparent information in good faith. Parties should disclose facts essential to the decision-making process to prevent false representation.

Remedies for Fraudulent Misrepresentation

Actual damages for fraudulent misrepresentation can include rescission of the contract and damages. Rescission of the contract is the most common remedy. Rescission renders the contract voidable (instead of simply "void").

If this is not possible, the parties may keep the contract. This restores the parties to their pre-contractual positions. You can claim damages only for actual losses caused by the type of fraud.

Questions About Fraudulent Misrepresentation? Contact an Attorney

If you're facing a lawsuit or think you entered into a contract under false pretenses, there's a lot at stake. 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 today to learn about your options.