All well-run businesses rely on contracts, and veterinary clinics are no exception. Veterinary clinics rely on many types of contractual relationships, including employment contracts, leases, and contracts with clients. As a rule, it is important to strive for clarity when drafting business contracts. Although there are several reasons for this, the primary reason is that clear contracts ensure that all parties involved understand their contractual obligations. Contracts that are unclear, however, are more likely to lead to legal disputes. In this article, we examine the importance of clear veterinary contracts.
Basic Contract Requirements and Remedies
Before examining the importance of clear veterinary contracts, it is helpful to understand the elements of a valid contract. The basic elements of a legally enforceable contract are:
- Mutual assent of the parties, which is expressed by a valid offer and acceptance;
- Adequate consideration, which means that each party offers something of value to the other;
- Capacity, which means that the parties are each legally capable of entering a contractual agreement; and
- Legality, which means that the subject of the contract is permissible under the law.
When parties fail to fulfill their contractual obligations, possible remedies include:
- General damages;
- Consequential damages;
- Reliance damages; and
- Specific performance.
Benefits of Clear Veterinary Contracts
As noted above, clear veterinary contracts are imperative in the veterinary industry. There are several benefits to drafting clear veterinary contracts, including:
Reducing confusion: Contractual uncertainty can take a toll on business relations and lead to litigation. Clarity, on the other hand, can help reduce confusion and possible legal action.
Building trust: Clear, well-drafted contracts can help cultivate an atmosphere of trust between contracting parties. However, when terms are ambiguous, the parties are less likely to trust one another.
Clear expectations: Clear and concise contractual language can help provide the contracting parties with a clear understanding of their respective responsibilities and expectations.
New opportunities: Finally, in some situations, potential clients or other parties may be reluctant to enter into contracts that lack clarity. On the other hand, new business partners, employees, customers, and others are much more likely to enter contracts that are clear and understandable.
Importance of Hiring a Veterinary Contract Attorney to Draft Contracts
Given the importance of drafting clear veterinary contracts, it’s imperative that you seek the assistance of a veterinary contract attorney for all contractual matters. Without an experienced veterinary contract attorney on your side, your odds of making mistakes increase drastically. Mistakes made during the contracting process can lead to legal disputes down the road. When you hire an experienced veterinary attorney, however, he or she will draft a veterinary contract that addresses your unique needs, helping you to avoid lengthy and expensive litigation in the process.
Contact an Experienced Veterinary Contract Attorney
At Mahan Law, our experienced veterinary contract attorneys are here to help you draft and execute clear contracts for your veterinary practice. When you come to us for help, we will take the steps necessary to fulfill your practice’s contractual needs. Please contact us today to schedule an initial meeting with an experienced veterinary contract attorney.