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Irvine Business Litigation Lawyer

Do You Need a Proven Irvine Business Litigation Lawyer?

When business conflicts arise, they can threaten more than just your bottom line. They can disrupt operations, relationships, and long-term success.

Whether you are facing a contract dispute, an issue with real estate or property rights, or a conflict involving government action, you need representation from a law firm with deep experience in high-stakes business litigation. You need quality legal counsel and representation from the experienced Irvine business litigation attorneys at Peterson Law Group PC. Contact us today at (213) 236-9720.

Our litigation practice is grounded in decades of legal experience. We provide assertive and strategic legal advocacy for businesses in Irvine and throughout Southern California, and our attorneys work with business owners, corporate stakeholders, and property owners to resolve disputes with precision and tenacity.

Whether in court or through alternative dispute resolution, our goal is to protect your interests and deliver results that align with your business objectives. Call our law firm today at (949) 955-0127.

Why Choose Us Over Other Irvine Business Litigation Law Firms?

• More than three decades of business and real estate litigation experience
• Selected by Best Lawyers as a “Best Law Firm”
• John S. Peterson named “Lawyer of the Year” for Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
• Member, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
• Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum member
• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® rating for the highest level of legal ability and ethics
• Recognized by Southern California Super Lawyers based on peer reviews and independent research

How We Can Help With Your Case

Business litigation can take many different forms. The lawyers at Peterson Law Group PC will arrange for the assistance of highly-qualified experts and consultants and will develop the case strategy necessary to establish or defend both liability and damages, whether the opposing party is an individual, another business, or a public agency.

We’ll also help the business owner address any damage caused by other parties and engage the necessary experts to create a plan to prevent further damage from occurring.

What Damages Can Business Litigation Attorneys Recover?

When a business faces a legal dispute, the financial and operational impact can be significant. We understand the high stakes involved in commercial conflicts and work strategically to help our clients recover appropriate damages.

The types of available damages depend on the nature of the case, but typically include compensatory, consequential, and sometimes punitive damages.

• Compensatory damages aim to reimburse direct losses suffered due to a breach of contract, fraud, interference, or other actionable misconduct. These may include lost profits, unpaid invoices, or costs incurred from the disrupted business relationship.
• Consequential damages go further, covering indirect losses that stem from the breach—such as lost business opportunities or diminished market share—provided they were foreseeable at the time of the agreement.
• Punitive damages may be awarded in more egregious cases involving willful misconduct or fraud to deter similar behavior. These are less common but can significantly increase the recovery amount when available.

Types of Commercial/Business Litigation We Handle

Eminent Domain

Few legal issues are as complex and high-stakes as eminent domain. If a government agency seeks to take your property for public use, we will seek full and fair compensation.

John S. Peterson is a recognized authority in this area, and our firm has handled numerous condemnation cases involving commercial, industrial, and investment real estate.

We represent both property and business owners affected by takings and guide them through the entire condemnation process, from pre-acquisition negotiations to litigation and trial if necessary.

Inverse Condemnation

When the government damages your property without formally exercising its power of eminent domain, you may be entitled to compensation through an inverse condemnation claim.

These cases often arise from construction activities, regulatory actions, or flood and water intrusion issues. We have successfully litigated inverse condemnation cases against the appropriate agency on behalf of landowners and businesses.

Dangerous Conditions

Public infrastructure and construction projects sometimes lead to dangerous conditions on or near private property.

Whether your business has suffered physical damage, loss of access, or reduced customer traffic due to nearby projects, we can help pursue claims against the responsible parties, including government agencies and contractors.

Our attorneys will investigate liability and build a strong case based on engineering, environmental, and financial analysis.

Landslides and Subsidence

Southern California’s unique geology makes it particularly susceptible to landslides and land subsidence. These events can have devastating impacts on commercial and residential properties.

Peterson Law Group PC represents clients in litigation related to slope failures, soil movement, and development-caused subsidence. We work with top geologists and experts to determine causes, assess damages, and pursue legal remedies for our clients.

Government Tort Liability

When a public entity causes injury or damage through negligence or wrongful conduct, it may be held accountable under California’s Government Tort Claims Act.

We have extensive experience filing timely claims and pursuing damages on behalf of businesses and property owners harmed by public works projects, maintenance failures, or environmental impacts.

Contract Terms Disputes

Whether a business property owner is a party to a purchase agreement to buy or sell real estate or to a contract for repairs or development of the property, disputes between the parties to the agreement may arise.

At Peterson Law Group PC, our experienced business litigation attorneys can help the business property owner resolve the dispute fairly. In many cases, resolution can be achieved without the time and money investment of a civil trial.

If a trial is necessary, our business litigation lawyers have substantial jury trial experience and will present a clear and strong case to a judge or jury.

Nuisances

Garbage, noise, or environmental contamination frequently crosses property lines. When it does, the originator of the nuisance may be liable for damages to another owner's property.

The business litigation attorneys at Peterson Law Group PC can help businesses take steps to stop and prevent nuisances, as well as to establish liability for a nuisance or defend against an accusation of nuisance by a neighbor.

Construction Defects

When errors or shortcuts are made in a building's construction, damage to the building may result. Damages may include a compromised building structure, fire damage caused by faulty electrical wiring.

We will assemble the experts needed to discern construction defects and the damage they cause, and will seek to hold negligent contractors liable for the damage.

Recognition for Extensive Trial Experience In Irvine

John S. Peterson is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), and Peterson Law Group PC is an AV Rated firm recognized for its many achievements of legal excellence.

In providing practical business litigation experience reflected in courtroom results, Peterson Law Group PC offers personalized attention to assist our clients in what can be an emotionally draining experience.

While we also work with highly qualified appraisers, we are sensitive to the need for cost-effective litigation.

While we believe that any business owner facing litigation should be entitled to the benefits of competent counsel, we are admittedly selective in the cases we choose to represent. We believe our selection criteria enable us to provide attention to the needs of our clients while striving to get the results that our clients deserve.

Our business litigation attorneys welcome the opportunity to discuss your situation and help you assess the merits of your case. Call Peterson Law Group PC today at (949) 955-0127.

Past Case Studies

$1,300,000 to $3,700,000

In an eminent domain case in Wilmington, Peterson Law Group PC successfully represented the owner of a marine equipment supply company located near the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, increasing the government's initial offer of $1,300,000 to a final award of $3,700,000. This result was achieved through a jury trial addressing business goodwill loss and negotiating the value of the real estate and relocation benefits prior to trial.

$347,500 to $1,540,000

In an eminent domain case in Los Angeles, Peterson Law Group PC significantly increased the government's initial offer of $347,500, securing a final award of $1,540,000 for their client, a property owner who operated an automobile dismantling and auto parts salvage business.

$0 to $255,000

In an inverse condemnation case involving earth movement and subsidence, Peterson Law Group PC secured a $255,000 award for a property owner and an antique automobile restoration business owner in Costa Mesa against Caltrans. Caltrans' removal, replacement, and reconstruction of the roadbed structure, support, and embankments of an overpass led to the loss of support and soil subsidence, causing the industrial building to sink and split in multiple locations, despite an initial government offer of $0.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between business litigation and commercial litigation?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but business litigation typically involves disputes within companies or between business partners, while commercial litigation often refers to disputes arising from transactions and contracts between companies.

How long does business litigation typically take in California?

The duration can vary based on the complexity of the case. Simple disputes may resolve in a few months, while complex litigation could take a year or more, especially if it goes to trial.

What is inverse condemnation?

Inverse condemnation occurs when the government takes or damages private property without formally using eminent domain. The property owner must then initiate legal action to recover compensation.

Can I sue the government for property damage in California?

Yes, if the damage results from a public project or government negligence, you may have a claim under California’s Government Tort Claims Act. It’s important to remember that strict deadlines apply.

What if my business was impacted by road construction?

If your property or operations in Irvine suffered due to nearby public works, you might be eligible to recover damages, particularly if access or visibility was impaired.

How do you calculate damages in a landslide or subsidence case?

We work with engineers and valuation experts to quantify structural damage, loss of use, diminution in property value, and related costs like repairs and relocation.