Misrepresentation

What is a misrepresentation and comparison with similar claims?

A claim for misrepresentation arises where one party to a contract (the representor) made an untrue statement of fact that induced the other (the representee) to enter into the contract. The false statement may be made innocently, negligently or fraudulently. An actionable misrepresentation entitles the innocent party to rescind the contract unless the court determines otherwise, though it may award damages in lieu of rescission. Damages are also available where the misrepresentation has caused the innocent party loss. Misrepresentation claims can be difficult to prove and a prospective defendant will have a number of possible defenses to such a claim, eg, that the statement in question was not intended to be relied on or that the representee would have entered into the contract in any event. A claim for misrepresentation has similarities to, but can be distinguished from, claims for breach of contract, mistake, negligent misstatement and deceit. For a pre-contractual statement to be an actionable representation it must have been a statement of fact. Such a statement can be made expressly in writing or orally or may be implied from words or conduct. In the case of implied representations, care must be taken to test the credibility of the claimant’s assertions as to an implied representation when bringing such a claim since the more difficult it is to formulate the terms of the implied representation, the more reluctant the court will be to accept that it should be implied.

Where damages are claimed (in addition or alternatively to rescission), that the misrepresentation caused the representee to suffer loss.

Statements of intention, opinion and promises whilst not actionable misrepresentations, may carry with them implied representations of fact. There are also occasions where silence can give rise to an actionable misrepresentation.

When considering whether a misrepresentation is actionable the context in which it was made is key.

Contact a Waco Texas or Central Texas misrepresentation lawyer below or call 254-753-6437 to discuss your matter.

Vance Dunnam Waco Attorney at Dunnam & Dunnam

Vance Dunnam

Vance has 60 years of experience as a lawyer in Waco, Texas handling all types of cases in both the office and the courtroom.

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Vance Dunnam Waco Attorney at Dunnam & Dunnam

Vance Dunnam, Jr.

Vance has been licensed by the State Bar of Texas since 1977 and has practiced law in Waco, Texas since 1978.

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Merrilee Harmon Waco Lawyer at Dunnam & Dunnam

Merrilee L. Harmon

Merrilee L. Harmon is a Family Law specialist, Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1985.

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Andrea Mehta Waco Lawyer at Dunnam & Dunnam

Andrea Michelle Mehta

Andrea's practice focuses primarily in Appellate Law, Civil Trial Law, Family Law, and General Law.

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Jim Dunnam Waco Attorney at Dunnam & Dunnam

Jim Dunnam

Jim Dunnam is a Board Certified Specialist in both Civil Trial Law and Family Law.

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Eleeza Johnson Attorney at Law Dunnam & Dunam

Eleeza Johnson

Eleeza's practice areas include: Personal Injury Law, Civil Trial Law, Commercial Law, Family Law and Pharmaceutical Law.

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Gerald R. Villarrial

Gerald R. Villarrial has practiced family law, criminal law and civil litigation for over 20 years.

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Mason Dunnam

Mason Dunnam is the fourth generation of Dunnam attorneys at the firm since 1925

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Carolina Truesdale

Carolina G. Truesdale graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law, Cum Laude.

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