Question
Can I sue a client who stopped me from finishing the work?
My client blocked me from completing the job and now plans to sue me. Can I sue her instead?
Answer
If your client prevented you from doing the job you were hired to do, that can be a material breach. When a client blocks your performance, you may have the right to seek damages for unfinished work, lost income, or services already provided.
Build your case with:
- Signed contract: Scope, payment schedule, deadlines, and termination terms.
- Communications: Messages showing how and when you were blocked.
- Proof of work: Photos, receipts, and time logs.
You’ll also often need to show that you took reasonable steps to reduce your losses, such as stopping further expenses or trying to reuse materials elsewhere.
If the client sues you first, your defense may be that they breached first by stopping your work. Courts recognize that contractors can recover when clients interfere with performance.
What to consider in your specific situation
The general rule is that preventing performance is a breach, but your specific case may vary depending on:
- Your contract’s performance and termination clauses.
- State laws on service contract breaches.
- The quality of your documentation.
- Costs already incurred and unpaid balances.
- Whether mediation or arbitration is required first.
For more information about your situation, you can ask Rocket Copilot or request a Legal Pro review of your contract and evidence.
At Rocket Lawyer, we follow a rigorous editorial policy to ensure every article is helpful, clear, and as accurate and up-to-date as possible. This page was created, edited and reviewed by trained editorial staff who specialize in translating complex legal topics into plain language, then reviewed by experienced Legal Pros—licensed attorneys and paralegals—to ensure legal accuracy.
Please note: This page offers general legal information, but not legal advice tailored for your specific legal situation. Rocket Lawyer Incorporated isn't a law firm or a substitute for one. For further information on this topic, you can Ask a Legal Pro.
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Disclosures
- This page offers general legal information, not legal advice tailored for your specific legal situation. Rocket Lawyer Incorporated isn't a law firm or a substitute for one. For further information on this topic, you can Ask a Legal Pro.