Contracts-Equitable Relief
Claims for breach of contract, aside from involving claims for money damages, may also involve claims for equitable relief. Equitable relief consists of requests by one party to enjoin or dictate either the performance or nonperformance of certain things.
Example: Suppose Bob enters into a contract with his neighbor to allow a sewer line to be placed across his property so that his neighbor can hook up to the sewer line. However, when the sewer company comes to install the line, Bob decides to stand at the boundary with a shotgun to prevent the excavation. In that instance, Bob may be enjoined from that conduct. The court may order Bob to step aside and allow the excavation to be completed pursuant to the agreement.
The court in that case would issue an injunction requiring Bob to cease and desist any behavior that obstructs the excavation. In addition, the neighbor could also sue Bob for money damages since Bob caused the neighbor to have to hire an attorney to file a suit for the injunction. In that circumstance, the attorney’s fees might be recoverable.
