When a supplier doesn’t deliver as promised, your business suffers. You may face delays, lost customers, or broken agreements of your own. In Mississippi, you have legal options to protect your interests and possibly recover losses.
Check the contract terms first
Start by reviewing the contract you signed with the supplier. Many contracts include specific delivery dates, penalties for delays, or procedures for handling missed deadlines. If the supplier failed to meet clearly defined terms, you may have grounds to end the agreement or demand performance.
Some contracts include a “force majeure” clause that excuses delays due to natural disasters or other uncontrollable events. If that clause doesn’t apply, the supplier could be in breach.
Pursue damages for breach of contract
If the supplier fails to deliver without a valid excuse, you can seek damages for breach of contract. Mississippi law allows you to recover the difference between the agreed price and what you had to pay to find a replacement. You may also recover other losses caused by the missed delivery, like lost profits or production costs.
Keep all communications, invoices, and evidence of losses. These will help prove your claim if you decide to take legal action.
Consider canceling the contract
If the supplier’s failure damages your business, you might be able to cancel the contract entirely. This depends on how serious the failure is. If it affects the core of the agreement, Mississippi law lets you terminate and possibly seek damages.
You may also be able to refuse any partial delivery or future shipments if they no longer meet your needs.
Act quickly to protect your business
Don’t wait too long to respond. Mississippi has deadlines (called statutes of limitations) for filing contract claims. Taking action quickly helps preserve your rights and may also encourage the supplier to resolve the issue without a fight.
