Looking for advice on this situation. Client Added 40% More Work to Fixed-Price Project - Wants No Extra Pay Thoughts?
Details: I'm in a situation where I need to understand my legal options. Has anyone dealt with something similar?
The UCC governs sale of goods contracts; common law governs services. The rules are different. Make sure you're looking at the right framework for your situation.
Anecdotally, most contract disputes settle before trial. The key is having strong documentation of the original agreement and any modifications. Email trails are your best friend.
Update: Thanks everyone for the guidance. I consulted with an attorney and we're moving forward. The advice here helped me understand what questions to ask and what to expect. Will update when there's a resolution.
This is why every project contract should include: (1) a detailed scope with explicit exclusions ('The following are NOT included...'), (2) a change order process that requires written approval before additional work begins, and (3) a clause stating that work beyond the original scope will be billed at [hourly rate]. Learn from experience — I lost $40K on scope creep early in my career before implementing these protections.