When deception threatens your livelihood, you need more than legal advice, you need a powerful advocate who knows how to uncover the truth, build a compelling case, and hold wrongdoers accountable. At Clayton Trial Lawyers, we provide aggressive legal representation for businesses and individuals involved in complex business fraud disputes.
Trusted Business Fraud Lawyers Serving Fort Lauderdale
In a business environment built on trust and contractual integrity, fraud is more than just a broken promise, it’s a deliberate attempt to deceive for personal or financial gain. Whether you’ve been defrauded or accused of fraudulent conduct, our experienced business fraud attorneys offer strategic, trial-tested legal counsel that prioritizes your future.
We represent clients in cases involving:
- Fraudulent misrepresentation or nondisclosure
- Embezzlement and financial misconduct
- False advertising or deceptive trade practices
- Fraud in the inducement or execution of a contract
- Partnership and shareholder fraud
- Real estate or investment fraud
- Wire fraud, bank fraud, and securities fraud
Our firm is known for its courtroom strength and relentless pursuit of justice in high-stakes commercial litigation.
What Is Business Fraud?
Business fraud refers to any intentional act of deception carried out to secure an unfair or unlawful financial advantage in a business context. Unlike simple contractual disputes, fraud requires proof of intent, making these cases particularly complex and contentious.
To succeed in a civil business fraud claim in Florida, you must generally prove:
1. A false statement of material fact was made
2. The person making the statement knew it was false
3. The false statement was made with the intent to induce reliance
4. The other party reasonably relied on the false statement
5. The reliance caused financial harm or damages
These elements are often buried in documentation, emails, financial records, or transactions. At Clayton Trial Lawyers, we dig deep into the facts and evidence to expose fraud and protect your rights.
Types of Business Fraud We Handle
Fraud can occur at any level of a business transaction, from formation to fulfillment. Our business fraud lawyers routinely handle cases involving:
1. Fraudulent Misrepresentation
False statements or omissions made during a business deal with the intent to deceive. This is often seen in real estate transactions, mergers, and vendor agreements.
2. Embezzlement and Internal Fraud
Theft or misappropriation of funds by employees, officers, or business partners. These cases require forensic accounting and a swift legal response.
3. Investment Fraud
Promising high returns, concealing risks, or using investor funds for unauthorized purposes. Victims may be entitled to full restitution and punitive damages.
4. Partnership and Shareholder Fraud
Breaches of fiduciary duty, concealment of assets, or manipulation of financial records between business partners or shareholders.
5. Wire Fraud and Bank Fraud
Using electronic communications to carry out fraudulent schemes, often tied to federal investigations or parallel criminal cases.
Whether you’re pursuing a claim or facing an allegation, we have the skill, resources, and courtroom readiness to protect your interests.
Why Choose Clayton Trial Lawyers?
Not every business fraud case needs to go to trial, but when it does, you want to be represented by a team that’s been there before. At Clayton Trial Lawyers, we offer:
- Elite Litigation Credentials – Founding attorney William Clayton is triple board-certified and has recovered over $150 million in verdicts.
- Sophisticated Legal Strategy – We understand the intersection of law, finance, and corporate governance.
- Relentless Advocacy – We take on the most complex fraud cases with precision, discretion, and tenacity.
- Local Knowledge, National Reach – Based in Fort Lauderdale, we know the local courts and business climate, but we litigate across Florida and beyond.
When the stakes are high and reputations are on the line, we fight smart and hard to achieve the outcome you deserve.
How We Handle Business Fraud Cases
Every fraud case requires a meticulous, fact-driven approach. Our process includes:
- Initial Consultation – We review the facts, identify red flags, and assess the potential for civil or criminal liability.
- Evidence Gathering – We collect documentation, digital records, financial statements, and witness testimony.
- Legal Analysis – We evaluate claims for fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, and related causes of action.
- Litigation and Negotiation – Whether in court or at the negotiating table, we act decisively to pursue your interests.
- Resolution or Trial – We don’t settle unless it’s in your best interest, and we are always ready to go to trial.
Remedies in a Business Fraud Case
Victims of business fraud in Florida may be entitled to a range of legal remedies, including:
- Compensatory Damages – To cover losses resulting from the fraud
- Punitive Damages – Awarded in cases of intentional or egregious misconduct
- Rescission – Cancels the fraudulent agreement and restores you to your prior position
- Disgorgement – Forces the fraudster to give up any ill-gotten gains
- Injunctions – Prevents further fraudulent activity or misuse of assets
We tailor our legal strategy to the specific facts of your case and the outcomes you care about most, whether that’s recovering damages, protecting your reputation, or pursuing criminal referrals.
Speak with a Fort Lauderdale Business Fraud Attorney
Fraud doesn’t go away on its own. If you’ve been deceived, or if your business is facing fraud allegations, turn to a team that knows how to investigate, litigate, and win.
Call Clayton Trial Lawyers at (833) 938-2300 or contact us online for a confidential consultation with a top business fraud lawyer in Fort Lauderdale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as business fraud in Florida?
Business fraud includes any intentional act of deception in a commercial context, such as misrepresentation, embezzlement, or false advertising. The key element is intent to deceive for financial gain.
Is business fraud a civil or criminal matter?
It can be both. We handle civil fraud claims focused on recovering damages, but we also coordinate with authorities when criminal charges may be warranted.
How do I prove business fraud?
You must show a knowingly false statement, intent to deceive, your reasonable reliance on that statement, and resulting damages. We build strong cases using documentation, expert analysis, and digital evidence.
What’s the difference between fraud and breach of contract?
Breach of contract involves failure to fulfill an agreement; fraud involves deception during or leading up to the agreement. Some cases involve both.
Can a business partner commit fraud?
Yes. Partners and shareholders have fiduciary duties, and concealing information, diverting funds, or falsifying records may constitute partner fraud.
What damages can I recover for business fraud?
You may be entitled to compensatory and punitive damages, plus restitution, interest, and attorneys’ fees, depending on your case.
Can I sue a former employee for fraud?
Yes — if they engaged in embezzlement, data theft, or false claims. We help businesses hold insiders accountable.
What should I do if I suspect fraud in my business?
Preserve evidence and contact a business fraud attorney immediately. Timing is critical to limit losses and build a case.
How long do I have to file a business fraud lawsuit in Florida?
The statute of limitations is generally four years but may vary depending on when the fraud was discovered.
Can a fraud case be settled out of court?
Yes, many business fraud disputes are resolved through settlement, but we prepare every case as if it’s headed to trial.