- Category: contract law, Contracts
When the Job Is Cancelled but You’ve Already Invested: What Can You Do?
It happens more often than you’d think. You prepare for a project, invest in materials, schedule workers, free up your calendar – and then the client cancels the contract. Just like that. But you’ve already spent time, energy, and money.
From the client’s point of view, it might be a change of plan. But from your perspective, it’s a loss. A frustrated investment. Are you entitled to compensation?
⚖️ Legal Basis under Czech Law
Under § 2000 of the Czech Civil Code, a contractor has the right to claim reimbursement of costs reasonably incurred, even if the work was not completed – provided the cancellation was not their fault.
If the cancellation was caused by the client – for example, due to non-payment, lack of cooperation, or unjustified withdrawal – the contractor may claim:
Costs already incurred,
Lost profit,
Or even liquidated damages, if the contract provides for them.
It’s essential to prove that the expenses were purposeful and related directly to the intended work.
🔐 How to Protect Yourself?
You can prevent most disputes by drafting a contract that includes:
A clause on reimbursement of preparatory costs,
Advance payments (the more, the safer),
Cancellation fees or penalties,
And clear documentation of all arrangements.
If there’s no contract, be sure to save all communication – it might save you later.
✅ Did your client cancel the job after you already invested?
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- Publikováno:
- Naposledy aktualizováno: 17/06/2025