When the economy slows, we see examples of companies being more aggressive in suing each other in an attempt to recoup losses or fill revenue gaps. This is risky business that keeps courts busy and attorneys’ offices buzzing. But no matter the pace, the judicial decisions that come from the increased litigation is instructive for interested parties in any industrial sector. Take, for example, a recent commercial contracts case out of Harris County in Houston.

The case, U.S. Pipeline v. Rover Pipeline LLC, which was heard in the 333rd District Court, by then Judge Daryl Moore, quickly spiraled out of control to the point where the plaintiff, U.S. Pipeline Inc., was forced to pay Rover’s legal fees. Adding insult to U.S. Pipeline’s injury, Rover had twice offered to settle before trial—for as much as $55 million. However, as the facts bore out and statutory provisions were invoked, the court sided with Rover, which ultimately ended up costing U.S. Pipeline millions.