Tortious interference in North Carolina
Last checked Aug 15, 2026 · LawyerUnc editorial. Educational only, not legal advice.
Elements
1
Protected relationship or expectancy
A contract, or a business relationship with a reasonable probability of future economic benefit.
2
Knowledge
The defendant knew about that relationship.
3
Intentional interference
The defendant deliberately and unjustifiably caused a breach or a break-up of the relationship.
4
Damage
The plaintiff lost the deal, the customer, or the economic benefit.
Burden of proof
Preponderance of the evidence. Some jurisdictions require a higher showing of malice or lack of justification.
A North Carolina fact pattern
Tortious interference in north-carolina.
Statute of limitations
3 years
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52(9)
From discovery of the facts constituting the fraud or mistake.
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