Austin, TX commercial litigation attorney John R. McConnell details the elements that are needed to prove fraud. He notes that fraud occurs when someone intentionally lies about a material fact, another person relies on that lie, and as a result, suffers harm. To prove a legal case for fraud, it must be shown that the defendant makes a material — meaning significant — misrepresentation, that the plaintiff relies on that misrepresentation, and that the reliance leads to some form of detriment or damage. This may include entering into a contract that would not have been made had the truth been known or taking another action that results in harm. Additionally, it must be established that the defendant intends for the plaintiff to rely on the false information.