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Construction Delays in the Time of Coronavirus: A Legal Perspective
In Kingdom Langley Project Ltd. Partnership v. WQC Mechanical Ltd. (Kingdom Langley), the British Columbia Court of Appeal reaffirmed the validity of what are commonly referred to as “Shimco liens.” Shimco liens are liens...more
In a recent Ohio Ninth District Court of Appeals decision, homeowners who experienced significant property damage from both a fallen tree and inadequate contractor work were left without the protection of Ohio’s Consumer...more
Federal construction contracts often involve unforeseen delays. The key question is who is responsible for the resulting costs. A new decision from the ASBCA provides a blueprint for how contractors can maximize recovery...more
Washington’s construction lien statute makes clear that all lien foreclosure actions arising out of the same project should be joined into a single lawsuit. Filing a motion to intervene in a pending foreclosure lawsuit will...more
Owners can trigger an insurance policy without formally alleging a tort claim if the contractor's defective work could support a tort claim. The Oregon decision may allow property owners to assert only a breach of...more
Jurisdiction: Court of Appeal of California, Second Appellate District, Division Six - Plaintiff Easterling brought this claim based on his diagnosis of lung cancer, which he attributes to asbestos exposure during his work as...more
In a long-awaited decision that helps contractors obtain coverage for construction defects, the Oregon Supreme Court in Twigg v. Admiral Ins. Co. 371 Or. 308 (2025) ruled that coverage under a commercial general liability...more
“Manifest disregard of the law” is no longer a valid basis to challenge arbitration awards, at least not in the federal courts of Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana. Rather, according to the Fifth Circuit’s decision in U.S....more
On April 16, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC), in Trustees of Boston University vs. Clough, Harbour & Associates LLP, held that contractual indemnification claims, arising from negligence, were not precluded by...more
Earlier this month, the Louisiana Supreme Court issued a significant decision that holds implications for insurers and their insured contractors and subcontractors, particularly concerning summary judgment procedures in...more
A recent court ruling raises questions and concerns over the scope of liability owners and contractors may face when a subcontractor's employee is involved in an off-site accident during the course of construction. ...more
“Ensuing loss” provisions have long been the subject of nuanced arguments in insurance litigation. The provisions, which sometimes afford coverage for a “covered loss” stemming from an expressly excluded peril, serve as...more
Executive Summary - The South Australian Court of Appeal (Court of Appeal) in Goyder Wind Farm 1 Pty Ltd v GE Renewable Energy Australia Pty Ltd & Ors has delivered a landmark judgment....more
Even though construction cases often involve colorful facts, legal opinions are often quite boring. When a judge writes a colorful opinion about an otherwise boring case, we tip our hat. This week we tip our hat to Judge...more
Must damages be based on the cost of repair at the time of the breach? What is the time of breach? A recent Florida appellate case might have the answer to these questions. Bandklayder Development, LLC v. Sabga introduces key...more
Generally speaking, when a party files a Mechanic’s Lien Claim (“Lien Claim”) in Pennsylvania, the Lien Claim needs to be served on the Respondent by the sheriff of the county where the property owner is registered to do...more
First Circuit Court of Appeals Rules That Standard Commercial General Liability Policy Excludes Coverage for Downstream Property Damage When General Contractor’s Scope of Work Covers Entire Building - It is well-accepted...more
An Idaho court has confirmed an arbitration award for a general contractor who left a project and did not return after being told by the owner to “get the f*** off my site.” The case involves the construction of five...more
In a significant decision on April 17, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit upheld significant penalties and attorney fees awarded to C.J. Hughes Construction Company, Inc. under the Pennsylvania Contractor...more
The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals recently reversed, in part, and affirmed, in part, a lower court decision regarding dismissal of contractual indemnity and implied indemnity claims. WW Consultants was the design...more
Contractors know when they bid a public job that it’s the lowest and best bidder that will ultimately come out on top. Contractors and public bodies also know that when a public body rejects the lowest bid, it needs to...more
There is a reason why contractors need to review their contracts closely and the Washington Court of Appeals' decision in King County v Walsh Construction Company II LLC, No. 83787-7-1 (Wash. App. Ct. 2023) ("Walsh")...more
On June 12, 2023, the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia held in WW Consultants, Inc. v. Pocahontas County Public Service District and A-3 USA, Inc., Orders Construction Company, Inc., and Pipe Plus, Inc., No. 21-0485,...more
On June 7, 2022, the Massachusetts Appeals Court issued an opinion of first impression regarding the Massachusetts Prompt Payment Act, G.L. c. 149 § 29E (the “Act”). In Tocci Building Corp. v. IRIV Partners, LLC, Appeals Ct....more
In a recent decision touching on many interesting issues, North Carolina’s Court of Appeals effectively determined that, in all but the most obvious cases, expert testimony is required to establish a failure to perform...more