4 Major Legal Concerns for Those in the Construction Industry

The construction industry is a prime target for legal action.  Disputes commonly arise and can be time-consuming, expensive and can affect the reputation of those involved.  Working with an experienced attorney who is well-versed in construction law can help successfully resolve disputes in the following common scenarios:

Contract Disputes

Contract disputes are very common within the construction industry and arise when there are disagreements between the parties on the contract.  In these instances, there is an actual or perceived violation of terms set forth in the construction contract. This could be due to a misunderstanding of the terms or conditions of the contract, or terms that were not properly negotiated up-front.  Your attorney should oversee contract negotiations and point out potentially problematic issues from the beginning to avoid issues down the line.

Mechanic’s Liens

A mechanic’s lien is a guarantee of payment to builders, contractors and construction firms, as well as suppliers and subcontractors.  Mechanic’s lien laws provide construction businesses with an interest in the improved property in order to secure payment for their services. However, taking advantage of these laws can be very difficult.  The steps that are necessary to perfect a lien are technical and must be followed with the utmost accuracy.  Our experience and understanding of Illinois mechanic’s lien law has been essential in perfecting and enforcing mechanic’s lien rights for thousands of past clients.

Timeline Disputes

Creating an accurate timeline for a construction project can be a challenging task.  Unfortunately, projects do not always go as planned and extra time is sometimes required to get it properly completed.  Disputes can quickly arise, as additional time typically means increased cost as well as possible logistical issues for the client.  The more significant the delays, the more likely it is that a legal dispute will become an issue.  While some delays are unavoidable or unforeseeable, our attorneys will help to refine upfront timeline planning, as well as negotiate a fair resolution if a contracted timeline is violated.

Construction Defects

Construction defects can result in serious claims, as they can threaten the safety of the structure or its occupants.  A construction defect is typically classified as a failure of a building system or a component that can cause extensive property damage and serious personal injury. Examples of this might be a foundation defect or other structural issues, electrical systems, drywall, plumbing or other code violations.  Construction professionals accused of negligence must understand the serious nature of the claim and the need for competent legal representation.

The attorneys at Churchill, Quinn, Hamilton & Van Donselaar, Ltd have extensive experience with litigation related to the construction industry.  We represent clients in the industry including general contractors, subcontractors, materials suppliers, owners, builders and financial institutions in disputes related to construction in all stages of construction projects.  Right from the start, we will assist with the drafting of contracts, supply agreements, credit applications and more. And if a dispute should arise during the process, we will provide representation in and out of the courtroom in order to bring your project to completion.  Contact us at 847-223-1500 for further information.