In life, rejection is often hard to swallow. In construction, that rejection can sometimes amount to millions of dollars. A Massachusetts court recently held that an owner’s rejection of the contractor’s payment applications was not properly certified and, thus, violated the state’s Prompt Pay Act.
Claims and Disputes
Tongue Twister: Commander Closes Construction Site for COVID and Contractor Can’t Recover Contract Costs
Last month, the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals held that a public contractor could not recover $100k in construction costs incurred following the government’s decision to close down a base in Tennessee due to COVID-19.
APTIM Federal Services, LLC (ASBCA No. 62982) involved a contractor who sought to recover $99,076 in operational costs incurred…
Tornadoes and Other Catastrophic Events Can Cripple a Construction Project—And How to Respond
Last month, a construction worker died as a storm swept through a construction site in Lebanon, Indiana. The preliminary investigation determined that the contractor was on an elevated platform while working on an industrial warehouse that was under construction. The man and other workers were in the process of stopping due to approaching thunderstorms.…
Court Recognizes Day-to-Day Changes Are Compensable Despite Contractual Waivers
It happens all the time! The owner-contractor agreement contains a “no damages for delay” clause; a clause requiring that all changes be in writing before work is performed; and a clause requiring partial lien waivers and releases with each periodic payment. And yet we see a claim for delays and extras filed at the end…
What Should You Do When There is an Accident at Your Construction Site?
You probably saw last month’s report about a major accident at a construction site in downtown Miami, Florida. Investigation is still underway as to the root cause.
This is a good reminder of the lessons to learn when investigating or handling an accident on a construction site. These include:
- Prepare before the accident. It
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The Bird Box Dilemma: When False Pay Apps and Lien Waivers Are Not Fraudulent Inducement
If you saw the Netflix thriller Bird Box last year, you know that what you see does not always lead you down the right path. As a construction litigation attorney, the “claim” is often about telling the story of a breach of contract, or failed expectations, or unforeseen delays, all through the testimony of individuals…
9 Best Practice Tips for a Schedule Analysis of Construction Delays
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Gobble Gobble First and Then You Can Put Up the Christmas Tree. Well, Kinda.
As we enter the holiday season, some people have strict guidelines about when the Christmas tree or other holiday decorations are allowed to takeover our daily lives, offices, and homes. The red and white ribbons and the colored lights of Christmas cannot be hung until after the orange pumpkins, brown leaves and turkey carcasses are…
The Broccoli Incident: Making Sure You Ask for What You Want In Construction Claims
You may have met my 22 year old Princess when she was 11. A few years ago, I was teaching her about grace … undeserved merit or favor.
Well, my daughter was stalling and delaying on eating her meal … by almost an hour. So, naturally, I saw this as a teachable moment.
“Honey,
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Design-Build Contractor Held to the Same Standard On Differing Site Conditions Clause
Each and every kid in my house is held to the same standard—a very tough one I might add. You see, I recognize they are different ages, difference sexes, and have different strengths and weaknesses, but that does not change how I choose to parent as a single dad. In the same way, a court…