Ellicott City Construction Disputes Lawyers

Attorneys for Disputes Involving Construction Contracts or Projects in Ellicott City, MD

During construction projects, property owners or real estate developers may hire design professionals and contractors, and they may also work with subcontractors, suppliers, and others who are involved in construction work. The success of a project will depend on each of these parties meeting specific obligations under construction contracts. When one party fails to hold up their end of the bargain, such as by failing to perform the work correctly or failing to pay for work that has been completed, financial losses or other problems can occur.

Understanding how to address violations of construction contracts or other types of disputes will require an understanding of the language used in contracts and the circumstances surrounding a disagreement. At Fox & Moghul, our attorneys can address the legal concerns that may arise in these disputes, and we will work with clients to resolve conflicts, secure compensation for losses, and ensure that a project can be completed correctly.

Our lawyers provide clients with a combination of legal knowledge and litigation experience as we help them determine the best solutions for disputes. We have been recognized as leaders in the legal field, and we are often called upon to serve as educators for other professionals. We have also received a large number of awards that demonstrate how we can serve our clients effectively.

Breaches of Construction Contracts

A violation of a construction contract can stop a project from proceeding, prevent it from being completed on time, or lead to significant financial losses. Determining what type of breach of contract has occurred can determine the remedies that may be available. Our attorneys can help clients understand how to address breaches such as:

• Failure to Perform: A contractor may fail to complete the work they agreed to perform under a construction contract. They may leave the project unfinished, or they may delay in completing work, preventing an owner from occupying the property, leasing space to business clients, or otherwise using the property as planned.
• Defective Performance: A contractor may complete a project, but their work may fall below the expected standards, or they may not use the proper materials. Defective work may need to be corrected or repaired, which can lead to delays during a project.
• Failure to Pay: A property owner may fail to make payments as required under a construction contract for work that has been properly performed. Disputes about payment may arise when an owner withholds payment because they are not satisfied with the work performed, when an owner claims that additional work was performed without authorization, or when the parties disagree about the price of work that falls outside the original scope of a project.

When a construction contract has been breached, several types of remedies may be available. A property owner who has been harmed by a breach may take steps to obtain monetary damages to compensate them for the costs of completing or correcting work, losses caused by delays, or other ways they have been affected. When a property owner has not paid for work as required, a contractor or other party may address this through a breach of contract claim and take steps to recover the payments owed.

In cases involving nonpayment for labor or materials, a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier may also file a mechanic's lien against the property. Our lawyers can help clients determine which remedies may be available in a specific situation. We can make sure the proper claims are filed while working to protect our client's interests.

Other Disputes That May Arise During or After a Construction Project

In addition to breach of contract claims, construction projects may involve a range of other disputes. Permit and inspection issues may arise when work that has been performed does not comply with applicable codes. In these cases, corrections may need to be made before a project can proceed or before a building can receive a certificate of occupancy.

Design errors or omissions in architectural or engineering plans can lead to disputes over who is responsible for delays while waiting for these issues to be corrected or other added costs involved in resolving these issues. Damage to a neighboring property may be caused during a construction project due to excavations, falling objects, harm to trees, or other issues. Steps will need to be taken to determine who may be held responsible for these issues.

Insurance coverage disputes may arise in some situations. When losses occur during construction, the property owner, contractor, and insurer may disagree about which policy applies or whether coverage extends to the loss in question. Resolving these issues may involve a consideration of the terms of insurance policies and the circumstances of different types of losses.

Specific deadlines apply to certain types of claims related to construction projects. When a claim may be filed may depend on when a problem was discovered. The laws in Maryland will determine when claims may be available, which makes it important to take the correct legal actions as soon as possible after a dispute arises. Our attorneys can help clients evaluate claims and take steps to protect their interests as they work to resolve disputes.

Contact Our Ellicott City, Maryland Construction Disputes Attorneys

Whether a construction dispute involves a breach of contract or other issues related to a project, determining how to resolve these concerns effectively will require a clear understanding of the applicable laws and the rights that apply to property owners, contractors, or other parties. At Fox & Moghul, our attorneys can help clients who are involved in construction projects determine the options for resolving disputes and the ways they can protect their interests. Contact our Ellicott City, MD construction contract dispute lawyers at 301-409-5316 to schedule a consultation.