Construction-Related Legal Claims

It is an unfortunate reality that harm (physical, monetary, and otherwise) often occurs when individuals or corporations are negligent in performing their work. With so many players involved at so many different levels of the construction industry, there are no shortage of claims that require litigants to seek out the guidance of experienced legal counsel. Our firm has spent over 30 years expertly litigating, mediating, and arbitrating many forms of construction-related claims, including:

• Property damage and personal injury arising from construction projects
• Insurance claims, including builder’s risk insurance and general liability insurance
• Claims for errors and omissions against design professionals, including architects and engineers
• Mold and other hazardous materials claims
• Construction defect claims
• Breach of contract and contract default claims
• Claims for nonpayment for labor and materials
• Mechanic’s liens and claims of privilege under the Louisiana Private Works Act
• Payment bond claims
• Claims under the Louisiana Public Works Act and federal Miller Act
• Project impact claims and Requests for Equitable Adjustment, including claims for delays, lost productivity, acceleration, differing site conditions and extra work

Construction Disputes

Disputes and construction seemingly go hand-in-hand, as they occur frequently. Whether in the commercial, industrial, or residential sectors, there are often disputes that arise regarding payment, time, quality of work, or performance. Having an attorney who is experienced and well-versed in the many facets of construction law is always advisable. Ideally, this attorney-client relationship will be sought out before problems can arise, protecting a client’s interests from contract drafting to project completion and every step in between. However, we understand that this is not always the case, and just because a client may not have had the foresight of an attorney initially does not mean they should suffer unjust consequences.

In addition to disputes between contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and others commonly involved in the construction process, LAPEROUSE PATIN, LLC also represents contractors who wish to dispute the outcome or solicitation of bids for public projects.

Construction Industry Legal Consultation

For lack of a better term, the construction industry can be quite “hairy.” It’s easy to get lost in the proverbial weeds and quickly become overwhelmed by all the i’s that need to be dotted and t’s that need to be crossed. Employing a set of eyes experienced in the industry and its many subtleties from the very beginning is the best way to avoid future problems and to handle them smoothly should any arise. The team of experienced construction law attorneys a tLAPEROUSE PATIN, LLC can help construction industry clients do just that through consulting services for best practices at each stage of the project.

Construction Mediation and Arbitration

When it comes to settling construction disputes, both mediation and arbitration play important roles. In some cases, parties are even contractually obligated to pursue a solution through mediation before arbitration or litigation processes can commence.

Mediation relies on a neutral third party to hear both sides of a dispute and attempt to arrive at a fair settlement that can be agreed upon by all involved parties. The recommendation of a mediator, however, is not legally binding and is not always followed. Arbitration, on the other hand, is a more formal process involving the analysis of evidence submitted by both sides. Once a decision has been reached in arbitration proceedings, it is binding and enforceable by the law. LAPEROUSE PATIN, LLC represents construction clients in both forms of proceedings.

Construction Compliance and OSHA Citations

The construction industry is heavily safety conscious and for good reason. Accidents on a job site can result in grave injuries, many of which could be avoided by following safety precautions outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). For this reason, failure to be fully compliant with safety regulations can result in serious and costly citations reaching into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The attorneys at LAPEROUSE PATIN, LLC understand the ins and outs of these compliance measures, how to ensure they are implemented properly, and how to protect contractors and subcontractors who find themselves at the center of OSHA investigations.

Construction Law Attorneys in Louisiana

If you are currently or soon-to-be involved in the construction industry in any capacity and are in need of experienced legal representation, contact the attorneys of LAPEROUSE PATIN, LLC. From proactive counseling and contract drafting to the settling of existing construction disputes, our team of experts can help.