Construction Litigation
When it comes to construction law, the legal team at The Horowitz Law Firm, APC understands both sides of the issue. Our extensive experience with the construction industry, with business law, and with California real estate matters, gives us a comprehensive understanding of the contractual issues and real-world challenges our clients face.
At our Sherman Oaks construction law practice, we represent contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and residential and commercial property owners. We look for creative and cost-effective solutions to our clients’ construction law problems. As such, we use every available method to resolve conflict, including negotiation, arbitration, mediation and litigation.
The attorney you hire makes a difference. When you need strong and effective legal representation, contact a Sherman Oaks construction litigation lawyer at our firm. We represent clients in courts in the greater Los Angeles area and throughout California.
Resolving Construction Disputes
Los Angeles, California, trial lawyer Jeffrey Horowitz has more than 20 years of experience in construction litigation involving new construction and remodeling projects for commercial and residential clients. His cases range from homeowner workmanship issues, to subdivision-level contractual problems, to public works delays and deadline failures.
Our firm asserts and defends claims involving:
- Breach of contract
- Workmanship issues and failure to meet specifications
- Payment problems
- Disputes over delays and change orders, recovery of delay damages
- Adherence to construction trade standards
- Surety bond issues
- Mechanics liens, stop notices, construction liens, bond claims for payment bonds, performance bonds, fidelity bonds and lien foreclosure
- Public works bid protest actions
- Unfair competition
Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Litigation
Here are answers to the questions our attorneys often hear from clients:
What is the best way to negotiate a construction contract to avoid future disputes?
Avoiding future contract disputes starts with the use of well-defined terms, anticipating potential problems before they occur and frank negotiations. Good contracts really are the key to reducing litigation, so:
- Set the terms: A construction contract should clearly state the scope of work that should be completed, how long contracted parties have to complete the work and the materials used.
- Avoiding vague terms: A contract should clearly state the intention of the legal agreement and avoid using confusing language that could be misinterpreted.
- Outline payment: A contract should specify payment schedules and consequences for late or nonpayment to avoid payment-related conflicts.
- Establish change orders: A contract should include terms to allow a construction project to be altered while avoiding scope creep, price changes and schedule issues.
- Include dispute resolution clauses: If an issue does arise, a contract can include terms to identify potential solutions or enforce completion to avoid delays and costly disputes.
Our attorneys can help address potential pitfalls in your contracts that could cause serious disputes later.
How can I protect my business reputation during a construction dispute?
A construction dispute can lead to potential delays, damaged reputation, the loss of future contracts and strained client relationships. A proactive approach is always best, so:
- Maintain professional communications: Be factual when discussing a contract dispute and avoid using aggressive or emotional language that could be inflammatory.
- Document everything: Keeping records of all contracts, communications, reports, photos, texts and emails between you and the other parties can help protect your company’s credibility.
- Avoid public disputes: Many businesses face reputational damage by allowing construction disputes to become public. Aim to resolve disputes quietly, whenever possible.
Reaching out to an attorney and seeking legal representation as soon as a construction dispute seems likely is the absolute best way to get ahead of reputational damage.
How can I resolve a construction contract dispute without going to court?
Resolving a construction contract dispute in court can be time-consuming and costly. It may be possible to resolve a dispute outside of court by simply talking to the other party. A resolution may be negotiated, allowing both parties to fulfil their obligations or settle via a monetary agreement. Our attorneys at The Horowitz Law Firm, APC, can help explore all possible resolution tactics before moving to litigation.
Contact Los Angeles Trial Attorneys
If you are engaged in an owner, general contractor or subcontractor dispute in the Los Angeles area or throughout California, trust in the experience, knowledge, skill and dedication of The Horowitz Law Firm, APC. We work to protect your rights. Contact Sherman Oaks, CA, construction litigation attorney Jeffrey D. Horowitz.