Construction project disputes between property owners, developers, contractors, and suppliers can sometimes become so intractable that they can only be resolved through litigation. However, construction litigation often involves complex factual and legal issues, so if you’ve found yourself in this position, you need highly knowledgeable representation so that you understand your rights and can advocate for your best interests. Turn to the legal team at Patrick, Harper & Dixon, LLP, for help pursuing a favorable resolution of your construction litigation matter, whether at the negotiating table, in arbitration, or in court. Contact us today for an initial case review with a construction litigation lawyer serving Hickory, Catawba County and the surrounding geographic area. We look forward to discussing your options with you in detail. 

Common Types of Construction Disputes

Parties in a construction project may have various types of legal disputes. Some of the most common kinds of disputes that can lead to construction litigation include:

  • Breaches of contract, including failures to perform construction work or failure to pay
  • Construction defects, including poor workmanship, use of substandard materials, structural issues, and building code violations
  • Payment disputes and mechanic’s liens, including disputes over the amount of money owed for a project (especially when a project involves additional materials or change orders) or contractors or suppliers filing lien claims to secure payment from the property
  • Project disruptions and delays, including scheduling conflicts, supply chain issues, or projects filing behind schedule
  • Insurance and bond claims to secure payment for other claims, such as construction defects or breaches of contract

Key Parties in Construction Litigation

A construction litigation case may involve various parties in a construction project, including:

  • Property owners
  • Property developers, including development companies building on land owned by another party
  • General contractors and construction subcontractors, including framing, electrical, plumbing, and masonry subcontractors
  • Architects
  • Construction engineers
  • Materials suppliers
  • Insurance companies
  • Surety and escrow companies that insure the cost of a contractor’s work or hold money for conditional payment to contractors

Legal Remedies in Construction Litigation

You or your business may have several avenues for resolving a construction project dispute, such as:

  • Negotiation: Parties who have a dispute over a construction project may try to resolve that dispute through informal negotiation for a settlement. 
  • Mediation: Parties may try to resolve a construction project dispute through mediation, a formal negotiation process facilitated by a neutral third party called a mediator who helps parties understand the strengths and weaknesses of their respective cases and suggests solutions to help the parties settle. 
  • Arbitration: Many construction contracts include clauses requiring parties to resolve disputes through arbitration. Many arbitration services, such as the American Arbitration Association, have arbitration programs and rules specifically designed for construction cases. 
  • Court litigation: Finally, parties may resolve a construction project dispute by going to court, with the aggrieved party filing a lawsuit and the opposing party filing a response and possibly counterclaims. 

Whether you settle your construction dispute or obtain relief in an arbitration or lawsuit, potential remedies you might obtain in your construction case include:

  • Financial compensation: A prevailing party in construction litigation may obtain an award of financial compensation for the past, ongoing, and future losses they incur due to the opposing party’s conduct. 
  • Injunctive relief: Courts may issue injunctions to bar parties from engaging in specific conduct or to require parties to perform specific actions.
  • Specific performance: In certain circumstances, a court may order a party that has breached a construction contract to perform their obligations under the contract. Courts may order specific performance when financial compensation cannot provide the non-breaching party with complete relief and the non-breaching party cannot replace the breaching party’s contractual performance. 

How Our Law Firm Can Help

The legal team at Patrick, Harper & Dixon, LLP can help you or your business navigate the challenges that can arise in a construction litigation case. Let us take the stress of litigation off your shoulders by:

  • Investigating your case to recover evidence, such as contracts, correspondence, worksite photos, witness testimony, and expert reports/testimony
  • Evaluating the facts and evidence in your case to help you understand your rights and options
  • Sitting down with you to discuss your needs and goals to pursue tailored legal solutions for you
  • Negotiating with opposing parties and their counsel on your behalf to pursue a fair settlement that efficiently resolves your case and helps you get the construction project back on track
  • Handling all aspects of the litigation process and advocating for you in arbitration or court to fight for a favorable resolution to your case

Why Choose Patrick, Harper & Dixon, LLP for Your Construction Litigation Case?

Having experienced legal advocates on your side during a construction project dispute can help you protect your rights and interests. For decades, clients have turned to the seasoned attorneys from Patrick, Harper & Dixon, LLP to guide them through the litigation process because:

  • Our firm has a proven record of dedicated legal advocacy stretching back nearly 80 years. Since 1946, we have committed to providing quality legal service to the community. 
  • Our attorneys strive to embody the highest standards of professional excellence demonstrated by our founders. You can expect your attorney to stand by you throughout your construction litigation case. 
  • We provide full-service legal representation capable of handling the complex needs of businesses and corporate clients. Our attorneys will help you identify your needs and goals and then get to work helping you achieve a favorable outcome in your case. 

Contact Us Today to Discuss Your Legal Options

If you’re faced with a legal dispute regarding your construction project, you need a knowledgeable construction litigation attorney to understand your options and assert your rights. Contact Patrick, Harper & Dixon, LLP today for a confidential consultation to learn how our construction litigation attorneys can help you seek the outcome you deserve.