Upper Marlboro Construction Dispute Lawyers

Attorneys Helping Clients Resolve Disputes Involving Construction in Upper Marlboro, MD

While the parties involved in construction projects, including property owners, developers, and contractors, will work together to achieve common goals, they may encounter disagreements that could disrupt a project or lead to ongoing disputes. Questions may arise about whether work meets an acceptable standard, claims involving property damage or injuries may be made, or other issues may need to be addressed. Taking steps to resolve these issues can help ensure that the interests of different parties will be protected.

The lawyers at Fox & Moghul can provide the legal help clients need to address disputes related to construction projects and make sure they will be able to obtain the proper remedies available under the law. Because these disputes often involve questions about how work was performed and who is responsible for a problem, we will take the time to understand the issues involved in a case before providing our clients with recommendations on how to proceed. We will make sure claims and defenses are grounded in the actual facts of a project, and we will advocate for solutions that will protect our clients' interests.

Disputes Related to the Quality of Work on a Construction Project

Some disputes between property owners and contractors may be related to the construction work that has been performed. A property owner may believe that completed work has fallen short of what was required under a construction contract. They may argue that work did not comply with the applicable building codes, or was of lower quality than what a reasonably competent contractor would have produced.

Disputes related to the quality of work may involve cosmetic concerns, such as uneven finishes or mismatched materials. They may also address more serious structural or safety issues that affect the integrity of a building. Inspections may have found code violations, the systems installed on a property may fail to perform as intended, or visible defects may appear after a project is completed.

When addressing disputes related to the work that was done during a project, an independent evaluation by a qualified inspector or engineer may be needed. This evaluation can document the extent of the problem and determine what steps will be needed to correct the issue. Our attorneys can help clients gather evidence, and we can work to ensure that property owners will be able to receive the proper remedy, which may involve requiring the contractor to correct their work or seeking damages for the costs of repairs.

Negligence Claims Involving Property Damage or Injuries

While work is being performed during a construction project, one party's negligence may be responsible for causing property damage or personal injuries. For example, a contractor who is performing excavation or demolition work may cause damage to a neighboring property. Similarly, a contractor's failure to follow the correct safety procedures on a job site can lead to injuries to others on the property. A person who was responsible for causing harm may be held liable for the damages that have occurred.

The facts surrounding a construction-related injury or property damage claim are especially important. An investigation can determine what negligence occurred, show that it was responsible for injuries or property damage, and make sure a contractor or other party will be held responsible. Our lawyers can evaluate these claims and take steps to recover compensation for damages caused by negligence.

Scope of Work and Change Request Disputes

The scope of work outlined in a construction contract will define the work that the contractor has agreed to perform. Disputes may arise if the description of the scope of work is unclear or if additional work will be required that goes beyond what was originally expected.

A change request process will typically be used to document additional work and ensure that the proper payments are made for this work. Disagreements can occur when these matters are not handled correctly. A contractor may claim that a change was not properly requested and approved. A property owner may dispute whether certain types of work fall outside the scope of a project, or they may believe that the price charged for the change is unreasonable.

Contracts that clearly require written approvals before any changes are made to the scope of a project can help avoid disputes related to change orders. When disagreements arise, our attorneys can review the scope of work in a contract and the applicable change order provisions to determine how changes should have been handled. We can help clients resolve disputes and ensure that required work will be performed correctly at an appropriate price.

Delays Affecting Construction

When a construction project falls behind schedule, more than one party may bear some responsibility. Determining who was at fault for a delay may require a review of the project's records and other information. Our lawyers can determine whether delays may have been caused by:

• Contractors and subcontractors may be responsible for delays caused by inadequate staffing, poor scheduling, or work that must be redone due to quality problems.
• Suppliers may contribute to delays when materials are not delivered within the agreed timeframes.
• Property owners may be responsible for delays because of changes they have requested or because they did not provide the contractor with access to the site when required.
• Architects and engineers may share responsibility for delays that may be related to design errors, omissions, or revisions to project plans.
• Circumstances outside any party's control, such as severe weather or region-wide supply shortages, may lead to delays.

Our attorneys can help clients understand who may have been responsible for a delay. When necessary, we can take steps to pursue compensatory damages for losses that have occurred or determine what other remedies may be available.

Contact Our Upper Marlboro, Maryland Construction Dispute Attorneys

Because construction disputes can involve a wide range of legal issues, working with an attorney to understand these factors and the options that are available can help a party involved in a contract protect their rights. At Fox & Moghul, we work to resolve these disputes effectively, whether we are helping property owners or developers address losses that have occurred or working with contractors to pursue payment for the work that has been done. Contact our Upper Marlboro, MD construction dispute lawyers at 301-409-5316 to set up a consultation.