Construction Litigation
P. Scott Ritchie, Partner
Clausen Miller’s approach to construction litigation is team--based both internally and externally. When a suit is filed, our attorneys are prepared to take the case through trial and appeal, and retain key professionals to serve as consultants and experts early in litigation. Clausen Miller attorneys have defended suits involving crane collapses, scaffolding defects, and numerous other construction site injuries, property losses, and economic losses.
Clausen Miller attorneys have access to some of the best experts in the construction industry and have developed highly specialized knowledge in the field. We have represented clients at all levels, including property owners, general contractors, and sub-contractors. In addition to advising clients related to liability issues, Clausen Miller’s attorneys have extensive knowledge of the unique legal issues involved in the relationships between owners, general contractors, and sub-contractors.
Clausen Miller’s knowledge of these legal issues and relationships also enables our attorneys to provide valuable assistance drafting construction contracts and assisting clients before litigation ensues. Through carefully crafted contracts, our clients are often able to avoid costly and time-consuming litigation once construction is underway. When subcontractors are prevented from gaining access to the job site because another trade is off the critical path, for example, we draft the letter to protect our client’s rights. We negotiate and review contracts on behalf of any person or company involved in a project, including owners, architects, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors and even material suppliers.
Our attorneys work with a wide and diverse group of design professionals. We have represented professionals such as engineers and architects who are responsible for the design of numerous structures ranging from breakwaters, jails and bridges to wastewater treatment facilities, sports facilities and municipal improvements. We regularly counsel registered professional engineers who practice the traditional disciplines of mechanical, electrical, civil, structural and industrial engineering. We are also called upon to defend highly specialized practitioners in lesser-known areas such as acoustical or coastal engineering.
Design clients are kept current with legal developments that affect their business through the CM Report for Design Professionals.
