Construction Liability

The construction industry has many unique legal problems as well as its fair share of disputes and litigation. One reason for this is the dangerous nature of the work itself.

Despite safety regulations imposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a regulatory agency within the U.S. Department of Labor, statistics show that one in 10 workers is injured every year on construction sites.

Common construction accidents

The following are among the most common accidents that occur on construction work sites:

• Crane or bulldozer accidents
• Electrical accidents and contact with power lines
• Falling from roofs and scaffolds
• Faulty or mishandled tools
• Falling through holes in the floor or elevator shafts

Common construction injuries

Serious construction accidents cause the following types of injuries:

• Traumatic brain injury or concussion
• Spinal cord injury and paralysis
• Severe burns
• Electrocution
• Loss of body parts, hearing or vision

Devastating injuries like these require costly medical treatment as well as physical therapy and nursing care. Even minor injuries like strains and sprains can interrupt wage income. For this reason, injured workers who do not fall under workers compensation will file personal injury claims and lawsuits against their construction companies to recover from their financial and physical setbacks.

Legal help for construction liability

Attorneys Chris Stewart and Brian Bowen of the Stewart Law Firm in Little Rock represent construction companies, including contractors, sub-contractors, and specialty installers. Considering that construction injury settlements and verdicts can be millions of dollars, we work hard to defend the interests of our clients.  Our strategies include alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation and arbitration, as well as litigation.

Understanding construction lien waiver and release

The Stewart Law Firm is extremely knowledgeable about the complex area of construction lien law. Since contractors build their work into a property, they are not able to reclaim their contribution without destroying the property. For this reason, there are forms and procedures in place to provide contractors with the legal means to guarantee payment for their services.

The Stewart Law Firm provides legal help related to construction liens including the following:

• Mechanics lien: attaches the amount owed to a contractor to the improved property to guarantee payment for their services.
• Construction lien waiver: a form by which the contractor relinquishes the right to put a lien on the property to be improved, usually at the start of the project.
• Construction lien release: a form by which the contractor or lien holder releases the lien upon receipt of full payment of the debt.