It is important to know the basics of construction law to ensure that you are following all regulations and processes to get your projects completed on time. Having more in depth knowledge, however, can help you and your business thrive. While it would be difficult to learn it all yourself while continuing to operate your business, you do not have to go it alone. Instead, you can hire a construction law attorney who specializes in your industry, providing you with all the information you need to make informed legal decisions. Here are some of the ways in which you can benefit from hiring a construction law attorney.
Drafting Contracts
A contract protects both you and your client by providing a record of the agreed-upon payments, timelines, construction materials, and other details relevant to your project. In the event of a dispute, the contract acts as a clear account of each party’s responsibilities and rights. This is why it is important to have a contract that protects your interests. An experienced construction law attorney can help you develop a standard contract for you to use with each project and can also review contracts that clients give you before you sign. In some cases, an attorney may be able to help you negotiate more favorable terms.
Planning and Formation
As your business grows, you may need to change its structure or make other large adjustments. A construction attorney can assist you in creating a new business plan, structuring your business, filing paperwork, and ensuring that the new company can operate effectively. Attorneys can also assist with planning for projects by reviewing plans and updating them as necessary to ensure that you will not be denied permits, which can lead to delayed projects.
Employment Concerns
As with any business, construction firms must abide by specific employment laws that prohibit discrimination, unfair treatment, and improper pay practices, among other behaviors. You and your employees both have various rights and responsibilities to each other, and it is important to maintain those to ensure that your workplace is a safe and equitable one. If you find yourself dealing with a lawsuit related to employment law, an attorney can help you resolve the case. An attorney can also review your policies to help you remain in compliance with employment and construction laws and avoid litigation in the first place.
Construction and Mechanic’s Liens
Construction and mechanic’s liens can be used to make sure that you are paid for the work you complete on a client’s property. They may also already be present on a property, requiring removal before you and your team can begin work. In both cases, a construction law attorney can help you get what you need to help you start your project as quickly as possible. They will be able to conduct the necessary research to determine whether a lien is present or can be placed, then file any paperwork required to clear the way for your work to begin.
Injury Lawsuits
Injuries happen despite your best intentions and safety guidelines. In some cases, an employee or bystander who is injured as a result of your construction work will choose to bring a lawsuit related to the injury. With the help of a construction law attorney, you can navigate the trial or mediation process to bring the lawsuit to a successful resolution without damaging your company’s finances.
Design Lawsuits
It is all too easy for inspiration to turn into plagiarism, even in the construction world. A disgruntled fellow architect or builder may see too much of their own designs in your latest building and take legal action as a result. This can be a stressful situation in which to find yourself, particularly if you never had any intention of copying someone else’s work. A construction law attorney may be able to help you prove that the alleged copying was unintentional and allow your work to continue.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Construction law attorneys are generally experienced in several types of litigation and dispute resolution techniques. They can negotiate a resolution to your legal issues, represent you in a mediation, or prepare a case for trial. Your attorney may recommend the best course of dispute resolution for your situation, if possible, and will work with you throughout the process to collect information and develop a legal strategy that aims to protect your business interests. While some people choose to represent themselves in court, employing an experienced attorney improves your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome, as the attorney will have highly specialized knowledge that can benefit your case.
