Construction Litigation

Our construction lawyers represent owners, general contractors, and subcontractors in all types of construction disputes ranging from residential projects to major commercial projects. Our extensive experience benefits clients nationally, regionally, and throughout the state of Georgia.

We also represent owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and other companies in the construction industry with respect to their contracts, both with the project owner or another contractor. We have expertise in analyzing contracts, including AIA standard contracts, and interpreting contract provisions in conjunction with the project at issue. We help companies obtain payment, including retainage payments, where there is a payment dispute. We assist with all other aspects of interpretation and enforcement of construction contract provisions.

CONSTRUCTION DEFECT LITIGATION

Much of the construction litigation we handle involves allegations of defects in the design or construction of a building. Our lawyers handle defects in new construction and renovation of homes, as well as construction defects in new and renovated commercial properties.

Building defects may include roof defects, heating and electrical system defects, faulty drainage and water issues, structural failure, landscaping defects and cracks in walls, floors, and foundations. We assist owners in recovering damages due to construction defects, and we defend contractors against defect claims, often baseless. In even the most complex construction disputes, our commitment is to integrity, professionalism, unparalleled client service and superior representation.

CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT CLAIMS

Our attorneys defend against premises liability and construction accident claims. These claims may involve a worker who suffers personal injury or death on a construction site. Accident claims may also involve harm suffered by others who are injured near a construction site.

REPRESENTATIVE CLIENT

FCCI Insurance Group, Amerisure Insurance Company

TRACK RECORD OF EXCELLENCE:

Our firm has represented a number of construction contractors in retaining wall failure cases and water intrusion cases and in both commercial and residential settings. We have also handled liability cases defending commercial construction companies in serious wrongful death cases throughout the Southeast.

• • Brack v. CPPI of Ga., LLC, 357 Ga. App. 744 (June 2020): Mr. Rawls and Mr. Bruno obtained summary judgment for a construction general contractor in a suit where one of its subcontractor’s temporary employees asserted a personal injury claim.  The trial court found the injured employee was engaged in the subject matter of the GC’s work and, therefore, precluded from suing in tort under Georgia Worker’s Compensation exclusive remedy provision. The Georgia Court of Appeals affirmed the order and the Supreme Court denied a petition for certiorari.  Brack v. CPPI of Ga., LLC, 357 Ga. App. 744 (2020) (cert denied June 21, 2021).
  • SM Medical Facilities, LLLP v. Don Lawson Grading & Demolition, LLC, et al. (August 2017). Jay Rawls and Richard Bruno obtained a summary judgment for their client, a demolition contractor, in the State Court of DeKalb County. By pointing to written contracts and other testimony, they successfully argued that the demolition subcontractor was retained by a proper agent of the plaintiff and properly relied on that agent when commencing work.

RELATED PRACTICE AREAS

Premises Liability & Negligent Security Litigation, Trucking Litigation, Mediation & Arbitration