Louisiana Construction Defense Lawyer

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Construction

Construction is integral to development. From new highways to support industry to homes for Louisiana residents, construction projects pave the way for growth. Not only does the physical nature of construction lend itself to potential accidents, but there are often many companies and parties involved in projects, which can lead to disagreements. A qualified Louisiana construction defense lawyer serves as a resource in the event of disputes, accidents, and litigation.

Common Construction Project Challenges

Navigating a complex construction project requires assistance from an experienced legal team well-prepared to tackle the issues that regularly arise on the construction site. During any phase of a construction project, disagreements can turn into bitter disputes over insurability, schedule, cost, and quality of the end product. Often these disputes can compromise the project, wasting both time and profit.

Contactors, subcontractors, insurance carriers, owners, architects, engineers, developers and product manufacturers require quality legal representation from project conception through completion, especially so when faced with the threat of litigation. All parties benefit from legal assistance that can ensure contracts are clearly and thoroughly crafted, that conflicts stay out of court if possible, and that they have a fierce legal advocate if issues are litigated.

Construction in Louisiana

From projects managed by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), such as the LA 30 in East Baton Rouge, to private construction, many projects take multiple years. The drainage, road resurfacing, and other work on the LA 30 was given a timeline of over two years, for example. The DOTD lists numerous other projects that are underway in cities from Lafayette to New Orleans and are in various stages of work.

Construction always takes some amount of time and planning, but dealing with litigation can slow construction or bring it to a complete halt. This is not only frustrating but also bad for business and often detrimental to the communities or clients who will be relying on the construction project to be completed as predicted. Protecting construction companies from litigation can ensure projects are finished as quickly and effectively as possible.

Effective Construction Defense Strategies

The construction law attorneys at Degan, Blanchard & Nash possess a practical understanding of construction issues and focus on providing cost-effective solutions to the myriad of disputes encountered in the construction industry. Our attorneys negotiate, draft, and revise construction contracts and agreements to protect or client’s interests and assist them to reach their project goals. Preventative defense is just one way to protect from damaging or costly litigation.

When disputes arise, our firm’s construction law team pursues early resolution strategies, such as arbitration, mediation and negotiation, best suited to protect our clients’ interests. These strategies, sometimes referred to as alternative dispute resolution (ADR), can serve as ways to save our clients money and time and potentially salvage working relationships between parties. While ADR can be very effective, it is not always a viable option or the most suitable approach.

When ADR tactics are not a useful or effective method, our attorneys also possess many years of construction litigation trial experience, and are skillfully prepared to litigate the case through trial, if necessary. Close communication with the client throughout the representation is also a hallmark of what our firm offers. Our clients can access the knowledge and experience of our legal team and also help guide the direction of their own cases with the necessary legal support.

Construction Defect Claims

Our vast experience includes successfully navigating complex construction defect claims throughout the state of Louisiana and elsewhere. With overall spending on construction rising in the U.S. per a January 2024 article, it is likely that construction defect claims will see an increase as well. Construction defect claims are highly complex and requires experienced counsel with near-expert knowledge of the claim to achieve the best results.

Our attorneys have developed such a knowledge base, and, coupled with our carefully-selected team of experts, we are uniquely positioned to defend defect claims on behalf of contractors, subcontractors, product manufacturers, design professionals and equipment suppliers, just to name a few. Whether the claim concerns a custom-designed home or a public building project, our team can bring the skills you need to feel confident in your case.

Insurance Coverage Issues

Our construction litigation experience expands beyond the worksite, itself. Degan, Blanchard & Nash employs a skilled team of insurance coverage counsel who, over many years of practice, have developed a specialized understanding of the myriad of insurance coverage issues often attendant to construction litigation. Our attorneys regularly represent insurance companies in coverage disputes and can provide specialized counsel to carriers on how best to protect their, and their insured’s, interests when faced with intense litigation.

Obtaining a Desirable Legal Outcome With Degan, Blan-chard & Nash

At Degan, Blanchard & Nash, we recognize that obtaining a successful outcome in litigation cannot be achieved alone and often turns on the strength of the expert construction witness and their expertise. Our construction litigation attorneys have cultivated close relationships with highly-trained experts throughout the country who are available to provide a comprehensive analysis of the complex construction issues.

These experts are highly respected and effective communicators, both in and out of the courtroom. Our attorneys work closely with defense experts throughout every step of the claim to ensure that all issues are addressed in a way that will position the case for the best outcome for our clients. While our team of lawyers is comprised of over 55 highly knowledgeable professionals, we know when to seek knowledge or experience beyond our team.

Degan, Blanchard & Nash’s experience includes representation of parties involved in every facet of construction including bid preparation and/or bid protest, contract negotiation, lien and bond claims, breach of contract claims, contractor/subcontractor disputes, construction delay, construction defect and insurance coverage issues. Our clients have included:

  • Property owners
  • Developers
  • Construction managers
  • Sureties
  • Architects
  • Engineers
  • Contractors
  • Subcontractors
  • Material suppliers
  • Insurance carriers
  • Product manufacturers

Our attorneys possess the combination of litigation skills, problem-solving orientation, industry knowledge, and construction law experience to achieve the best possible solution for our clients. If your case goes to appellate court, you can rest assured of our ability to succeed. At Degan, Blanchard & Nash, we have a team specifically dedicated to appellate cases. Our team can also work with you to prevent future legal action by helping you take preventative measures.

Whether you bring us in early on, or only once a dispute has occurred, you can rest assured that Degan, Blanchard & Nash’s construction lawyers will represent your interests thoroughly. Get in touch with our team of over 50 lawyers today to receive the counsel you need.