Construction Law
What Does a Florida Construction Attorney Do?
Working in the construction industry, you naturally assume some level of risk. Depending on your area of construction, risks can include accusations of negligence, breach of contract, incomplete or defective work, and even issues with your workforce.
Whether you are new to owning a construction business or are a seasoned pro, a construction attorney can protect you from risks and provide the insight you need to overcome disputes. With the help of a Florida construction attorney, you can approach new projects with confidence, resolve conflicts, and complete your projects successfully.
Florida Construction Attorneys Assist With Several Needs
Florida construction lawyers offer a variety of helpful legal services. Construction attorneys are seasoned in both state and federal construction law matters, including regulations related to commercial and residential construction.
Because each construction project and company is unique, attorneys must be able to assist with a wide range of issues throughout every step of a construction project, from the initial bid process to completion. A few issues that a construction attorney should be able to handle include:
- Bid protests
- Construction liens
- Bond claims
- Licensing complaints
- OSHA citations
- Contract discrepancies
- Drafting contract provisions
- Arbitration
- Bankruptcy
- Mediation
- Building codes
- Surety law
- Employee injury or death
- Worker’s compensation insurance
- Wage and labor disputes
This is not an exhaustive list of all that a construction attorney handles. If there’s a particular construction-related issue you need guidance with, our construction attorneys can help navigate you through it.
Construction attorneys will also help you if a conflict arises at any point during or after project completion. They help you determine if legal action is necessary or if the issue can be settled outside of court through arbitration or mediation. In the event that a settlement is needed, they will draft necessary contracts and terms for settlement and negotiate these terms until the issue is resolved — whatever it takes to resolve conflict and protect your company.
Who Needs a Construction Attorney?
Construction firms, contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, engineers, and other professionals in the construction industry can benefit from a construction attorney. Furthermore, anyone involved in a construction project, whether public, private, or government-funded, can benefit from hiring an attorney. If you have a vested interest in a construction project, a construction attorney can walk you through the ins-and-outs of contracts and help make sure that your investment and business interests are protected. If you employ workers, legal counsel can draft or review your employee manual and ensure that everyone on your team is properly covered with workers’ compensation insurance.
With a Florida construction attorney, you will have not only representation during a conflict but also assistance to stay on track with deadlines and safety requirements. A construction lawyer can also help you understand budgetary issues related to your project and keep you on track to run efficiently and safely.
In short, a construction attorney is extremely familiar with all of the factors that go into a construction project of any size and can help you meet your goals while minimizing issues before they occur.
Can a Florida Construction Lawyer Assist Contractors?
Although construction lawyers regularly assist business owners, architects, and developers, they also represent contractors. A construction attorney can assist contractors with everything from construction proposals to construction claims to securing payments. Construction attorneys can also discuss insurance and liability coverage that is necessary before starting a job.
Construction attorneys can also help protest or challenge an unawarded proposal if it is wrongfully denied. When representing a contractor, a construction attorney can take civil action to recover unpaid sums or file mechanics’ liens and claims against a payment bond on both public and private projects.
In addition, Florida construction lawyers will help contractors understand Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. OSHA citations can be very costly, which is why it is important to have an attorney who is intimately familiar with safety requirements and the inspection process. Legal counsel will guide contractors through the OSHA inspection process, help spot commonly missed requirements, and help keep employees safe while providing defense against incorrect or wrongful citations.
When Should You Consult Florida Construction Lawyers?
Construction lawyers should be consulted before a project starts. However, if you’ve already started a construction project, submitted a proposal or bid, or signed a contract, it is not too late to consult an experienced construction attorney. If you’ve yet to obtain legal representation and an issue arises, such as employee disputes, liens, or OSHA citations, you should contact a construction attorney right away. Construction attorneys will walk you through the legal processes should an issue arise.
If your jobsite undergoes an OSHA inspection, you should consult a construction attorney immediately. In addition, if there is a serious injury, job-related illness, or death, you should consult a construction attorney as soon as possible to help guide you through the required reporting process.
If you would like to speak with our Florida construction attorneys, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.