Whether you are a contractor, developer, or property owner, protecting your investment and minimizing risk is most significant. A knowledgeable and experienced construction lawyer in Queens, New York can navigate complex contracts, resolve disputes, and ensure compliance with state and local construction laws effectively. Call Albert Maimone & Associates and schedule an appointment with our dedicated lawyers for the best advice and support for all your construction-related legal needs. Our lawyers work closely with you during every phase of the construction process to help you achieve your goals and objectives.
Regardless of their size, construction projects can encounter problems that complicate their execution. These issues may include contract disputes, delays, cost overruns, design errors, safety concerns, or disagreements over the quality of work. As construction projects involve multiple parties and heavy financial investment, even small glitches can escalate into serious complications.
Construction law covers legal issues involving the construction industry. Construction lawyers are experts in this complex field and focus on a particular legal matter or type of client. They play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by preventing problems, managing risks, and resolving disputes, ensuring that the projects remain legally compliant and financially protected.
Read on to learn more about what construction lawyers do and when it is necessary to seek legal advice from an experienced construction lawyer in Queens.
What Is a Construction Lawyer?
A construction lawyer, also called a construction attorney, specializes in legal issues related to building and infrastructure projects. They work with people involved in the construction or other aspects of building from the start of a project through completion, and sometimes after things go wrong or do not go as expected.
They represent their clients in all types of construction-related issues and handle everything from delay claims to breach of contracts. They contribute to successful project outcomes, whether big or small, and add value at every stage of construction.
They resolve disputes efficiently through negotiation, mediation, or litigation to protect the rights and interests of their clients, ensuring timely project completion.
What Do Construction Lawyers Do?
Construction lawyers are experts in the complex field of construction and usually focus on a particular legal matter or type of client. They draft contracts, handle zoning and permits, manage risks, and resolve disputes over payments, delays, defects, injuries, and compliance with laws, ensuring the projects stay legally on track and protect financial interests.
They also handle other construction law issues that may include:
- Contract negotiations
- Construction defects
- Building codes and planning permits
- Environmental and safety regulations
- Construction project bidding process
- Workplace injuries and workers’ comp
- Construction insurance
With their knowledge and expertise in federal, state, and local laws that govern different aspects of the construction process, these lawyers can safeguard their clients’ interests, prevent potential disputes, negotiate fair settlements, and provide representation in mediation, arbitration, or court if necessary. They navigate complex legal and regulatory requirements effectively, minimizing associated risks.
Construction Lawyers and Their Clients – Who Do Construction Lawyers Represent?
Construction projects can range from small home improvement projects to multimillion-dollar development projects. They can represent clients involved in building and infrastructure projects, providing legal guidance at every step of the construction process.
On the business side of construction issues, construction lawyers typically represent:
- Property owners and developers
- Construction companies
- Construction managers
- Contractors and/or subcontractors
- Architects and engineers
- Lenders
- Insurance companies
- Design professionals
Their clients can also include individual homeowners, construction workers, businesses, and public entities, often positioned on opposing sides of construction litigation. Construction lawyers help their clients adhere to legal and regulatory compliance, manage risks, and resolve disputes throughout the construction process.
Common Legal Issues in the Construction Industry
Issues can arise at any stage of a construction project, from planning and contracting to completion, that often need expert legal guidance. Construction attorneys can handle these problems and navigate regulations effectively while safeguarding their clients’ interests.
They can help with:
- Drafting and reviewing contracts
If they are not properly drafted or reviewed, construction contracts can create significant legal risks. Ambiguous terms, unclear responsibilities, or failure to comply with regulatory requirements can lead to disputes, delays, or liability. Construction lawyers draft and review contracts before they are signed to make sure they are legally sound and protect their clients from potential liabilities. They identify and address these issues and help both parties understand contract provisions to facilitate the smooth resolution of disputes. - Disputes with contractors
Disputes or disagreements between property owners, developers, and contractors are common in construction industry. These conflicts can result in delays, frustration, and extra expenses. Lawyers can navigate these issues effectively through negotiation, mediation, and litigation between the concerned parties. They protect their clients’ interests while minimizing disruptions to the project. - Defective construction claim
Building code violations, inspection oversights, structural and electrical defects, faulty roofing, plumbing, or water damage can lead to problems that can result in safety hazards, increased costs, and potential legal liability. Construction lawyers assist their clients in identifying responsibilities and propose the best legal strategies to recover from defects and minimize impact. - Workplace injury claims
Construction sites can be hazardous, and workers may suffer injuries due to unsafe conditions, equipment failure, or negligence. Injured workers can bring claims against their employers to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Construction lawyers navigate workers’ compensation laws, file claims, and resolve disputes to ensure fair and timely compensation while protecting the legal interests of both workers and employers. - Deadlines – In many states, deadlines to file a lawsuit are short, and working with a builder to resolve a defect does not affect the lawsuit filing date. The right way to stop the deadline is with the help of a lawyer.
- Severity of the problem – Issues that are serious and cannot be resolved on your own need professional guidance. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf, provide legal advice, and represent you in disputes to guard your interests.
When Do You Need a Construction Litigation Attorney?
Hiring a construction litigation attorney becomes necessary when you need legal advice, face disputes or legal issues that cannot be resolved through negotiation, or are unable to represent yourself in court.
There are two main factors that may impact your decision to hire a construction litigation attorney:
Finding the Right Construction Lawyer
Having a construction lawyer in Queens is essential whether you are entering a contract, pursuing a lawsuit, or just want to explore your options to safeguard your interests and navigate the complexities of the law. Look for a lawyer with experience in construction law and litigation cases, a strong track record in handling disputes, and the ability to provide practical guidance on contracts, compliance, and risk mitigation for the best outcomes.
An experienced and skilled lawyer can identify problems, resolve conflicts in a timely manner, and keep your project legally and financially streamlined. Navigating construction laws may feel overwhelming, but having the right legal partner in Queens can make a difference.
Albert and Peter Maimone focus on risk management and prevention, compliance with laws and regulations, and guide you through legal matters from initial planning to project completion. They understand how complex and time-consuming construction disputes and litigation can be and recommend the best strategies for resolving these issues quickly and efficiently. They protect your investment, giving you the peace of mind to focus on your project confidently.