Construction Claims and Disputes
Disputes are an everyday event in the building and construction industry. But that doesn’t make dealing with them straightforward. If you’re facing a construction dispute, it’s essential to seek expert legal assistance so you can resolve the issue as efficiently and effectively as possible.
But before you pick up the phone to any old solicitor, take a moment to think carefully about the type of advice you want.
For a confidential and free discussion, call us today on 01908 414990. Alternatively, email us at Hello@altion-law.co.uk or complete our Free Enquiry Form and we will call you back.
Construction Specialists Know Which Tactics To Use
Your choice of legal advisers will determine how you navigate a knotty situation.
It’s the difference between making a tactical adjustment that turns a game of football on its head and making a knee-jerk substitution that makes no impact to the flow of play. Fans in the stadium might clamour for another striker to be brought on. But the savvy manager sees where the real problem lies, brings on a holding midfielder to shore up the defence, and gives his team a platform to get back in the game.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Do you want someone who takes a narrow legalistic view of the situation? Or do you want someone who understands the commercial complexities that surround construction companies and professionals?
- Do you want someone who imagines all clients have the luxury of quiet offices for quiet contemplation? Or do you want someone who understands the day-to-day realities of life on and off site?
- Do you want someone whose stock response is to rush to adjudication? Or do you want someone who will see the bigger picture and view your options in the round?
Fast To Find The Red Flags
Construction disputes tend to be multifaceted. It’s common for clients to call us with a problem, only for our lawyers to explain the real issue lies somewhere else. Often, it’s something they hadn’t considered. Something they hadn’t realised was a problem.
The symptoms are usually obvious. What makes a difference is speaking with someone who can diagnose the cause.
The right strategy can be about more than “winning” the case
In some ways, construction is a small world.
Think about how many Facebook or WhatsApp groups you’re in. How many different projects and sites you’re involved with. Word gets around fast. And it doesn’t take long to gather a reputation.
Half the time, everyone else will know all about your dispute even before you know about it yourself.
Context matters. That’s not something every lawyer gets. It’s why we focus on understanding what matters most and building a strategy around where you need to get to at the end.
A Dispute Can Rarely Be Viewed In Isolation
There are usually many parties involved in a project.
Like an airport, there are many moving parts. You need an overview of how everything fits together. If a plane gets delayed, baggage gets lost, or the weather is bad, the knock-on effects can ripple right through the whole operation.
The same applies to navigating disputes. When considering your next move, it’s vital to be aware of the wider effects that could have.
Specialist Solicitors Know Construction Law Inside Out
We frequently assist clients across the whole spectrum of construction disputes and construction claims. These include:
- Disputes over withheld retention money
- Delays in interim payments
- Final account disputes
- Non-payment of certified sums
- Termination of contracts
- Pay less notices
- Disputed variations
- Defects or poor workmanship
- Contested or rejected additional works
- Liquidated damages for contractor delays
- Extension of time and loss and expense claims
Case Study: Faulty Windows Or A Window Of Opportunity?
Our client had not been paid for installing windows. It was alleged the quality of the works wasn’t up to scratch.
We saw a way through.
Not only did we succeed in obtaining payment for our client, but we achieved a settlement that restricted any further exposure to liability. It prevented any further actions from being pursued against our client regarding the works.
Get Specialist Help On Your Side
We’re based in Milton Keynes but we act nationwide for our clients. So wherever you are in England or Wales, contact us today to get clarity on your situation and discuss your next steps.
Altion Law are specialists in advising and representing parties on commercial construction contracts, claims and disputes.
For a confidential and free discussion, call us today on 01908 414990. Alternatively, email us at Hello@altion-law.co.uk or complete our Free Enquiry Form and we will call you back.
