Construction involves risk in every phase. We understand those risks and protect your interests even before the project starts. We provide assistance through all phases and even after the project is completed to help you meet your business goals.
Managing Risks
Risk is a part of every construction project. Risks begin with the earliest design activity, increase during construction, and can continue on for years after the completion of a project. Lord, Bissell & Brook LLP works closely with architects, engineers, design-builders, contractors, subcontractors and owners to manage risks and prevent them from becoming losses. In recent years we have:
- Obtained the dismissal of an architect from the Illinois Supreme Court, by extending the principle of economic loss to design professionals.
- Pursued and recovered claims for increased costs and delays damages for general contractors and specialty subcontractors.
- Defended design professionals on "sick building" claims.
- Recovered damages for a hospital caused by improper design and construction.
- Represented a structural engineer in a suit arising out of the alleged failure to design for seismic loads.
- Obtained recoveries for owners of electric generating facilities whose equipment was damaged as a result of negligent construction and design.
- Assisted a condominium association to recover damages caused by improper design and construction.
- Defended design professionals servicing the manufacturing industry against damage claims stemming from alleged errors in the design and construction of equipment and the facilities.
- Represented design professionals in the collapse of the Kemper Arena roof in Kansas City and the Rosemont Horizon roof in Illinois.
We represent architects, engineers, design-builders, contractors, subcontractors and owners of all sizes across the country.
Comprehensive Construction Services
We can help you with all aspects of construction, from start to finish.
Project Contracts We help manage risk by drafting and negotiating contracts and conditions with specific emphasis on insurance requirements and risk-shifting provisions. We advise on potential problems with mechanics liens, bond and surety claims and construction disputes. Custom agreements with insurance requirements, indemnification provisions and damage-limitation clauses are prepared to protect you from the risks unique to each project.
Economic Losses Protection Every project has the potential to experience setbacks that can jeopardize the project and expose participants to economic losses. Construction delays, cost overruns, design changes and insolvencies are just a few of the occurrences that can turn a project from a profit into a loss. We help clients resolve economic losses claims favorably by utilizing a combination of contractual rights and statutory remedies, such as mechanics liens acts.
Design Defects and Construction Flaws Design defects and construction flaws that do not manifest immediately can appear as structural or mechanical system failure days or years after a project is completed. The result may be gradual deterioration, such as corroded anchors or a weakened facade, or the catastrophic structural failure of a roof. Our construction law team includes architects and engineers who can assist in comprehensive post-occurrence investigation to determine the cause and responsibility for construction failures.