Woonsocket Construction Dispute Lawyers

Find the right Construction Dispute attorney in Woonsocket, RI

Construction Dispute Law in Rhode Island

Landowners and contractors in Woonsocket, Rhode Island frequently contract with each other for major construction projects. With any large construction projects, some small delays or problems are all but inevitable, but they don't usually derail the project or lead to major disputes between the parties.

Most often, landowners and construction contractors are able to resolve minor to moderate disagreements between themselves, and litigation is rarely necessary. Nobody likes litigation, so, to this end, most construction contracts have built-in remedies in case something goes wrong, like set price reductions if construction is delayed.

Even if someone else needs to get engaged to resolve a dispute, this does not automatically mean litigation is necessary. For example, the parties might attempt mediation, in which a neutral third party tries to help guide the parties to an agreement, but cannot render a binding decision himself. They might also agree to arbitration, during which a third party is able to render a binding decision. Arbitration is typically done through a private company, and may cost less than litigation, and is overseen by an arbitrator who is an expert in the relevant field.

Litigation of a Woonsocket, Rhode Island construction dispute is never something that anyone wants to do. Nonetheless, there are sometimes no other avenues.

Examples of Construction Disputes That Might Lead to Litigation in Woonsocket, Rhode Island

Delays: If the contractor is culpable in a major delay in a construction project (a delay of weeks or months, for example), a lawsuit could result. If the contract particularly states that completion by a specific date is very important, or the builder has a good reason to know this, a court will often award the owner compensation for any economic harm caused by a delay.

Owner's Refusal to Pay: If the contractor completes the project, and the owner refuses to pay the agreed-upon price, the contractor will typically file a lawsuit to recover what is owed. Of course, the owner will typically claim that there is a good reason for not paying, arguing that the contractor didn't conform to the project's specifications, or that the quality of construction was unacceptably poor. In such a case, the court will have to decide if the contractor actually breached the contract by doing shoddy work, which could, at least in part, excuse the owner's duty to pay.

Subcontractors: With big construction projects, contractors typically hire other, smaller contractors to do some of the work for them. This is typically work of a specialized nature, which the general contractor isn't equipped to handle (such as plumbing or electrical wiring). The general contractor is the one who is responsible for the satisfactory completion of the project. If a subcontractor makes a mistake, or causes a delay, the general contractor is ultimately liable to the person who hired them. Nonetheless, if they are sued for the mistakes of a subcontractor, and lose, they can then sue the subcontractor to recover their losses.

Mechanic's Liens: If the contractor sues a land owner and wins, he will likely obtain a monetary judgment. If the owner declines to pay, the contractor needs some way to recover. This is where the mechanic's lien comes into play. It permits a contractor to force the sale of the land or other real property that he just worked on, and use those proceeds to cover costs.

Can a Woonsocket, Rhode Island Attorney Help?

Disputes over construction delays or defects can be extremely taxing. Therefore, getting an efficient Woonsocket, Rhode Island real estate attorney might mean the difference between success or failure in your business ventures.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Woonsocket

Woonsocket is located in Rhode Island's Providence COUNTY. Specifically, it is south of Massachusetts. Perhaps one of the main reasons Woonsocket is well-known is because it is home to the headquarters for CVS, the popular pharmacy and drug store chain.

Popular sites include Allen Street Historic District, Frank Wilbur House, Glenark Mills, Hanora Mills, Jenckes Mansion, Linton Block, Main Street Historic District, Pothier House, St. Andrews Episcopal Chapel, Stadium Building, Woonsocket Civil War Monument, and L'Eglise du Precieux Sang.

Famous residents, past and present, include Greg Abate, Rocco Baldelli, Clem Labine, Ambrose Kennedy, Neil Lanctot, William C. Lovering, Bryan Berard, Brian Boucher, Marcel Desaulniers, and Gabby Hartnett.

Woonsocket also has a strong legal force because many attorneys have established small law offices and firms in the city. These offices and firms provide legal services in all areas, allowing local businesses and residents to stay near in order to seek legal guidance.

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