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Did a Construction Defect Cause My Property Damage?
Construction defect litigation has been on the rise for the past several years and remains on an upswing. This is due, in part, to the estimated $1.3 trillion spent in 2018 alone on private and public construction projects. In fact, hiring a contractor to perform work on your home is something countless people do each year. Whether you’re finally remodeling your kitchen or installing the luxury master bathroom of your dreams, when you hire a contractor to work on your home, you have high expectations. The steep costs of construction services in today’s world reflect these expectations. But, if damages to your home do result, you may be wondering who’s responsible.
What is a Construction Defect?
A construction defect occurs when construction fails to perform as expected or intended and the failure causes a physical condition that reduces the value of a structure or endangers the health or safety of others. Construction defects can involve the design, the work performed, and/or the building products and materials. Construction defect claims can also be subdivided into two categories: those that involve injuries and those that do not. While construction defect claims involving a personal injury often require a lawsuit for damages be filed on a shorter timeframe, construction defect matters not involving injury more often have extraordinarily long periods of viability – but that doesn’t mean you should wait to contact a construction defects lawyer.
Since most construction projects involve multiple contractors – including architects, electricians, painters, and plumbers – and involve materials from many different manufacturers, construction defects are not unusual, but identifying the source and cause of a problem can be difficult for a layperson.
Common Signs of Construction Defects
Each piece of property can face its own variety of potential construction defects. Some conditions may be obvious, such as large cracks in the foundation or walls; but many defective conditions only become apparent many years after the completion of construction.
Common signs of defective construction include:
- Cracked driveways, sidewalks, or slabs
- Cracks in walls or ceilings
- Discoloration of walls
- Doors, windows, or cabinets that do not open or close correctly
- Dry rot
- Flaking or cracked paint
- Heating failing to operate
- Low water pressure
- Mold
- Stained walls or ceilings
- Water damage
- Water seepage through the roof, doors, and/or windows
Nationwide Products Liability Lawyers
If a product or service used in the construction of your residential or commercial property caused damage, you may have a construction defect claim. Our lawyers review these claims on a daily basis and handle litigation around the country for construction defects at all times. We would be happy to speak with you about your case. Contact us today.
Whitfield Bryson
Our trial lawyers were specifically chosen for the depth of their experience and the breadth of their knowledge. Among the group are attorneys who have been recognized for excellence by industry associations and have gained national recognition for significant victories in challenging cases.
John Whitfield has been significant in his management of a suit involving the death of my son in a motorcycle accident. His professionalism, compassion, support, and especially his knowledge base in this suit has been above reproach. He has communicated well and kept all parties apprised of the status of the suit. I feel he negotiated effectively to reach the best possible settlement for my son's estate. He certainly assures his clients are represented well. I am grateful for his successfully bringing this suit to a satisfactory conclusion. In short, John's expertise has been awesome.
I am very grateful to Whitfield Bryson for taking the initiative in filing suit against the manufacturers of defective CSST pipe. I am sure that this successful litigation will now help Maryland homeowners become aware of the danger of old style CSST pipe and to let them know what steps they may take to protect themselves against those dangers. Who knows how many lives and homes may be saved as a result of his efforts. Thank you for your important work in this litigation.
