Construction Litigation Attorney in St Cloud
In the construction industry, disputes are a common occurrence. Hiring a St. Cloud construction litigation lawyer from Minnesota Construction Law Services (MNCLS) is highly recommended for protecting your interests when disputes happen.
Disputes can arise from contract disagreements, accusations of faulty work, or conflicts over the scope of work. Contracts are legally binding documents, so ensuring that they are well-written and reflect the requirements of both parties, as well as the Minnesota state building codes, is vital.
St. Cloud is part of one of the fastest-growing areas in Minnesota, thanks to its historical museums, closeness to the Mississippi River, and beautiful gardens. Construction of new homes is rising, with room for more, but when construction disputes lead to litigation, you will need the assistance of a skilled legal team.
Minnesota Construction Law Services keeps the simple simple
Why Choose MNCLS
At MNCLS, we have worked in the construction field and owned our own businesses. We primarily work with owner-operated construction businesses, and we have proven results in mediation, arbitration, and litigation.
Our St. Cloud construction litigation team has knowledge of Minnesota construction laws and state and local building codes. We can ensure thorough representation and prepare you for the possibility of courtroom litigation.
Common Reasons for Construction Litigation in St. Cloud, Minnesota
Construction litigation can arise from a wide range of issues. Some common reasons arbitration may fail, and litigation may occur include:
- Poorly written contracts. If you have a poorly written contract that does not explicitly outline deliverables, payments, and expectations, the client may not understand that your work is the work you promised. You should ensure you have a well-written contract that adheres to local and state construction codes as well as Minnesota statutes. You should include all requirements for both parties and any deadlines for each stage of work.
- Improper licensing. If you are improperly licensed, you may be at risk for prosecution by the Attorney General. Avoid this issue by making sure you are always up-to-date with the proper licensing. While subcontractors do not necessarily need licensing through DOL, they must register through the Construction Contractor Registration Program.
- Payment disputes. If a property owner refuses to pay, there are several steps to take before litigation. When litigation is necessary, hire a construction litigation lawyer who can aggressively advocate for you in court and protect you from counterclaims of faulty work.
- Incomplete projects or disrupted timelines. Projects that run over time and over budget can be costly for both the homeowner and the contractor. When there are no stipulations for lateness or budget changes in the contract, a dispute can escalate to litigation.
When a construction dispute can’t be resolved through mediation or arbitration, hiring a construction litigation lawyer is your next course of action. We can do an in-depth analysis of your contract and discuss our legal approach. We can also collect any additional communications with the other party, interview witnesses, and keep your business reputation intact as we resolve your case.
Hire a Construction Litigation Lawyer in St. Cloud
When construction disputes arise, they may cause delays and financial burdens for all parties. At MNCLS, we know how invaluable a skilled litigation lawyer can be when it comes to the future of your business. We can use our legal acumen to create a buffer between you and the other party, represent your interests, and be your fierce advocate during a trial at the Stearns County District Court.
While the courts encourage arbitration or mediation to resolve a dispute, when litigation becomes necessary, such as in a complex case, it’s important to hire a construction litigation lawyer who is familiar with construction codes and laws to protect your business.
FAQs
The cost of working with a construction litigation lawyer in St. Cloud may vary depending on the complexity of your case, the lawyer’s experience, and the stage of the dispute. A complex matter usually requires more time and resources to resolve, which could increase costs. The cost of a litigation lawyer also depends on whether or not a courtroom trial is necessary. At MNCLS, we are the tough, smart litigators you need.
The difference between a lawyer and a litigation lawyer comes down to function and focus. A litigation lawyer is an attorney who is skilled at courtroom representation and dispute resolution. They may investigate a case, file motions, and, if necessary, go to trial. A lawyer is a licensed attorney who provides legal advice and services, but may never go to court.
A construction dispute may escalate to litigation if informal mediation, arbitration, or negotiations fail, or when one party takes legal action in court. In some cases of dispute, litigation may be needed from the beginning, especially when allegations of major defects, complex contracts, or large amounts of money are involved.
If litigation is necessary for your dispute, we can assess your contract and determine the most appropriate way to resolve the matter.
Construction litigation cases do not always go to trial. Many cases resolve before a trial is necessary through mediation, settlement negotiations, or pre-trial conferences. However, having a litigation lawyer can help ensure your case is prepared to go to trial, which can potentially lead to a better negotiation settlement. At MNCLS, our St. Cloud construction litigation lawyers are with you at all stages. We are skilled in negotiation tactics and preparing you for court.
Reach Out to MNCLS for a Consultation
At MNCLS, our St. Cloud construction litigation attorneys can act as your partner in every step of your case. We can guide your decisions and help you achieve your goals by ensuring you’re fully informed of the possible outcomes. Our attorneys know that once litigation is an option, our negotiations must begin.
As a firm experienced in construction law, we cater to construction professionals. We have seen how legal outcomes can go astray for business owners in the construction industry, and part of our mission is to make sure we form partnerships with our clients so we’re here whenever they need us. If you are considering construction litigation, contact us today.
