As you probably have guessed, I review a lot of construction contracts. As a Virginia construction attorney, I hope that I get to review these contracts either during the drafting process or prior to my construction clients signing them. Why? Because as I’ve “mused” many times before, I can add value and help my clients […]
Differences in Types of Damages Matter
Over the last 7 and a half years (yes I have been doing this for that long), I have often “mused” on various contractual provisions and their application. Why? Because the contract matters and will be enforced. Provisions like “no damages for delay” and “pay if paid” litter construction contracts and will be enforced if […]
A Relatively Small Exception to Fraud and Contract Don’t Mix
Remember all of my posts about how fraud and contract claims don’t usually play well in litigation? Well, as always with the law, there are exceptions. For instance, a well plead Virginia Consumer Protection Act claim will survive a dismissal challenge. A recent opinion out of the Alexandria division of the U. S. District Court […]
Your Contractual Notice/Claim Procedures Matter
Remember how I stated that your construction contract governs the “law” of your business relationship? Remember how (at least as a subcontractor or supplier) the Virginia General Assembly stated that is no longer true in regards to pre-payment contractual mechanic’s lien waivers? Remember that most construction contracts contain a clause or two relating to claims […]
In Construction Your Contract May Not Always Preclude a Negligence Claim
Here at Construction Law Musings I have discussed the interaction of the so called “economic loss rule,” construction contracts and tort claims on numerous occasions. The general rule is that where a duty to perform in a certain way arises from the contract, the Virginia courts will not allow a plaintiff to turn a contract […]