Originally posted 2020-01-17 11:09:52. I have discussed the need to always respond to a lawsuit on multiple occasions here at Construction Law Musings. However, I keep reading cases where the defendant fails to appear either by pleading or in person. Such action is never a good idea as demonstrated once again in the case of […]
Uniwest Rides Again (or, Are Architects Subject to Va. Code Section 11-4.1?)
Originally posted 2018-10-03 11:07:55. In 2010, the Virginia Supreme Court held in Uniwest Const., Inc. v. Amtech Elevator Servs., Inc., that Va. Code Sec. 11-4.1 renders completely void and unenforceable any indemnification provision in a construction contract between a contractor and subcontractor that seeks to indemnify the indemnified party from its own negligent acts. In […]
Chinese Drywall Remediation Redux
Originally posted 2012-02-10 14:56:07. Earlier here at Musings, I opined that sometimes the old saw about no good deed goes unpunished applies to construction. The subject of that post was litigation in the Eastern District of Virginia federal court between a contractor who reached an informal settlement with certain homeowners relating to Chinese drywall damages. […]
More Reminders that the Specific Contract Terms Matter
If there is a theme I have pounded upon here at Construction Law Musings in the over 13 years of posting, it is that the specific terms of your construction contracts will make a huge difference. While there have been reminders galore, a case from the Eastern District of Virginia presented another wrinkle on this […]
When is Forum Selection in a Construction Contract Enforceable?
If there is one mantra that is repeated often here at Construction Law Musings, it is that your construction contract will be strictly construed and Virginia Courts will enforce the provisions as written. This rule includes forum selection clauses. For those that aren’t attorneys, this means that absent a statute to the contrary, the parties […]