Construction

Stone Pigman's Construction Practice Group can handle the full spectrum of construction disputes that confront the industry. We have substantial experience representing owners, architects, engineers, construction managers, contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers and lenders. We have also represented developers, landlords, commercial tenants, and government entities as property owners. Although we have a long history of successful construction-related representation, the post-Hurricane-Katrina "boom" of building, renovating, repairing, and demolishing has honed those skills and deepened our knowledge.

Our experience includes design liability, defective or negligent workmanship, warranty issues, delay claims, contract interpretation, contract termination, enforcement of completion and payment bonds, contractor licensing, title and types of insurance, public bidding and contracting requirements, and lien rights.  We also have experience addressing change orders, rejection of nonconforming work, liquidated damages and inspections.  We represent construction industry clients before arbitration tribunals and in mediation, as well as defending and prosecuting claims in litigation. 

We also draft effective contracts aimed at delivering projects on time and on budget, while minimizing our clients' exposure to risk and cost.  Our goal in construction contract drafting is to achieve your goals for the project while avoiding potential disputes down the line.  We also provide advice and counsel on construction-related documents.

We understand that resolving disputes in a practical and timely manner is key in an industry where delays can be costly. We strive to provide you with efficient but thorough representation.

In addition to construction litigation, Stone Pigman has extensive experience in representing property owners and developers in land use disputes.  Over the past few years, we have represented owners and developers of hotels and restaurants in disputes with neighbors as well as tenants.  Stone Pigman often puts together teams of both business and litigation attorneys to handle real estate disputes.  We also have experience in guiding property owners through the process of obtaining the necessary building permits and zoning changes, including bringing litigation when necessary.

Some representative matters our Construction attorneys have handled include:

• Represented a major national research university in connection with litigation and other matters concerning the development of its on-campus athletic stadium.  Drawing on its deep experience in real estate development and litigation skills, Stone Pigman assisted the university in the multifaceted effort to build an on-campus stadium near the site of the former stadium (which was on its campus until the late 1970s).
• Representation of Washington Group in actions seeking to hold the company liable for the floodwall failures that occurred in the Lower Ninth Ward during Hurricane Katrina.
• Representation of an apartment complex owner in suits involving contractors and subcontractors engaged in post-Katrina renovations and repair as well as post-Gustav repairs.
• Representation of Lambeth House in disputes with contractors relating to repairs and renovations.
• Representation of purchasers of luxury condominium in the historic St. Elizabeth Orphanage through jury trial to recover damages for construction defects.
• Representation of a public housing authority in litigation with a contractor involving construction of a housing project for senior citizens.
• Handled numerous post-hurricane disputes regarding rebuilding, renovations, and related construction issues to commercial and residential properties throughout Louisiana.
• Represented a public housing authority and its officers in claims brought by a terminated developer of a large public housing project and its principals.
• Obtained a judgment in state court in New Orleans on behalf of a major national research university, upholding a conditional use ordinance enacted by the New Orleans City Council for the university's planned redevelopment of a portion of its New Orleans property.
• Obtained a judgment in state court in New Orleans upholding a conditional use zoning ordinance enacted by the New Orleans City Council for the development of the Astor Hotel on Canal Street in downtown New Orleans.