Fort Lauderdale Construction Defect Lawyer

Fort Lauderdale Construction Defect Attorney

As a flourishing city along the Atlantic Ocean, Fort Lauderdale is constantly experiencing construction to keep up with the town’s growth and bustling businesses. However, if you detect things like water leaks, foundation cracks, or unusual issues within your building’s structure, you may have a construction defect. These issues can quickly lead to extensive damage, making it crucial that you seek help from a skilled Fort Lauderdale construction defect lawyer.

Dedicated Construction Defect Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale

The Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA, offers dedicated legal representation to clients facing construction defect issues in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding Florida areas. Our skilled team shares comprehensive knowledge of both state law and construction guidelines, allowing us to safeguard your interests and hold dangerous construction companies accountable. Regardless of the severity of your defect, it’s crucial that you take action to protect your building.

What Is a Construction Defect in Florida?

Construction defects occur when design flaws, material issues, or workmanship mistakes lead to building damage or malfunction. These defects can be classified as patent, which means they are clearly visible, or latent, which means they remain hidden until discovered later over time. Because Fort Lauderdale buildings face high humidity, salt air, and hurricanes, minor defects can quickly lead to severe issues and damage when left unaddressed.

Examples of common construction defects seen in Fort Lauderdale include:

• Foundational cracks
• Leaks in the roof or windows
• Uneven floors
• Lack of proper ventilation or protective barriers, which causes mold
• Improper electrical wiring
• Structural instability

Common Causes of Construction Defects in Florida

Construction defect statistics are hard to come by, but Courtroom News Service reports a sharp increase in construction defect litigation in Florida, where plaintiff counts rose from 31 in 2008 to nearly 1,000 by 2017. This statistic shows the drastic growth in Florida residents experiencing construction defects.

Construction projects involve many moving parts, and defects can result from errors during any phase of construction. Some common causes of construction defects in Florida include:

• Design Deficiencies. The blueprints produced by architects or engineers might not adhere to local building codes or environmental requirements. For example, substandard drainage design can result in water buildup beneath a building’s foundation.
• Mediocre Workmanship. General contractors and subcontractors sometimes perform poor-quality work by skipping important steps or installing components such as roofing, windows, and plumbing systems incorrectly. Florida’s contractor licensing board processes many annual complaints that involve poor workmanship.
• Defective Materials. Correct design and installation methods still cannot prevent failures if cheap or inappropriate materials are used. The coastal location of Florida, paired with its humid climate, speeds up material decay, making it crucial that you choose the right materials to keep up with the weather.

Understanding Liability in Florida Construction Defect Cases

Determining liability in a Florida construction defect case is crucial. If you are unable to prove liability, it will be incredibly challenging to pursue any type of legal action. Generally, because construction projects often involve multiple companies, you and your Fort Lauderdale construction defect lawyer can work together to hold accountable any employee or company that played a role in the construction defect that caused you harm.

In a Florida construction project, you may encounter a wide range of companies and workers who help to complete a building. The following are all parties who may be held liable for a construction defect in Fort Lauderdale:

• General Contractors. General contractors must ensure compliance with Florida building codes and contractual requirements. They must also have legal status to do so.
• Plumbers, Roofers, Electricians, and Subcontractors. These subcontractors can face liability for defects when their work does not match industry standards or demonstrates negligence.
• Architects and Engineers. Design flaws or structural errors can lead to liability for architects and engineers when defects arise from their work.
• Material suppliers. These employees can face liability when they provide materials that are defective or fail prematurely.
• Developers or Property Owners. Any owner or developer who participated in construction decisions may face liability if their actions resulted in a defect.

When Can You File a Construction Defect Claim in Fort Lauderdale?

Florida law provides property owners the ability to pursue compensation for damages resulting from construction defects. Property owners can claim compensation for necessary repair costs as well as losses from property devaluation, temporary housing expenses, relocation costs, legal representation fees, court expenses, and emotional distress when applicable.

FAQs

How Much Does a Construction Defect Lawyer Cost in Florida?

The cost of hiring a Florida construction defect lawyer will vary based on a number of different circumstances. The price you pay for a construction lawyer can depend on how complicated your case is, your attorney’s level of experience, how long your case takes, and the type of billing system your Fort Lauderdale construction defect lawyer uses. Some attorneys charge based on time worked, while others provide flat fees or accept cases based on contingency payment structures.

What Is the Construction Defect Law in Florida?

Florida law gives property owners the right to file legal claims against liable parties for unsatisfactory design, inferior workmanship, or inadequate materials that caused defects. This legislation mandates that claimants provide pre-claim notice to liable parties and establish deadlines for submitting claims. The recent adjustments to the statute of repose now demand quicker legal action, as the government has reduced the time frame to initiate certain claims.

What Is an Example of a Construction Defect Claim in Florida?

Construction defect claims may develop from structural problems or electrical issues that emerge after a building’s completion. An example of a construction defect claim in Florida can look like a homeowner experiencing water intrusion incidents due to faulty roof or window installation and seeking compensation to cover the damages. Florida homeowners can file claims against a contractor or builder to recover costs for repairs as well as other related financial losses.

What Is the Difference Between a Construction Defect and Negligence in Florida?

A construction defect involves flaws in a building’s design, materials, or workmanship. Negligence concerns a professional’s failure to provide reasonable care or perform their job adequately. The existence of defects does not always mean that negligence is involved. However, construction negligence almost always results in defects. Construction defects and negligence both qualify as valid grounds to seek compensation in Florida.

Contact the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA Today

If you’ve found a construction defect in your Fort Lauderdale home or business, do not wait to take legal action and pursue the compensation you’re owed. At the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA, our team is ready to help you file a strong claim, protect your rights, and work to hold all liable parties accountable. Our extensive understanding of Florida construction law and proven results help us to provide superior legal services for residents across Fort Lauderdale.

Contact us today to learn about your legal options after experiencing a construction defect in Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale Construction Defect Lawyer Reviews

Fort Lauderdale Construction Defect Resources:

• A Sinking Foundation Is a Major Construction Defect
• What To Do if Your Building Has Construction Defects
• Top Risks of Construction Accidents in Fort Lauderdale