Key West Construction Defect Lawyer

Key West Construction Defect Attorney

Construction workers put a lot of experience and caution into their work, but even they can make mistakes. When defects occur because of errors in planning or construction, they create costly and even dangerous situations. A Key West construction defect lawyer can navigate this situation and get the resolution you need.

Whether you’re a contractor defending against a claim or a client trying to get compensation, having experienced legal aid is vital. Any construction defect case needs to have certain elements proved. A professional attorney from the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA, can bring the experience and dedication necessary to represent your case.

What Counts as a Construction Defect?

Just because there is damage to a recently constructed building doesn’t inherently mean it was caused by a construction defect. Construction defect laws define what qualifies as a defect, providing guidance for how people can pursue compensation when faced with damages from these defects.

Generally, a construction defect must meet some or all of these criteria:

1. It results from negligence in the work, design, or materials used.
2. It goes against building codes, regulations, or industry standards.
3. It causes damage, injuries, or other financial losses.

When these criteria are met, a defect might have occurred, leading to potential legal claims. If you’re not sure if your claim qualifies, or you need to defend against a claim of a defect, you can hire a construction defect lawyer to get professional guidance.

Common Construction Defects

There can be many possible causes of defects, but some occur more frequently. When these defects occur, the ensuing litigation can be time-consuming. On average, these disputes last 16.7 months. The top cause of construction disputes in this data was poorly drafted, incomplete, or unsubstantiated claims.

To avoid lengthy litigation, you can get the aid of a Key West construction defect attorney from the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA. We can figure out alternative methods of resolution, hopefully avoiding the litigation process. However, if needed, we can also represent you in court.

Some other common examples of construction defects include:

• Improper load-bearing calculations in the design
• Unsafe electrical and wiring plans
• Plumbing systems that fail or aren’t properly designed
• The use of faulty materials in construction
• Structural failures and foundation issues
• Roofing being improperly installed
• Water intrusion, often due to issues with roofing or siding
• Unsafe stairs, railings, or other building elements
• Anything that constitutes a code violation

These are just some of the possible defects you might encounter in construction. Whatever the defect you’re facing is, it’s never too soon to get legal aid.

When to Hire a Construction Defect Lawyer

While construction slowed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been growing again. Construction spending shot up 11.3% on a year-on-year basis in November of 2023. This means more construction projects, more workers, and more potential for defects.

As a contractor or other construction worker, you should seek legal representation as soon as a client notifies you of a defect. Even if they haven’t filed a claim yet, you can start getting advice and preparing your defense in case they do file a claim. From new vacation rentals in Higgs Beach to renovations in Old Town, you want to be protected in the case of a claim against you.

As a client, you can contact a Key West construction defect lawyer as soon as you suspect a defect. Building defects can cause damage and worsen rapidly, so you want to both address that issue and make sure you’re covered to get compensation for your damages. Our office can help with the latter, providing dedicated legal services to get you the compensation you need.

Regardless of your position, the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA, can:

• Gather evidence.
• Determine if something qualifies as a defect.
• Draft important documents.
• Represent you in court.

We can also advise you on ways to avoid the lengthy and often costly litigation process.

FAQs

How Much Does a Construction Defect Lawyer Cost in Florida?

The cost of a construction defect lawyer in Key West, Florida varies from case to case. Different attorneys will charge different fees based on their experience and the services they offer. The specifics of your case, how complex it is, and the time it takes to resolve can also affect the cost. To get a good cost estimate, you can contact our office today.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Construction Defects?

In Florida, you have four years from the end of construction, or its abandonment, to file a claim. For latent defects, this four-year limit takes effect once the defect is discovered. However, there is a hard limit of seven years from the end of the project, regardless of when a latent defect is discovered.

What Are Latent Defects?

Latent defects are construction defects that are not immediately apparent, but they can cause issues later. For example, a foundation may seem solid, but two years after construction, it is revealed to have an issue that leads to a structural collapse. The four-year statute of limitations would start from the moment you discover this defect.

What Is a Construction Defect Lawyer?

A construction defect lawyer is someone who focuses on helping clients with construction defect claims. They can defend contractors, represent clients filing a claim, or both. They have knowledge and experience working with the laws surrounding construction defects, so they can determine what compensation you’re entitled to.

Professional Legal Guidance Is Available

Here in the southernmost part of Florida, we understand that construction defects cause costly damages and can disrupt everyone’s lives. We also know that litigation takes a long time, so we provide options to avoid that process and still get what you need.

The team at the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA, believes in doing what is right and helping clients get the recourse they need. We fight to protect our clients and provide thorough, fair legal resources. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and find out more about how we can support your case.

Key West Construction Defect Lawyer Review