Talk to an Atlanta Negligent Construction Attorney Today

If you are dealing with construction issues, there is the potential that you have a claim for compensation if negligence is to blame. These claims are about more than just poor workmanship or normal wear and tear. You have a legal case for compensation if you can show that the party that constructed your home failed to perform their work within the acceptable standards of the construction industry. From inadequate materials to building code violations, there are countless ways that negligence might impact a build. At Poole Huffman, an Atlanta negligent construction attorney understands how disruptive these mistakes can be, and we will work tirelessly on your behalf to help make them right. Reach out to an Atlanta negligent construction attorney today to learn more.

What Is Negligent Construction?

Negligent construction occurs when a contractor, subcontractor, or builder fails to perform work in accordance with accepted industry standards. This usually involves a violation of state or local building codes. Unlike fraud or intentional misconduct, negligence involves carelessness or failure to take reasonable steps to ensure the work is safe and functional.

This could mean using the wrong materials, ignoring construction plans, or cutting corners to save money. Over time, these decisions can lead to significant issues that put the home’s structural stability in question.

Common Types of Negligent Construction

Negligent construction can affect every component of your property. In some situations, this might involve a cosmetic issue, while others could impact the structural integrity of the building. Whether it’s a new home build or a commercial renovation, careless work can result in costly repairs. Our firm is focused on ensuring you don’t have to pay for those repairs yourself. We can help you seek justice for the following types of negligence:

Structural Defects

Structural issues are among the most serious and costly consequences of negligent construction. These defects may include faulty foundations, sagging roofs, or a misaligned home frame. As the structure settles, the defects caused by negligent construction will only get worse.

Water Intrusion

There are few things with more potential to devastate your property than water intrusion. Anything from improper roofing to poorly sealed windows can allow water to enter the structure and wreak havoc on your property. The result may include mold, rot, and long-term interior damage.

Electrical Failures

Substandard wiring, overloaded circuits, or faulty HVAC installation can compromise both the safety and comfort of your property. These issues can lead to a host of issues, including frequent power outages or even an increased risk of fire. When it comes to electrical work, the failure to build a structure in accordance with building codes can be hazardous.

Use of Inferior Materials

Contractors sometimes cut corners by using low-grade materials, especially behind walls or in areas where homeowners may never notice. Substandard materials can lead to cosmetic issues or pose a real danger to the structure’s integrity.

Code Violations

Every construction project must meet local building codes. When a contractor disregards these regulations, it can lead to fines, delays, and even mandatory reconstruction.

Who Is Responsible for Negligent Construction?

Negligent construction liability doesn’t always fall on just one party. Depending on the scope of the project, multiple individuals or entities may share responsibility for the negligent work that was performed. At Poole Huffman, our goal is to identify all parties responsible.

At the center of most cases is the general contractor, who oversees the construction process. This person is typically responsible for hiring subcontractors, managing timelines, and ensuring your project complies with the building code. If the contractor fails to supervise those working on the project, there could be extensive issues both inside and outside the structure.

Subcontractors can also be liable if their specific work is performed. Even if the general contractor is diligent, poor artistry by a subcontractor may still give rise to a valid claim.

In larger developments, developers and builders may be held responsible for negligent construction, especially when they cut corners to reduce costs or rush to meet deadlines. Their involvement in design decisions and oversight makes them potential defendants in a lawsuit.

Architects and engineers may be liable when the negligence stems from flawed plans, inadequate specifications, or failure to monitor project progress. Their duty includes ensuring that designs are safe, compliant, and suitable for their intended purpose.

Available Remedies

If you are the victim of negligent construction, you might have grounds for a civil suit. There is an array of remedies available if your claim is successful, including the following:

Compensatory Damages

Compensatory damages are the most common forms of relief. They are intended to reimburse you for your out-of-pocket costs related to repairs, cleanup, or reconstruction. Any financial losses resulting from negligent construction may entitle you to compensatory damages.

Consequential Damages

Often, the most significant pain point for owners dealing with negligent construction is the indirect cost. These so-called consequential damages cover losses that stem from the construction defect but are not directly tied to the repairs. This could include rental costs while the property is uninhabitable or expenses related to temporary relocation. In some cases, consequential damages can be more than your direct expenses.

Injunctive Relief

In certain situations, a court may issue an order requiring the defendant to take a specific action rather than awarding a financial remedy. They could require that person to return to work, to complete a project, or to leave a construction site. Our attorneys can help you understand when injunctive relief might be appropriate.

Rescission

When the construction is so defective that the entire agreement fails, the court may allow the property owner to void the contract. This remedy is typically used in severe cases involving widespread failure or fraud.

Attorney’s Fees and Costs

If allowed by the contract or applicable statute, a successful plaintiff may recover legal fees and litigation costs. This can lessen the financial burden of pursuing justice through the courts.

Talk To An Atlanta Negligent Construction Attorney From Poole Huffman About Your Negligent Construction Case

It can be challenging to face the reality in your property, but the good news is that remedies may be available. Reach out to Poole Huffman as soon as possible to learn how an Atlanta negligent construction attorney may be able to help.