CONSTRUCTION LAW

Shipman & Wright has experience representing clients involved in a wide array of projects nationwide, including single family residential, multi-family, commercial and governmental.

Our attorneys have specialized knowledge of the construction process, from the planning stage to completion, and have represented clients in both state and federal courts across the United States.

We offer an array of services for business owners including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Construction defects
  • Design deficiencies
  • Structural failures
  • Changed conditions
  • Stop work orders
  • Claims for “extras”
  • Delay
  • Acceleration
  • Interference
  • Failure to supervise/manage
  • Workplace injuries
  • Claims for damage by reason of delay
  • Termination
  • Post-occupancy warranty claims
  • Environmental hazards, including mold

The old saying goes, “your home is your castle.” If you are experiencing costly damages related to a construction defect, few things can be more stressful and emotionally draining than confronting an injury to your castle. We at Shipman & Wright have the knowledge and experience to deal with the responsible builders, manufacturers, and/or designers, and most importantly their insurers and attorneys to resolve and/or try your case.

Our team of attorneys cover the full project spectrum – from concept drawings to punchlist. Our clients include general contractors, subcontractors, engineers, builders, architects, owners and developers.

We assist companies each day with project initiation, bidding, contract negotiations, project management and dispute resolution. Our construction lawyers have broad experience representing public and private owners.

We take pride in our client’s projects and assist in every stage of the construction project. We understand the practical and business aspects of construction projects from beginning to end. Our clients rely on us for our expertise on contract formation and dispute resolution, but turn to us with project management and administrative assistance on a day-to-day basis during the construction phase.

The Statutes of repose prescribe the outside time limits a defendant may be sued. A lawsuit must still be brought before the running of both the statute of repose and statute of limitations. The pertinent statutes of repose for North and South Carolina are listed below.

North Carolina Statutes of Repose

Products:
Effective October 1, 2009, North Carolina increased its statute of repose for personal injury, death or damage to property based upon or arising out of any alleged defect of any failure in relation to a product was increased from six (6) years to twelve (12) years after the date of initial purchase or consumption. For those claims accruing before October 1, 2009, the outside limit a products liability claim may be brought is six (6) years. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-46.1(a)(1).

Improvements to Real Property:

North Carolina’s statute of repose to recover damages for breach of contract to construct or repair (or) negligence construction or repair of an improvements to real property is six (6) years from the date of substantial completion of the improvement. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-50(a)(5).

South Carolina Statutes of Repose

Improvements to Real Property and Products incorporated into Improvements to Real Property:

South Carolina’s statute of repose to recover for a defective or unsafe condition to improvements to real property is eight (8) years from the date of substantial completion of the improvement.  S.C. Code § 15-3-640; see also Ocean Winds Corp. of Johns Island v. Lane, 556 S.E.2d 377 (S.C. 2001) (holding the statute of repose for window products was eight years and began running upon completion of window installation).

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Have you or a loved one been in accident and have some questions for an attorney? Contact us today.