Howard County, MD, Construction Law Lawyers

The Coover Law Firm represents property owners, contractors and subcontractors in complex construction disputes in Columbia and Howard County, Maryland. Perhaps no other sector of business is subject to more disputes than the construction industry.

Generals and subs want and need to be paid on time, while owners and developers want the job done right before the contractors walk away. Project timelines are strict, and every day of delay is another dollar out of somebody’s pocket. It is no wonder that once-friendly parties may find themselves thrown into heated disputes over complex scheduling, engineering and contractual issues.

howard county md construction lawyer

The construction law practice at Coover Law Firm encompasses many complex legal issues in construction, any of which require the assistance of knowledgeable attorneys experienced in Maryland construction law:

  • Mechanic’s Liens – Contractors and subs who supply labor or materials on a construction project may place a lien on the subject property to ensure they get paid when the job is finished, but this requires going to court and proving cause for the lien. A lienholder may be able to foreclose on the property if payment isn’t forthcoming. The situation gets more complex when the property subject to the lien is sold before construction is completed, or even before construction has ever begun.

 

  • Construction Trust Actions – Under Maryland Real Property Code section 9-201, any funds paid to the contractor are held in trust for the subcontractors who did the work or provided the materials. This law applies to most private construction projects and state level (Little Miller Act) public works projects, but it doesn’t apply to federal (Miller Act) projects or single-home residences. We represent parties when a dispute arises as to whether a construction trust is being properly applied.

 

  • Payment Bonds/Performance Bond Actions – In addition to constructions trusts, contractors are also often called upon to post payment bonds guaranteeing that subs and suppliers will be paid. For instance, a 100% payment bond is required on federal projects over $30,000. Some jobs also require that a performance bond be posted, insuring that the promised work will be performed.

Representing Government Contractors in Claims for Payment

Columbia attorney Fred Coover has experience representing state and local governments in construction disputes. Mr. Coover brings that experience to bear in his representation of contractors seeking payment from all levels of government. We know how to navigate through the confusing scheme of administrative remedies applicable to government contractors. With persistence and tenacity, we help contractors protect their rights and recover in all the following situations:

  • Bid Protests
  • Miller and Little Miller Claims for Payment
  • Prompt Payment
  • Contract claims

Contact an Experienced Columbia Construction Lawyer for Help

Our construction law experience includes representation in court as well as before various state and federal boards of contract appeals. If you find yourself in a construction dispute that requires legal intervention to resolve, call on the Coover Law Firm for assistance. Based in Columbia, we represent clients throughout Howard, Anne Arundel, Frederick, Baltimore and Carroll counties. Call 410-995-1100, toll free at 866-425-9555, or contact us online to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable and experienced Maryland construction law attorney.