Lawsuits are something every industry dreads dealing with. They can be expensive, not to mention the possible loss of your company’s reputation. The ideal way to handle lawsuits is to avoid letting disputes get to the point of litigation. Here are several ways to avoid lawsuits in the construction industry.
Get Your Own Lawyer
First of all, you need to talk to a real lawyer if you want the most accurate legal advice possible. Take what we say in this post with a grain or two of salt—no one can ever give you legal guidance the way an expert can. Remember, this list isn’t inclusive of every strategy.
Follow All Regulations
When resolving disputes, it pays to be the kind of person who follows all the rules. Not only will it help your cause if you can prove you follow all state, federal, and industrial regulations, but many regulations prevent disputes from happening. For example, OSHA’s rules include many safety regulations that prevent workers from getting hurt, which means fewer chances of litigation.
Document With Photos
There are many benefits to documenting construction with photos. When you have time and date stamps on all your photos, there can be little argument over when certain project steps occurred. Plus, you can show proof that you’re using proper safety techniques and the right equipment for the job.
Communicate Everything
Miscommunication is often the source of legal disputes. To prevent this from happening, always communicate everything to your client, including a detailed schedule of progress and updates as the project advances. If there are changes to the timeline, communicate what they are and why they are necessary. Remember to keep all your communications as proof.
Put All Agreements on Paper
Communication is important for avoiding lawsuits in the construction industry. However, it also matters how you communicate. Never take a verbal agreement for granted—always put everything on paper so you can have secure proof. Again, this is a great opportunity to consult with your company’s lawyer.