Plant City Construction Defects Lawyer

One of the ways new, affordable homes get built, unfortunately, is because developers and contractors sometimes cut corners to save time and increase profits. If your home suffers from a construction defect, the Ruel Law Firm can help you identify the responsible party and hold them accountable to you, including fixing any problem and compensating you for other damages the defect has caused. We can help if your insurance claim was denied or underpaid, or if there is no insurance or inadequate insurance, forcing you to file a lawsuit to get satisfaction. Our skilled legal team is dedicated to protecting your rights and resolving your claim efficiently and fully. Contact our experienced Plant City construction defects lawyer today for a free consultation regarding any potential claims you may have.

Resolving Plant City Construction Defect Disputes Under the Florida Law

About 20 years ago, the Florida legislature enacted a construction defects law whose avowed purpose was to create “an alternative method to resolve disputes that would reduce the need for litigation as well as protect the rights of property owners.” This process requires filing a notice of claim with the responsible party (contractor, subcontractor, supplier, or design professional) and giving them an opportunity to resolve the claim through confidential settlement negotiations. Only after complying with this law and failing to reach an agreement can a property owner initiate legal action such as filing a lawsuit in court.

The law contains strict timeframes and specific instructions regarding how and when to file a notice of claim, and what steps to follow. The Ruel Law Firm is experienced in handling all types of construction defect claims filed against general contractors, subcontractors, materials suppliers, and design professionals such as architects and engineers. Depending on the nature of the defect, we can help you identify the appropriate party and provide assistance to ensure your claim is timely filed and meets the requirements of Florida construction defect law.

Damages Available for Construction Defects

When litigating a construction defect lawsuit, whether going to trial or settling out of court, the remedy for a construction defect is the payment of compensation, known in the law as money damages or simply, “damages,” reflecting payment for the damage caused by the defect. Damages in a construction defect case can typically include compensation for the following:

The cost of repairs to fix the defect, whether they are performed by the negligent contractor or by another contractor hired by the homeowner to repair the defect

Property damage. If the defect resulted in water intrusion, fire, or otherwise damaged property, the homeowner is entitled to reimbursement for the damage caused and whatever is necessary to repair or replace the damaged property.

Temporary living expenses. If the defect renders the home unlivable, such as from a leaky roof, cracks in the foundation, or defects in the mechanical (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), electrical, or plumbing systems, then the homeowner is entitled to reimbursement for the costs of moving to temporary living quarters while repairs are being made.

Business losses. For construction defects to commercial property, business owners are entitled to compensation for business losses such as damaged equipment or inventory and lost profits if the business is forced to close during repairs (business interruption). The Ruel Law Firm represents Florida homeowners as well as commercial condominiums, hospitals and various commercial enterprises.

Contact the Ruel Law Firm Today

Florida attorney Michael Ruel spent 15 years as an insurance defense lawyer where he defended developers and contractors and their insurers faced with construction defect claims. As the founder of the Ruel Law Firm, Michael uses his insider knowledge and experience from his years in insurance defense to ably represent homeowners and business owners with construction defect claims. If your Plant City property has been impacted by faulty construction and you need help getting the problem fixed along with payment for any damage caused, contact our experienced Plant City construction defect lawyer for a free consultation to discuss your potential claims and how to proceed toward a successful resolution.