Generally defined, construction law combines all areas of law that typically apply to construction work. We know that construction workers have a specific set of rules and regulations that they are required to follow at all times, and that they also have to work with all sorts of both government representatives and private entities in order to properly conduct business.
Construction law itself involves a myriad of different things, and when it comes to being a construction lawyer, they need to be experienced in a multitude of different types of law.
One type of law that a construction lawyer must be experienced in is employment law, which itself is a critical part of construction law. All business owners depend on workers to do a huge portion of work, which means hiring people, firing people, and managing the business itself. Business owners must also know how to properly follow all state and federal laws in terms of fairly paying employees, as well as hiring people legally. This often results in them turning to the assistance of attorneys for assistance in ensuring that they are able to fully comply with these more complex areas involving the law.
Property law is another area in which a construction lawyer will need to be experienced. This is especially important because this type of law assists companies with being able to both purchase and manage properties in a more confident manner. In the event that disputes were to arise in regards to ownership of a specific property, an experienced construction lawyer will be able to provide assistance in resolving the issues in order to prevent further issues later on. Furthermore, construction lawyers must also address issues such as nuisances and zoning questions with their clients as a way to ensure that they are properly complying with the law.
Another type of law that a construction lawyer should always be experienced in is that of occupational safety. We know just how dangerous construction work can be, so it’s extremely important for both employers and contractors alike to take the time to ensure that they are in full compliance with the requirements implemented by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Additionally, if any violations are found, not only can they interfere with any and all work that needs to be completed, but they can also result in some rather stiff penalties as well.
Planning and approvals is another important type of law that construction lawyers need to be familiar with as well. Anyone involved in the construction industry typically will need to obtain government approval for their work, regardless of whether they’re working for a use variance or they’re seeking a more standard approval of building plans. No matter what, an experienced construction lawyer will always need to assist their clients with approaching the correct government agencies, starting with researching which specific approvals are needed, as well as what specifically needs to be done in order for the clients themselves to obtain the approvals that they require.
In addition to these, other forms of law that construction lawyers will typically need to be familiar with include the following:
*Contract law
*Worker’s compensation
*Torts
*Dispute resolution
*Litigation