How Do I Avoid Legal Pitfalls in Texas Construction Contracts?

January 22, 2024

Nothing is better than a major project that goes off without a hitch. That’s why it’s always worth the extra time taken to avoid some of the issues commonly made in the construction industry and some of the legal pitfalls that come along with them. If you want to cover yourself and protect your company when you enter into contracts and start new projects, our Houston construction contract lawyers are ready to help.

What Kinds of Legal Pitfalls Can Affect Construction Projects?

There are plenty of state and local laws that could affect your project. From environmental regulations to zoning rules, you need to know the scope of your project and what a construction site will allow from the beginning.

Jumping into a project without knowing all of the details can result in punishments and fines. Even if a contract says you can do something, you need to be sure that you are not violating any existing laws.

How Can I Avoid Legal Issues With Workers?

Texas requires construction companies to adhere to local employment laws. This means that you need to make sure that each employee has completed all of the forms necessary to check their background and verify their identity. You can avoid legal pitfalls by keeping track of everyone’s paperwork and making sure that you do not hire anyone who is not eligible to work in the United States.

How Can I Avoid Legal Pitfalls When Working With Subcontractors?

If you use subcontractors on a project, you need to make sure that all contracts are clear about what is expected. The scope of the work, their exact responsibilities, and overall expectations need to be talked about from the jump. If you do not communicate well and draft a clear agreement, you can run into problems when there is any confusion later on.

What Can Lawyers Do To Help Me?

Having a seasoned construction lawyer on your side can make it easier to avoid legal problems. An attorney from our firm can do a lot of things to help you on each project. They can:

  • Help you draft contracts
  • Review the contracts you are asked to sign
  • Handle any disputes that come up
  • Help you with mediation or litigation if agreements cannot be reached

Our attorneys have worked with all kinds of construction clients and have written many different types of contracts. Whether you are tackling a giant commercial project or a smaller residential build, we can assist you.

Talk to Our Texas Construction Contracts Lawyers

So if you’re looking for experienced attorneys who can help you avoid costly errors, contact Patout & Shaw. We would love to schedule a consultation and take the time to talk with you about your firm’s legal needs. Contact us today.

February 13, 2025
Flooding is one of the most common and devastating causes of property damage in Texas. From personal belongings to structural damage, floods can result in significant financial loss for property owners. If you’ve recently experienced property damage or loss due to flooding, it’s essential to have a trusted legal team on your side. At Patout, Fontana, and Dellis PLLC, our seasoned Houston flood damage claim lawyers are here to fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. Why You Need a Flood Damage Claim Lawyer Flood damage often extends beyond what meets the eye. It can destroy personal items with sentimental value, such as photographs and family heirlooms, while also causing extensive structural issues to your home or business. Unfortunately, insurance companies may: Delay your claim unnecessarily. Undervalue the extent of your damages. Deny valid claims outright. Navigating these challenges can be overwhelming, especially when trying to recover and rebuild. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of flood damage claims and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to under your policy. Common Types of Flood Damage Claims Flooding can cause a wide range of damages, including: Structural damage to homes and businesses. Mold and mildew growth due to water exposure. Damage to personal belongings, including furniture and electronics. Electrical and plumbing issues. Business interruption and lost revenue. Our legal team is equipped to handle all types of flood damage claims, no matter the extent of the loss. How We Help At Patout, Fontana, and Dellis PLLC, we take a comprehensive approach to flood damage claims: Policy Review: We thoroughly review your insurance policy to ensure all applicable coverages are included in your claim. Documentation: Our team gathers detailed evidence of the damage, including photographs, repair estimates, and receipts for damaged items. Negotiation: We handle all communications with your insurance company to fight for a fair settlement. Litigation: If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court to secure the compensation you deserve. Serving Property Owners Across Texas From Houston to Galveston and beyond, our flood damage claim lawyers proudly serve individuals and businesses throughout Texas. We understand the stress and financial burden that comes with flood damage, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the claims process. Contact Us Today Don’t let an insurance company undervalue your claim or delay your recovery. Contact Patout, Fontana, and Dellis PLLC today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you fight for the compensation you need to rebuild and move forward.
January 16, 2025
Few events are as devastating as losing a home, business, or other personal property to a hurricane. Unfortunately, hurricanes are a reality for many Texans, and the damage they leave behind can be life-altering. When these storms strike, it’s essential to have experienced legal support to ensure your insurance company fulfills its obligations. That’s where the hurricane damage claim lawyers at Patout, Fontana, and Dellis PLLC step in. Why You Need a Hurricane Damage Claims Attorney Dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane can be overwhelming. On top of assessing damage and beginning repairs, property owners often face insurance companies that: Delay the claims process unnecessarily. Undervalue the cost of repairs or replacement. Deny valid claims outright. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize their payouts, leaving you to cover costs you should never have to bear alone. A knowledgeable attorney can help ensure your claim is handled fairly and maximize the compensation you receive. Common Types of Hurricane Damage Claims Our Houston hurricane damage claim lawyers handle a wide range of claims, including but not limited to: Roof and structural damage Water and flood damage Mold remediation Damage to personal belongings Business interruption losses No matter the extent of your property damage, our team is ready to fight for the full compensation you deserve. How Patout, Fontana, and Dellis Can Help At Patout, Fontana, and Dellis PLLC, we understand the challenges hurricane victims face. Our team has extensive experience handling hurricane damage claims and negotiating with insurance companies on behalf of our clients. Here’s how we can assist: Policy Review: We analyze your insurance policy to understand your coverage and ensure all claimable damages are accounted for. Claim Preparation: Our attorneys compile detailed documentation, including repair estimates and evidence of damage, to strengthen your case. Negotiation: We handle communications with your insurance company to ensure your claim is fairly evaluated. Litigation: If necessary, we are fully prepared to take your case to court to secure the compensation you’re entitled to. Why Choose Us? Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim. At Patout, Fontana, and Dellis PLLC, we bring: A track record of success in hurricane damage claims Compassionate, personalized service Dedication to protecting the rights of property owners across Texas  Serving the Houston Community and Beyond Located in Houston, we proudly serve individuals and businesses throughout Texas. Whether you’ve experienced hurricane damage in Houston, Galveston, or anywhere else in the state, our team is here to help you navigate the claims process and fight for the compensation you need to rebuild.
December 19, 2024
When navigating the complexities of insurance claims in Texas, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between first-party and third-party claims. Each type of claim involves different processes, responsibilities, and parties. Here, we’ll break down the differences and explain how Patout, Fontana, & Dellis can assist with first-party claims across the Lone Star State. What is a First-Party Insurance Claim? A first-party insurance claim is filed by the policyholder—the “first party”—against their own insurance company (the “second party”). This type of claim is based on the terms and coverage outlined in the policyholder’s insurance contract. Common situations that lead to first-party claims include: Homeowners Insurance: Filing a claim for damages caused by storms, fires, or other covered events. Auto Insurance: Seeking coverage for repairs or medical expenses after an accident, provided the policy includes comprehensive or collision coverage. Health Insurance: Requesting reimbursement for medical expenses covered by your plan. In these cases, the insurance company is obligated to evaluate the claim and provide the benefits stipulated in the policy. What is a Third-Party Insurance Claim? In contrast, a third-party insurance claim is made by someone who is not the policyholder. This type of claim occurs when a third party (someone other than the policyholder) seeks compensation from another person’s insurance provider. Examples include: Auto Accidents: Filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance to cover damages or medical expenses. Premises Liability: Seeking compensation for injuries sustained on someone else’s property. Third-party claims typically require the claimant to prove the other party’s liability for the damages or injuries. The Challenges of First-Party Claims in Texas Even though first-party claims involve your own insurance company, they can still be challenging. Insurance companies may: Dispute the value of your claim. Deny coverage for specific damages. Delay the claims process unnecessarily. Texas law holds insurance companies accountable for handling claims fairly and in good faith. If you believe your insurer is not honoring its obligations, you may have grounds for legal action. Why Choose Patout, Fontana, & Dellis for Your First-Party Claim? At Patout, Fontana, & Dellis, we specialize in assisting Texans with first-party insurance claims. Our team understands the tactics insurance companies use to undervalue or deny claims, and we’re committed to ensuring policyholders receive the benefits they’re entitled to. Here’s how we can help: Comprehensive Claim Evaluation: We review your policy to ensure all applicable coverages are included in your claim. Expert Negotiation: Our attorneys negotiate directly with your insurance company to secure fair compensation. Litigation Support: If necessary, we’re prepared to take your case to court to protect your rights. Serving Texans Statewide From Houston to Dallas, Austin to El Paso, Patout, Fontana, & Dellis proudly serves policyholders throughout Texas. Whether you’re facing a denied claim, underpayment, or unnecessary delays, our team is ready to advocate for you.
November 11, 2024
Every construction firm or contractor needs to know how they will respond to and prepare for delays and cost overruns. The post How Can I Allocate Risk for Delays and Cost Overruns? appeared first on Patout & Shaw.
November 4, 2024
There are many benefits of arbitration that construction industry players can appreciate when trying to solve disputes. The post What Are the Benefits of Arbitration in Building Industry Disputes? appeared first on Patout & Shaw.
October 28, 2024
It's important for owners of construction companies to know about the workers' compensation system and how it affects their industry. The post How Does Workers’ Compensation Work for Construction Firms? appeared first on Patout & Shaw.
October 21, 2024
Having the right personal protective equipment on hand is a necessity for any company working in the Texas construction industry. The post What Are Personal Protective Equipment Standards in Construction? appeared first on Patout & Shaw.
October 14, 2024
The Endangered Species Act needs to be considered any time a construction project could impact the habitat of an endangered animal. The post How Can You Comply With the Endangered Species Act? appeared first on Patout & Shaw.
October 7, 2024
If confidentiality is important to you, litigation isn't be the best way to solve a dispute. Our lawyers can help you find other methods. The post How Can I Maintain Confidentiality in Construction Dispute Resolution? appeared first on Patout & Shaw.
September 30, 2024
If you want to adhere to Fair Housing Act standards, talk to our lawyers and make a plan to learn all related rules. The post How Can I Meet Fair Housing Act Standards in Building Design? appeared first on Patout & Shaw.
More Posts
Share by: