Construction Litigation

In a dangerous industry, Kristin is on your side.

Kristin M. Lausten represents businesses, insurers, municipalities, and individuals in construction, engineering, and architectural disputes. Through the years, she has represented parties at all stages of the building and renovation process for numerous industries. Whether you have been injured in a construction accident or are a residential developer involved in a dispute with a purchaser, Kristin has the knowledge, experience, and resources to pursue a successful outcome to your case.

When you work with The Lausten Group, LLC, you can be confident that your case will be thoroughly reviewed by a skilled attorney with a background in the construction industry. Kristin prides herself on conducting in-depth investigations to unearth additional evidence. This provides her with a comprehensive view of the dispute and enables her to create a personalized, trial-ready strategy.

To discuss your issue with Kristin M. Lausten, reach her through the online contact form or call (504) 377-6585.


Types of Disputes & Legal Services

Construction clients hire attorneys to ensure that they are in compliance with local laws and regulations as they begin a new project. Construction clients may need assistance in drafting legal documents such as contracts, in obtaining and/or ensuring compliance with permits, to help with existing disputes or dispute prevention, zoning and land use disputes, assistance with licensing and licensing compliance, construction financing, bankruptcy, taxation issues, or to assist them with filing or defending against a lawsuit.
Many of the contracts at issue in these disputes include owners and contractors, subcontractors and subconsultants, designers and builders, owners/architects and engineers, commercial lease build outs, construction loans, and more. Common disputes include claims for equitable adjustments, mechanic’s lien, construction-related product claims, warranty claims, and more.

Types of Construction Projects

Kristin accepts cases involving all types of construction projects, including:

  • Residential Buildings: single-family homes and multi-family residences like apartment buildings, townhomes, and duplexes.
  • Non-Residential/Commercial Buildings: sports facilities, medical facilities, schools, retail, and mixed-use buildings.
  • Infrastructure and Heavy Construction Projects: roads, highways, bridges, airports, public transit systems, pipelines, and drainage systems.
  • Industrial Projects: chemical, oil and gas, and power generation facilities.

Construction Law

Construction law encompasses a wide range of legal topics and disputes, which draws from many areas of federal and state law. By working with Kristin, you gain a highly knowledgeable attorney who is experienced in the areas of law commonly related to construction disputes and litigation, including:

  • Contract Law
  • Commercial Law
  • Security Interests & Liens
  • Real Estate Law
  • Tax Law
  • Negligence & Torts
  • Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
  • Environmental Regulations
  • Land Use & Zoning Law

There also are several relevant Louisiana laws that may apply to a construction project within the state. Kristin is highly familiar regarding Louisiana construction law, including case histories on breach of contract, implied and express warranty, delay, misrepresentation and fraud, liens, and negligence claims, as well as the Louisiana Public Works Act and Louisiana Private Works Act.

In addition to Louisiana law, Kristin is well-versed in other neighboring states’ construction statutes and case law. She represents businesses, insurance companies, and individuals in state and federal courts throughout the United States, as well as the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. She also has been admitted to practice Pro Hac Vice in several states. Do not be afraid to call her if your matter reaches beyond Louisiana’s borders.


Compliance and Transactional Representation

Many of Kristin’s clients come to her long before there is a dispute. She is here to help construction, engineering, and architecture clients handle regulatory compliance issues at the start of new projects. She ensures new projects get off the ground while adhering to all local, state, and federal regulations. Through the duration of a project, she ensures her clients have the proper permits, licenses, and other paperwork to prevent needless issues and delays.

Kristin is also available for construction clients’ transactional needs, like negotiating and drafting contracts and other legal documents. Kristin makes sure her clients are clear on the agreements they enter into and that these agreements address and mitigate current and future risk. By working with Kristin, many of her clients are able to avoid or reduce the risk of many common construction disputes.


Construction Litigation Representation

It is impossible to control another party’s conduct regarding a construction project, and despite clients’ best efforts, disputes will arise. If another party fails to perform as intended, you should speak with a commercial litigation attorney.

Kristin is ready to address construction-related legal disputes. Her first priority will be to learn about the situation from all angles. Following an in-depth investigation, she will review the evidence and analyze your claim. Based on the strength of your position, she will recommend the next best steps. In some circumstances, successful litigation is the goal. However, a successful outcome can mean many different things.

If you want to avoid litigation, Kristin can represent you through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, such as arbitration or mediation. If ADR is not possible or effective, Kristin is prepared to take your case to court and see it through trial. She believes in being aggressive and ready for trial in every case. While a settlement may be preferred, Kristin never shies away from establishing your position in court.

Whether you need to respond to a lawsuit or file suit in Louisiana or its sister states, do not hesitate to contact The Lausten Group, LLC for experienced, aggressive, and personalized representation.


Common Reasons for Construction Litigation

Due to the variety and divisions within the construction industry, disputes can entail any number of factors and issues. However, certain conflicts arise on a regular basis. Kristin routinely represents parties involved in disputes regarding:

  • Contract errors, omissions, & ambiguity
  • Breach of contract
  • Bidding processes
  • Scope of work
  • Payment and performance bonds
  • Requests for equitable adjustment
  • Contracting licensing
  • Subcontractor substitution
  • Site conditions
  • Acceleration and delay
  • Construction quality
  • Construction materials
  • Construction defects
  • Foundation and structural issues
  • Improper system installations
  • Water damage
  • Construction product defects
  • Building code violations
  • Warranties and workmanship
  • Mechanic’s Liens
  • Wrongful termination
  • Non-payment
  • Project abandonment
  • New-residence-related claims
  • Condominium-related claims
  • Fraud

Insurance Coverage Disputes

When something goes awry during a construction project, parties often lean on insurance coverage to make up for or mitigate their financial losses. However, a claim’s validity and the appropriate payout amount are common disputes between insurers and policyholders. Kristin is highly experienced in representing businesses and individuals involved in insurance claim disputes related to construction issues, as well as acting as claims counsel for insurers policy disputes.


The Lausten Group, LLC Represents the Construction Industry

Kristin is proud to represent businesses and professionals throughout the construction industry, including:

  • Individuals
  • Employees
  • Contractors
  • Builders
  • Developers
  • Engineers
  • Architects
  • Purchasers
  • Sellers
  • Owners
  • Tenants
  • Sureties
  • Insurance Companies

To learn more about how Kristin can help you in regard to construction-related matters or construction litigation, contact The Lausten Group, LLC through the online contact form or by calling (504) 377-6585.

What clients say about Kristin M. Lausten