When construction defects arise in Seattle, they can be disruptive and costly. Property owners can suddenly be responsible for expensive repairs and face additional legal issues as well. Therefore, finding an experienced law firm that can navigate these complicated disputes is important.

At Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, we understand the complexities of construction defect law in Seattle and the surrounding area. For over 85 years, our law firm has been helping clients protect their property rights when construction defects arise. We bring a combined experience of over 150 years to each case we take on, and we are dedicated to providing our clients with successful results.

Our attorneys comprehensively understand Washington state laws related to construction, zoning regulations, building codes, and land use laws. We focus on finding the best solution for each client’s situation by thoroughly researching the case and gathering all necessary evidence.

We invite you to read further about how we can help you resolve your construction defect dispute in Seattle.

Defining Construction Defects

When you are in a construction defect dispute and have no idea what steps to take, it’s essential first to understand what construction defects are and how they came about.

Construction defects are generally defined as a deficiency or fault related to the design, materials, or quality of a building that causes a reduction in its value or usefulness. Typically, these defects could lead to issues with the structure, like water infiltration, or issues with systems, like environmental management.

It’s also important to be aware of how these defects can arise. Typically, they are caused by inadequate materials, design errors, poor workmanship, negligent administration of contracts, and/or failure of a party to meet standards set by building codes.

In some cases, even when all steps were completed correctly by all parties involved, an unforeseen event can result in an unexpected defect that leads to a dispute.

Common Causes of Construction Defects

Construction defect disputes can arise from a variety of issues, from design defects to code violations. To give you an idea of some common causes of construction defects in Seattle, here are a few examples:

Poor Design

This could include inadequate roofing structure that does not handle the load of heavy snow and rain; another example would be missing insulation on the walls.

Building Code Violations

Violations of building codes can lead to a broad range of issues, from structural flaws to improper systems installation. This could include insufficient fire-resistance ratings in walls and ceilings or inadequate window openings for emergency egress.

Poor Workmanship

A wide variety of issues can arise from poor workmanship, from non-functioning electrical wiring to improper foundation installation. This could include incorrect installation of windows and doors or the use of substandard materials.

Negligent Administration of Contracts

Contractors and subcontractors can fail to fulfill the contract terms by not meeting deadlines or the agreed-upon specifications or standards. This could include improper installation of plumbing and sewer lines, or incomplete or defective roof coverings.

Improper Construction

This could involve the incorrect installation of windows and doors, faulty plumbing work, or failure to meet current building codes for safety.

Substandard Materials

This could include pipes breaking down due to corrosion or inferior building materials that do not meet industry standards.

Sewer Line Defects

These can be caused by shifting soils leading to cracked pipes and other damage.

If you have been affected by any of these common construction defects in Seattle, our experienced construction defect attorneys can help protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

Navigating Construction Defect Law in Washington State

Navigating construction defect law in Washington State is a complicated process that requires a skilled legal partner with experience in the area. Construction defects (also known as design defects) are flaws in the design, materials, or workmanship of a building or other structure that can cause problems after completion.

In Washington State, such disputes must be taken through arbitration and then to court if a successful resolution is not reached. The legal process for handling construction defect disputes in Seattle is intricate and nuanced.

You need an experienced attorney who understands all the intricacies of construction defect law to ensure your rights are fully protected. Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess has decades of collective experience across a range of practice areas and can help you maneuver the intricate web of laws associated with construction defect disputes.

Our attorneys have the knowledge and resources to assist you with effective representation throughout the entire case process.

Possible Solutions to Construction Defect Disputes

Construction defect disputes are complex and require specialized knowledge to resolve. In Seattle, Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess is a law firm that offers expertise in construction defect disputes.

This law firm’s attorneys can help clients navigate any type of construction defect issue. They can:

• Negotiate with the other party to find a resolution that both parties can accept
• Provide insight on the best course of action based on their experience resolving similar cases in the past
• File a legal action in court if an out-of-court resolution is not possible
• Represent clients in mediation, arbitration, and litigation if necessary
• Offer creative solutions such as alternative dispute resolution, if appropriate for the case at hand
• Stay up to date on relevant laws and regulations as they develop protecting consumers from construction defects in Seattle and other cities in Washington State, helping ensure the client’s rights are protected during a dispute or lawsuit
• Work collaboratively with related professionals such as engineers and experts when applicable, to ensure that the client’s case is thoroughly assessed and argued for them.

By partnering with Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, clients can be sure that their cases will be handled by experienced lawyers who understand the complexities of construction defect disputes and know how to advocate for a favorable outcome for their client’s case moving forward.

Laws Applicable to Construction Defects

When construction defects arise, the need for experienced and specialized legal representation can be vital to protect your rights and interests. In Seattle, the laws applicable to construction defect disputes are outlined in Chapter 64.40 of the Revised Code of Washington.

This section covers a wide range of issues related to construction defects, such as:

• The requirements that must be met before filing a lawsuit in a construction defect dispute
• Limitations on which types of parties can be held responsible for defects
• Limitations on when a lawsuit can be initiated in relation to when the defect was discovered
• Special circumstances surrounding claims that involve more than one party
• The statute of limitations for filing a claim related to construction defects.

It is important to understand the statutes applicable to such disputes so that you can make the best decisions for your situation. An experienced legal team like Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess can provide guidance and ensure you are following the proper steps.

When to Seek Legal Help for Construction Defect Disputes

If you find yourself in a Seattle construction defect dispute, it’s important to seek legal help as soon as possible to ensure all your rights are protected. A construction defect is any deficiency in the design, planning, construction, or quality of workmanship that results in inadequate performance of a building.

Construction defect disputes can arise for a variety of reasons and can cause significant damage to a building, resulting in significant repair costs. When dealing with a construction defect dispute, it’s important to be aware of the following:

• The statute of limitations and when the construction project was completed
• The potential fault of the parties involved and how they can be apportioned
• The standard of care expected from each party
• Your legal rights and obligations under Washington State law
• Strategies for efficiently achieving cost-effective resolution
• Your ability to pursue litigation if necessary.

Navigating the legal complexities of a construction dispute can be daunting without experienced legal representation on your side. Seeking help from an experienced lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the maximum compensation for any damages caused by the defective structure.

In Seattle, Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess law firm has years of experience successfully handling these types of cases and can provide you with effective representation throughout the entire process, from pre-litigation negotiations through trial litigation if necessary.

How Seattle’s Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess Can Help With Construction Defect Disputes

When construction defect disputes arise, the experienced attorneys at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess can help you navigate the dispute process.

The firm’s range of services includes:

• Representing clients in the negotiation and resolution of construction defect claims
• Working with experts who can provide opinion testimony or analyze complex evidence
• Advising clients on their legal rights, obligations, and responsibilities related to construction defects litigation
• Assisting clients in forming effective strategies for advocating their position in mediation or arbitration proceedings or, if necessary, a trial
• Negotiating with opposing counsel to reach an amicable resolution and avoid lengthy, costly litigation.

Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess has years of experience representing clients on both sides in the resolution of construction defect disputes in Seattle and throughout Washington State.

Their team will work hard to ensure your interests and needs are met throughout the process, using their expertise and resources to provide a successful outcome for your case at every step along the way.

FAQs about Construction Defects

When it comes to construction defect disputes, there are many questions that are important to understand. While facing a dispute is never easy, having access to the answers to these FAQs can help ensure you have the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions.

Here we address some of the questions clients often ask:

What is a Construction Defect?

A construction defect can be defined as a deficiency in the design, specifications, or workmanship of a building that results in an unreasonable lack of usability or safety.

Who Can I Turn To for Help?

When dealing with construction defects, it is important to turn to experienced professionals who know how to navigate these complex disputes and protect your rights. Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess is an experienced law firm that focuses on cases related to construction defect disputes and other real estate-related issues. Our attorneys can provide you with personalized legal advice and representation so you can make informed choices regarding your situation.

What Steps Should I Take?

If you’re facing a construction defect dispute in Seattle, taking action immediately is important. The relevant laws vary from state to state but generally require prompt notification upon discovering a potential issue. Your first step should be to discuss your situation with an experienced attorney like those at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, who can advise you on the best course of action and guide you through the process of filing claims or other legal proceedings as necessary.

Why Choose Us At Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess?

When you’re facing a construction dispute in Seattle, turn to Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess. We have experience working with clients in a wide range of industries, from medical and health care facilities to data centers and commercial real estate works.

Our expertise in construction defect litigation allows us to provide our clients with the most comprehensive representation possible. At Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, we are committed to understanding the unique issues that arise in each case in order to provide tailored solutions. We will apply our knowledge and experience to help you get the best possible outcome for your case.

We understand that construction defect claims can involve complex and highly technical issues, including:

• Building codes and regulations
• Flaws in design or installation
• Defective materials or workmanship
• Negligent hiring, supervision, or record keeping
• Poor job site management
• Structural failure.

Our team of lawyers is well-versed in these matters and knows how to handle them effectively — from expert witness testimony to filing claims for damages — so that you can rest assured that your interests are protected.

Call Us Today

Construction defects can have a serious and long-lasting negative impact on property values, safety, and aesthetics. When disputes arise, it is important to have experienced attorneys on your side who are well-versed in construction defects law.

At Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, our experienced attorneys can help resolve construction defect disputes in the Seattle area for both homeowners and general contractors. Whether you are in the planning stages of a construction project or are dealing with a defect dispute, our team is here to help.