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Architect's Liability for a Worker's Injuries

When a worker is injured on a construction project, he may look to the project's architect for damages. The architect's role as the designer of the project and creator of the project's plans will form the basis for liability if the worker's injury results from the architect's negligence in drawing up the plans. When the architect serves as a supervisor on the project, an injured worker may seek compensation for an injury based on the architect's failure to maintain a safe working environment.

Construction Loans

For the most part, an owner or developer of a construction project will finance the construction through a lender rather than paying the costs for planning, designing, and building the structure out of their own pocket. Following is a brief description of various loans that can be associated with a construction project.

Bid Mistakes

Bid mistakes are not uncommon in the construction industry. In the hustle of submitting bids, likely on more than one project, human error can result. Whether a contractor will be held to his bid submitted in error turns on an examination of the circumstances in each case.

Bidding on Private Contracts

Private construction contracts can be awarded directly without resort to competitive bidding. However, some owners call for bids to aid them in their decision as to the best contractor for the particular job at the best price. Bidding on private contracts is less structured than bidding on a public contract. There is no statutorily prescribed bid process that must be followed in order for a bid to be accepted.

"Substantial Completion" of Construction Contract

Once a construction contract has been substantially completed, the owner is liable to the contractor for the final payment on the contract price. The contractor must prove "substantial completion." Thereafter, the burden shifts to the owner to prove otherwise or show defects in the contractor's work that impacts the project's completion.