The
lawyers in the Construction and Surety Practice Group of Thomas, Thomas
& Hafer LLP concentrate in the representation of the construction
industry and insurers covering the construction industry.
The Group’s lawyers have a long and successful
record of protecting the interests of owners, developers, general
contractors, subcontractors, homeowners, material manufacturers and
suppliers, design professionals, insurers and sureties in construction
matters.
When disputes cannot be prevented or resolved
through planning or negotiation, the Group's lawyers provide zealous
representation in arbitration proceedings and jury trials involving all
phases of construction. The Group’s lawyers have distinguished
themselves in the successful completion of hundreds of jury trials and
are recognized in Pennsylvania for
trying and successfully resolving personal injury, death, property
damage, business interruption, and defect claims and suits involving
the many facets of the construction industry.
Many of our lawyers have professional or other
backgrounds in the fields of construction and engineering, and an
understanding of key issues is achieved early in order to develop
cost-effective defense strategies for each case and client.
As a result of this experience, we know the
right consultants to retain if needed to defend a claim or suit. We
have gathered background material to cross-examine opposing expert
witnesses who frequently appear in construction cases. We are familiar
with the standards and regulations, and insurance coverage issues and
policy forms, governing the construction industry.
Our long history of defending companies
against personal injury and property damage claims has also made
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer LLP a leader in combating mold claims and in
responding to increasing litigation related to toxic and non-toxic mold
allegations.
The Group’s lawyers assist our clients at an
early stage to minimize financial exposure and risk associated with
relocating tenants, compensation issues, remediation, and potential
health problems - all of which our attorneys are adept at handling in a
pragmatic and effective manner.
The Group’s lawyers also routinely draft,
review and assist in construction and indemnity contracts, real estate
transactions, and insurance policy forms for the construction
industry. Training seminars are provided regularly to the industry and
its insurers covering the many facets of construction-related claims.
The firm and the practice group’s lawyers are active members in the
following organizations: Pennsylvania Defense Institute (PDI),
Construction Law and Insurance Coverage Committees of the Defense
Research Institute (DRI), Keystone Chapter of Associated Builders and
Contractors, Inc. (ABC); Home Builders Association of Metropolitan
Harrisburg, Dauphin County Bar Association, and Harrisburg Claims
Association.