In August 2022, the Washington State Supreme Court issued an important opinion impacting coverage afforded to contractors under commercial general liability (CGL) policies. The Court held as a matter of first impression in Preferred Contractors Insurance Company v. Baker and…
Read MoreWashington Supreme Court Voids a Contractual One Year Limitations Period In a recent 5-4 decision, the Washington Supreme Court ruled that a 1-year contractual limitation period on a residential construction defect claim is unenforceable as “substantively unconscionable.” In the case,…
Read MoreMost contractors are aware the State of Washington requires a contractor to be licensed/registered. Additionally, some are aware RCW 18.27.080 prohibits an unlicensed contractor from bringing a lawsuit against an owner to recover a contract balance. Recently, in Dobson v.…
Read MoreTiming is critical when dealing with construction liens because a notice of claim of lien must be filed within 90 days after the "person has ceased to furnish labor." Correctly identifying that last day of work is critical. In the…
Read MoreIncorporating Lessons Learned The spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and responsive government measures to reduce the spread and curb the impact of the virus have led to unprecedented questions regarding the enforceability of contractual obligations. Many issues regarding non-performance remain unresolved.…
Read MoreGeneral contractor liability has been a hot button issue for Washington courts recently. As explained in a previous blog post, the Washington Supreme Court issued an opinion last year that many thought narrowed jobsite liability for general contractors. Not so. …
Read MoreOwners and General Contractors generally have a duty to provide a safe workplace. But does that duty mean that an Owner or General Contractor is automatically liable for the actions of its Subcontractors when a Subcontractor’s employee suffers an injury…
Read MoreSellers of undeveloped land selling to buyers who plan on developing the land often want the buyer’s development work if the buyer does not follow through with the deal. In Mangat v. Snohomish County, No. 67712-8, (Div. 1, Aug. 26, 2013),…
Read MoreThe Mariners Finally Win One! This off-season the Seattle Mariners re-signed ace pitcher Felix Hernandez to a $175 million, 7-year contract. But keeping baseball’s best pitcher* in a Mariners uniform was only one of the team’s recent victories. The Mariners…
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