Construction defect defense is an area of specific expertise for our firm. Over the past eighteen years, our partners have specialized in this practice area, and offer representation which is unsurpassed in the Southern California market.
Lauby, Mankin & Lauby partners have worked with insurance carriers, real estate developers, general contractors, subcontractors and experts to aggressively resolve construction defect matters of significant size and scope. Our reputation among mediators, complex case judges, experts and our clients is that we utilize an aggressive technical evaluation of cases to extricate our clients through negotiation and mediation.
On the rare occasion when a construction defect matter proceeds to jury trial, Lauby, Mankin & Lauby partners and staff have developed strategies to limit the case through pretrial motions, and have mastered the technology necessary to manage exhibits and effectively present expert witnesses in an entertaining manner to properly develop our defense in a style easily understood and acceptable to a lay jury.
In addition to Developer and General Contractor clients, we have represented the following subcontractor trades:
• Framing • Window Manufacturing and Installation • Plastering • Dry Wall • Roofing • Concrete (including sulfate attack) • Sheet Metal • Geotechnical and Grading • Asphalt Paving • Deck and Waterproofing • Plumbing • Electrical • Landscaping and Hardscape • Mechanical and HVAC • Finished Carpentry • Tile
Lauby, Mankin & Lauby maintains professional relationships with the most highly regarded technical experts in the construction industry, and we are capable of staffing any type of technical construction defect evaluation with a properly credentialed expert who commands the respect of opposing experts, counsel and mediators. Prior cases have afforded us the opportunity to examine and cross-examine nearly all of the recognized experts utilized in construction defect litigation in Southern California. This familiarity with experts positively serves our clients during mediation, expert deposition and trial.
Similarly, our reputation with mediators and complex case judges for technical competence and firm but fair negotiation practices provides our clients with the credibility necessary to successfully mediate fair and reasonable settlements.
Our representation of Developers includes condominium developments and single family housing projects as large as 500 plus homes and as small as a single house or commercial building. We welcome any sized project.
Developers and contractors may also avail themselves of litigation prevention consultation. Specific opportunities for prevention of future litigation include drafting of subcontracts which indemnify and insure the developer against future claims; establishment of construction supervision and coordination practices designed to prevent defective construction; document management; and technical consultation with experts.