A well-prepared delay claim can help mitigate these risks by securing compensation for unforeseen costs and protecting against unfair penalties.
Delay Claims: Protecting Your Projects from Costly Setbacks
Delays in construction projects are not just frustrating, they can lead to substantial financial losses, contract disputes, and legal complications. Whether caused by unforeseen site conditions, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, or changes in project scope, delays can significantly impact your bottom line.
At Grae & Grae LLC, we assist contractors, project managers, and construction firms in preparing, filing, and defending delay, acceleration, and inefficiency claims. Our goal is to help you recover compensation for delays outside your control while minimizing liability for project overruns.
With a strategic and detail-oriented approach, we analyze project schedules, contract terms, and cost impacts to build strong claims that hold up in negotiations, arbitration, or litigation.
Types of Delay Claims We Handle:
01
Excusable vs. Non-Excusable Delays
- Determining whether a delay is justifiable under contract terms.
- Identifying responsible parties and assessing contractual rights.
02
Compensable Delays
- Filing claims for additional compensation due to project owner or third-party delays.
- Proving causation and financial impact to maximize recovery.
03
Concurrent Delays
- Evaluating situations where multiple parties contribute to delays.
- Crafting strategies to minimize shared liability.
04
Acceleration Claims
- Seeking reimbursement for increased costs due to forced acceleration of work schedules.
- Defending against owner-imposed acceleration demands.
05
Inefficiency & Disruption Claims
- Addressing lost productivity caused by improper scheduling, labor shortages, or unexpected conditions.
- Quantifying financial losses and negotiating settlements.
06
Liquidated Damages Disputes
- Defending against excessive penalties imposed for project delays.
- Challenging unfair enforcement of contract provisions.
The High Cost of Construction Delays:
- Financial Impact: Construction delays cost the industry approximately $200 billion annually, with the average delay extending projects by 20-30% beyond the original schedule.
- Increased Costs: Unplanned project extensions lead to additional labor, material, and equipment expenses, often reducing profit margins by 5-15% per project.
- Legal Risks: Delay disputes account for nearly 40% of construction-related litigation, making proper documentation and legal support crucial.
FAQ’s
Q: What qualifies as a compensable delay?
A compensable delay is one caused by factors outside your control, such as design changes, permitting issues, or owner-requested modifications. These delays often entitle contractors to additional time or financial compensation.
Q: How do I prove financial damages from a delay?
Documentation is key, keeping detailed records of project timelines, labor costs, change orders, and supply chain issues strengthens your claim. A legal team can help compile and present this evidence effectively.
Q: What is the difference between excusable and non-excusable delays?
Excusable delays are caused by events beyond the contractor’s control (e.g., extreme weather, supply shortages). Non-excusable delays result from issues within the contractor’s control (e.g., mismanagement, labor disputes). Only excusable delays may qualify for compensation or extensions.
Q: Can I file a delay claim even if the contract has a "no damages for delay" clause?
In some cases, yes. Certain state laws and exceptions (such as bad faith actions by the owner) may override such clauses. An experienced construction attorney can evaluate your options.
Q: How long does the delay claims process take?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the claim, the parties involved, and whether the dispute is resolved through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. Well-documented claims tend to reach resolutions faster.
Why Choose Grae & Grae LLC for Delay Claims?
- Construction Law Expertise: We specialize in the unique legal challenges facing contractors and project managers.
- Proven Success: Our attorneys have successfully handled delay claims ranging from small disputes to multi-million-dollar cases.
- Aggressive Advocacy: We work to secure maximum compensation while protecting your business from undue liability.
- Strategic Documentation Support: We help you build strong claims with detailed evidence and expert analysis.
Don't Let Project Delays Cost You, Take Action Today
Construction delays are an inevitable part of the industry, but financial losses don’t have to be. Whether you’re seeking compensation for unexpected delays or defending against a delay-related claim, Grae & Grae LLC is here to protect your business interests.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss how we can help you navigate your delay claim.