Construction contracts can be simple or tremendously complex. At Fryer & Hansen, we pride ourselves in having extensive knowledge in construction law, legal disputes and anything that comes with dealing with construction projects. We’ve put together a little how-to when writing your first construction contract. Even the word sounds complicated, but if you do your... read more
One of the most common contracts used in construction and various energy industries is the arbitration clause. Many who specialize in construction law, when faced with a choice between the two, insist on arbitration despite its pitfalls. A bench trial is also a great and viable alternative to arbitration. Let's talk about the two. Call... read more
Ambiguities usually arise for a number of reasons in contracts. These stem from lumping in numerous factors and documents - such as general conditions, principal agreements, specifications and change orders - into a single contract. What leads to these situations? Most of the time, it’s the rush to finalize contracts that causes problems, and if... read more
Professionals working in construction, such as contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, carpenters, plumbers and others, have a right to be paid the total amount owed for their work and in a timely manner. Mechanic’s lien protects these professionals by ensuring that they receive their money. A lien is the right to possess property that belongs to... read more
When a new construction project is underway, there are contracts that all parties involved must abide by if they agree to them; these contracts are a part of construction law. This contract agreement ensures that the project will be completed in a timely manner and according to the specifications listed in within. An official construction... read more
The Texas Water Development Board surveys public water systems and industrial facilities every year to investigate how much they use, where it comes from and what it is used for. In 2014, 62% used groundwater and 38% used surface water. Nearly half of the surface water was used by local government entities; the other half... read more
When the construction of a new building is scheduled but before any ground is broken, there are groups of people that come together to help make it all happen. For example, project owners, general contractors, architects, engineers and others. If any issues or mishaps arise throughout the construction process, the individual people or agencies affected... read more
In 1904, a man filed a lawsuit against the Houston & Texas Central Railroad Company claiming that the well on the railroad company’s land had depleted the water from his personal well. The case was known as “Houston & Texas Central Railroad Company v. East”. The railroad company drilled a 20-foot-wide, 66-foot-deep well on its... read more
In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly recognized access to water and sanitation as a human right. Their resolution called upon states and organizations to help all countries – precisely those still in development – to provide the necessary resources to deliver safe, clean and accessible water for all. In Texas, groundwater (water found beneath... read more
In 2014, there were 882 accidents involving trains in Texas. Out of these, 63 ended in fatalities. It’s sometimes easy to forget how often dangerous factors present themselves on the road, but for larger vehicles like trains to become involved in wrecks, injuries and damages can prove to be far more severe. For one California... read more