General Construction Attorney
in Lafayette, Louisiana 

According to the 10/12 Industry Report, about $32B worth of construction projects has been lined up in Louisiana from 2019 through 2022. The availability of cheap and abundant natural gas in Louisiana has led to a boom in construction works across the state. However, construction projects are capital intensive and often require contracts that indicate what to expect. Likewise, there are other business-specific legal needs of construction professionals that require the guidance and expertise of legal counsel.  

If you're involved in a construction project or work in the construction industry, hiring an experienced Louisiana construction law attorney is vital for proper guidance and to protect your best interests. At LeJeune & Associates, we are dedicated to providing knowledgeable legal guidance, advocacy, and loyal representation to clients in various construction-related matters.  

Whether you need help with some aspect of a construction project, want to draft or negotiate a contract, or are involved in a construction dispute, we have the professional legal counsel and strong representation you need. LeJeune & Associates, is proud to serve clients across Lafayette, Louisiana, and surrounding areas of Iberia, St. Landry, St. Martin, Acadia, and Jefferson Davis.

Construction Law in Louisiana 

Here are some important laws and rules addressing public and private construction projects across the state of Louisiana: 

Prompt Payment 

The Louisiana Public Works Act requires that public entities promptly pay obligations arising under public contracts or progressive stage payments and final payments, as the obligations become due and payable under the contract. 

Project Delivery Systems and Contract Forms 

Design-Build and Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) are the most commonly used project delivery systems in Louisiana. Under Louisiana law, public owners are prohibited from using design-build contracts, except for projects involving Hurricane Katrina. Conversely, state laws allow public projects to be delivered using the Construction Manager at Risk method if it is beneficial to the owner and in the public interest. 

Licensing 

Under Louisiana laws, all construction-related professions, including contractors, architects, construction managers, land surveyors, professional engineers, and landscape architects, must be licensed to practice in the state. 

Payment Bonds 

According to the Public Works Act, a payment bond of at least 50% of the contract amount must be made for contracts over $25,000. 

Warranties 

Under Louisiana law, a builder or designer is liable for defects in buildings caused by deficient workmanship if the defect occurs within five years (for wood buildings) or ten years (for brick or stone buildings). 

Contract Drafting and Negotiating 

Construction contracts help indicate the terms of the agreement and outline what the clients should expect from the construction company and other parties involved. Our experienced team at LeJeune & Associates, can help draft detailed construction contracts and ensure that your interests are fully and fairly protected. Also, we can help review the terms of the contract, negotiate a more favorable agreement, and ensure that you're not exposed to potential liability. 

Construction Lien Law 

In Louisiana, a contractor or supplier that isn't paid for a construction project may be eligible to file a lien to seek payment. The lien (mechanics lien) provides the indebted party with a security interest in the property. A mechanics lien must be filed within 60 days from the date of completion of the whole project. Also, plaintiffs must take necessary action to enforce their lien within one (1) year of filing. 

Disputes and Breaches of Contract 

All parties involved in a Louisiana construction contract are expected to honor the terms of the agreement. Disputes may arise due to a breach of contract or if any party defaults on their contractual obligations. 

Resolving legal disputes involving construction projects often requires interacting with the existing agreement, the client, contractor, and other parties involved. Our trusted legal team will work intelligently with all parties involved to determine the best way to resolve such legal disputes – mediation or litigation. 

Construction Litigation 

Litigation is among the possible options to resolve legal disputes involving construction projects. Whether you're dealing with a dispute at the project's start, completion stage, or due to performance after completion, our experienced construction litigation attorneys will fight vigorously to protect your legal rights and offer you the reliable representation you need in your construction lawsuit. 

Working with a Knowledgeable

Construction Law Attorney 

As a construction professional, understanding your legal rights and responsibilities is crucial. Depending on your unique situation, you may need a skilled construction law attorney to protect your rights or represent your business at different phases of the construction project.  

LeJeune & Associates is a full-service construction law and litigation firm committed to offering personalized legal counsel and brilliant advocacy to property owners, real estate developers, general contractors, sureties, subcontractors, architects, designers, and engineers, adept laborers, and other construction professionals.  

As your legal counsel, we can assess your individual situation and analyze your available legal options. Using our in-depth learning of Louisiana construction laws, we can direct you through the legal process from start to finish. Our trusted attorneys have the tools to address your needs and concerns and help you in a way that works best for you. 

General Construction Attorney
Serving Lafayette, Louisiana  

If you're involved in a construction project or litigation, contact LeJeune & Associates, today to schedule a simple consultation. Our proficient legal team has the dedicated advocacy and detailed legal counsel you need to helm critical decisions. We proudly serve construction professionals throughout Lafayette, Iberia, St. Landry, St. Martin, Acadia, and Jefferson Davis, Louisiana.