Construction Litigation

The firm has a history of defending owners, architects, engineers, general contractors, and subcontractors in all types of cases arising from construction projects, including construction defect and negligent design.

  • Overview
  • Representative matters
  • News & resources

Overview

The Hunt Law Group is skilled in litigating disputes arising from construction worksite accidents involving catastrophic injury and death.  Our attorneys have defended owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and insurers in many large-scale accidents involving claims of negligence, unsafe construction practices, failure to exercise proper control, and failure to provide a safe work place.

A list of representative cases can be found by clicking on the "Representative Matters" link above.

Representative matters

Madden v. White Way Sign & Maintenance, Co.

Cook County, Illinois

Defended construction and maintenance company against allegations of negligence in connection with plaintiff’s trip over an electrical conduit, resulting in a dislocated shoulder and torn rotator cuff requiring arthroscopic surgery and a medial meniscus tear of the knee requiring a total knee arthroplasty.  Obtained summary judgment on grounds that sign maintenance company owed no duty to the plaintiff or property owners under the terms of its erection and maintenance contracts.

Sheridan v. Full House Flooring, et al.

Cook County, Illinois

Plaintiff claimed injury resulting from a gas explosion and fire while attempting to ignite the pilot light on propane gas stove which was not connected to the gas line at the residence owned by Manusos.  The Hunt Law Group represented Servpro which had done flood remediation work at the home.  Plaintiff sustained second degree burns to her face and hands ($21,016 in medical and $6,128 for lost wages).  After trial had begun, the defendants agreed to collectively admit liability and apportion responsibility for the verdict as: 80% to Full House Flooring; 10% to Servpro; 10% to Manusos; and 0% to State Farm.  Although plaintiff asked for award of $927,000, jury returned verdict of $115,000.  Servpro’s share of the verdict was less than the pre-trial offer of $30,000.

Perez, et al. v. Fiordirosa, et al.

Cook County, Illinois

Defending roadway construction contractor in suit resulting from automobile collision with minor pedestrian allegedly caused by improperly placed roadway barricades and construction debris, which obstructed driver's view, resulting in brain injury to minor.

Henze v. Midwest Medical, et al.

Jo Daviess County, Illinois

Defended general contractor in suit involving tuck-pointer's 35-foot fall from scaffolding in which plaintiff sustained fractures to his left leg, left wrist, left elbow, and skull with medical bills in excess of $500,000.  Obtained summary judgment on behalf of general contractor.

Newbury Plaza v. Degen & Rosato

Cook County, Illinois

Defended general contractor against allegations of construction defect at commercial premises.  Suit settled on nuisance basis.

Young, et al. v. Lake Cook Court, et al.

Lake County, Illinois

Defended general contractor against allegations of construction defect in connection with six high-end residences.  Case settled on favorable terms.

Wagner v. Wight & Co.

Cook County, Illinois

Defended architect and engineer against allegations of professional negligence in connection with the design and construction of a garage wherein a gas explosion had severely injured three firefighters.  Obtained summary judgment.  Affirmed on appeal.

Torres v. Solid Platforms, Inc.

Porter County, Indiana

Defended scaffolding contractor and its employee in action involving accident at the BP Amoco oil refinery in Whiting, Indiana.  The plaintiff, a pipefitter employed by BP, was operating a bicycle on a refinery property when he was struck by a forklift operated by an employee of the scaffolding contractor.  As a result of the accident, the plaintiff had a low-back surgical fusion in addition to bilateral shoulder arthroscopy to repair torn rotator cuffs.  The plaintiff also claimed that he could no longer work as a pipefitter.  The plaintiff asked the jury to return a verdict in excess of $800,000.  The jury verdict in favor of the defendants.  Affirmed on appeal.

Pietruszynski v. Riley Construction, et al.

Cook County, Illinois

Defended carpentry contractor in case involving fall from loading dock during construction of a warehouse in which the plaintiff alleged that he tripped over a stack of wood that was left on the loading dock.  Summary judgment entered on behalf of carpentry subcontractor.  Case proceeded as to remaining defendants.

Minton v. Stoneridge Development, et al.

Cook County, Illinois

Defended developer in suit involving a subcontractor's employee who was injured during trench collapse in the course of a water main installation, requiring a low-back surgical fusion.  Obtained summary judgment on the grounds that the developer did not retain control over the manner or means of the work being performed.

Jones v. Mid-States Concrete, et al.

Cook County, Illinois

Obtained summary judgment on behalf of structural steel fabricator in two consolidated wrongful death lawsuits involving the partial collapse of a building under construction.

Folsom v. Fabcon, et al.

United States District Court, Southern District of Indiana

Defended pre-cast concrete wall fabricator and installer in case where the plaintiff suffered below-waist paralysis following partial roof collapse of a retail store under construction.  Obtained grant of summary judgment.  Case proceeded as to remaining defendants.

Ferruza v. Wheaton Bible Church, et al.

DuPage County, Illinois

Defended commercial property owner against allegations that the subject property was defectively designed and constructed such that it obscured sight lines for drivers on an adjacent roadway.  Plaintiff's complaint was dismissed with prejudice as to owner.  Case proceeded as to remaining defendants.

Muirfield Vill.- Vernon Hills, LLC v. K. Reinke, Jr. & Co.

Lake County, Illinois

Represented carpentry subcontractor in contribution action filed by general contractor and developer to recover damages for mold and bacteria infestation in newly constructed residential home.  The general contractor and developer settled with the homeowner and filed suit seeking contribution to recover the amount paid under the settlement with the homeowner.  Plaintiff's complaint was dismissed with prejudice on the grounds that the suit improperly sought to recover economic losses in tort which is prohibited by the Moorman doctrine.  Affirmed on appeal.

Zincoris v. Prestress Engineering Corp. et al.

Cook County, Illinois

Defended precast wall fabricator in suit involving a worker's fall from a precast wall during erection.  As a result of the fall, the plaintiff sustained an ankle fracture, requiring open reduction with internal fixation, and low back injury resulting in surgical fusion.  Obtained summary judgment on the grounds that the fabricator was neither a possessor of the property nor in control of the means and methods of the plaintiff's work.

Martinez v. Chicago Family Health Center et al.

Cook County, Illinois

Defended owner and manager of construction project at business premises in suit in which plaintiff claimed injury during use of window access, necessitated by work schedule outside of normal business hours.  Obtained summary judgment on grounds that owner and manager neither had notice of alleged dangerous condition nor control over the safety aspects and operative details of plaintiff's work.

DeFrank v. Carl A. Anderson & Sons et al.

Cook County, Illinois

Defended excavator against negligence suit in connection with alleged collapse of excavation edge which caused ironworker plaintiff to fall against concrete framework and injure his shoulder, ending his work-life.  Obtained summary judgment on grounds that excavator had no notice of dangerous condition and excavator did not control the means and methods of plaintiff's work.

News & resources

News

Brian Hunt named 2013 Top Rated Lawyer in Construction Law by American Lawyer Media.

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