Houston Construction Litigation Lawyers

Construction projects in Houston involve countless moving parts, from initial planning and permitting to final inspections and payments. When disputes arise, whether over defective work, payment issues, or contract breaches, the financial and operational stakes can be enormous. If you’re facing a construction dispute, don’t wait for the situation to escalate.

Contact Murrah & Killough, PLLC at (281) 501-1601 to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our experienced Houston construction litigation lawyers to explore your legal options.

Why Choose Our Houston Construction Litigation Lawyers?

Our Houston construction litigation attorneys understand that legal disputes can drain your resources and distract you from your core business operations. At Murrah & Killough, PLLC, we work efficiently to resolve your case, whether through negotiation, mediation, or courtroom advocacy, always keeping your bottom line in mind. Over the years, we’ve secured millions in judgments for our clients, helping them recover losses from breach of contract, construction defects, and payment disputes.

Texas Construction Law

Our attorneys stay up to date on legislative changes and court decisions that shape how construction disputes are resolved in Texas. We understand the Texas Property Code’s requirements for lien filings, the Residential Construction Liability Act’s (RCLA) notice and opportunity to repair provisions, and the prompt payment statutes that protect contractors and subcontractors. Whether you’re dealing with a commercial high-rise project in downtown Houston or a residential development in the suburbs, we apply our knowledge of Texas law to protect your interests.

Who Murrah & Killough, PLLC Represents

Our firm has extensive experience representing a diverse range of individuals and businesses in construction-related matters and disputes. Recognizing that every client faces distinct challenges and objectives, we customize our strategies to meet their specific needs. Our Houston construction litigation lawyers represent:

• Property owners and developers.
• General contractors and construction managers.
• Subcontractors and specialty trade contractors.
• Architects and engineers.
• Material suppliers and equipment lessors.
• Sureties and insurance companies.
• Homeowners and condominium associations.

Whether you’re a Fortune 500 company managing a multi-million dollar project or a family-owned subcontractor seeking payment for completed work, we provide the same level of dedicated service and strategic counsel to protect your interests.

Our Construction Law Services

We handle construction matters from beginning to end, from initial bidding to close-out and post-completion. Our comprehensive approach means you don’t need to switch lawyers as your project evolves or when disputes arise:

• Contract drafting and negotiation.
• Bid protests and procurement disputes.
• Payment and performance bond claims.
• Mechanic’s lien filing and foreclosure.
• Construction defect litigation.
• Force majeure events.
• Default and termination disputes.
• Industrial and offshore claims.
• Delay and disruption claims.
• Change order and extra work disputes.
• Insurance coverage disputes.
• Personal injury claims.
• OSHA compliance and safety issues.

By staying involved throughout the construction process, we help identify potential issues before they become expensive problems. When disputes do arise, we have the context and documentation needed to advocate effectively for your position.

Construction Contracts

A well-drafted construction contract serves as your roadmap for the entire project, defining expectations, allocating risks, and establishing procedures for handling changes and disputes. We review and draft contracts, intending to protect your interests while maintaining workable relationships with other project participants:

• Prime contracts between owners and general contractors.
• Subcontract agreements and purchase orders.
• Design-build and construction management contracts.
• Joint venture and teaming agreements.
• Warranty and maintenance agreements.

Our lawyers don’t just use boilerplate forms, we customize each contract to reflect the specific project requirements, your risk tolerance, and the realities of the Houston construction market. We also help you understand what you’re signing when presented with contracts from other parties, identifying problematic provisions and negotiating better terms.

The Construction Litigation Process

Understanding the construction litigation process helps you make informed decisions about your case and set realistic expectations for timeline and costs. While every case is unique, most construction disputes that proceed to litigation follow six general stages from initial filing through resolution:

• Pre-litigation investigation and demand: Before filing suit, we investigate your claims, gather documentation, and often send demand letters to the opposing party. Many cases resolve at this stage through negotiation, avoiding the expense and uncertainty of formal litigation.
• Pleadings and initial motions: Once litigation begins, we file your complaint or answer, stating your legal claims or defenses. The opposing party then responds, and in some cases, either side may file motions to dismiss certain claims or compel specific actions.
• Discovery phase: Both parties exchange information through written questions, document requests, and depositions of key witnesses. Discovery is often the most time-intensive phase of litigation, but it provides the evidence needed to prove your case or expose weaknesses in your opponent’s position.
• Expert designation and reports: Construction cases typically require expert testimony on issues like construction standards, defects, delays, and damages. We work with qualified experts who analyze the evidence and provide opinions that support your position.
• Mediation and settlement negotiations: Many courts require mediation before trial, where a neutral mediator helps parties explore settlement options. Even when mediation doesn’t immediately resolve the case, it often opens productive settlement discussions that continue through trial preparation.
• Trial and post-trial proceedings: If a settlement isn’t reached, we present your case to a judge or jury through witness testimony, exhibits, and legal arguments. After the judgment, the losing party may appeal, or both parties may face post-trial motions regarding judgment enforcement or attorneys’ fees.

Each stage presents opportunities to strengthen your position or resolve the dispute without proceeding further. Our Houston construction litigation attorneys guide you through each phase, explaining your options and helping you make strategic decisions that align with your business objectives and risk tolerance.

Monetary Damages

When monetary damages are sought in construction litigation, the goal is to make the injured party whole by compensating for losses caused by the other party’s breach or negligence. Texas law recognizes various categories of recoverable damages in construction cases:

• Direct damages for the cost to complete or repair defective work.
• Consequential damages for lost profits or business opportunities.
• Liquidated damages for project delays.
• Interest and attorney’s fees as provided by contract or statute.
• Lost productivity and inefficiency costs.
• Material price escalation and labor cost overruns.

Calculating and proving damages requires careful documentation and often involves expert testimony from construction cost consultants, schedulers, and industry professionals. We work with qualified experts to build compelling damage models that stand up to scrutiny in settlement negotiations and at trial.

Consult the Houston Construction Litigation Lawyers at Murrah & Killough

Construction disputes don’t resolve themselves, and delays in addressing problems often lead to bigger losses and more challenging litigation. Don’t handle these matters alone. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand your options and develop an effective strategy.

Call Murrah & Killough, PLLC at (281) 501-1601 or complete our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our experienced Houston construction litigation lawyers.