In construction defect litigation, one scenario appears repeatedly: a subcontractor installs work in a manner that differs from the plans, specifications, manufacturer instructions, or industry standards after being verbally directed to do so by the general contractor, superintendent, architect, or owner’s representative. At the time, the decision may seem minor. The project is moving quickly, […]
Colorado Construction Litigation Blog
Higgins, Hopkins, McLain & Roswell, LLC is pleased to announce its recognition as a Tier 1 firm in the Denver Elite rankings for Real Estate, a category that includes construction law and construction litigation, by The Legal 500. In addition, each of the firm’s partners has been individually recognized in the same rankings. The firm’s […]
We are pleased to share that Higgins, Hopkins, McLain & Roswell has been named a 2026 Denver Business Journal Best Places to Work honoree, a recognition grounded entirely in direct feedback from our own team members. The Denver Business Journal Best Places to Work program, in partnership with Quantum Workplace, ranks organizations based on anonymous […]
This past Blitz Build season, the Home Builders Foundation (“HBF”) once again brought together builders, tradespeople, volunteer crews, and sponsors from across the Front Range for their signature program: Blitz Build. From May through October, Blitz Build weekends give HBF clients, those living with physical disabilities, access to something many of us take for granted: […]
When a national homebuilder faced a premises liability and negligence lawsuit in Colorado, HHMR stepped in to methodically analyze the claims and protect the client’s interests. The plaintiff alleged a trip-and-fall incident on a public sidewalk and named several parties as defendants. Plaintiff’s counsel supplied photographs of the alleged defect, and Andrew used those images […]
A cautionary tale for contractors and their counsel: if you dismiss an indemnity claim with prejudice, do not expect a do-over. In Layton Construction Co. v. Shaw Contract Flooring Services, Inc., 409 P.3d 602 (Colo. App. 2016), the Colorado Court of Appeals reaffirmed the reach of claim preclusion in construction disputes, holding that a contractor […]
In the intricate world of construction, builders often rely heavily on insurance brokers to secure appropriate insurance coverage, and trust that they will be protected against unforeseen liabilities. However, a recent Colorado district court decision serves as a stark reminder of the perils associated with such reliance, especially when the builder’s expectations and communications with […]
Higgins, Hopkins, McLain & Roswell, LLC (“HHMR”) is excited to announce several significant developments as the firm transitions into an exciting new chapter of growth and innovation. Sheri Roswell, one of the firm’s founding members, is stepping out of ownership to serve as “Of Counsel,” continuing her vital work with clients and strengthening relationships that […]
In the recent case of BKV Barnett, LLC v. Electric Drilling Technologies, LLC, the United States District Court for the District of Colorado dealt with significant legal issues concerning indemnification and insurance obligations in construction agreements. The ruling, handed down on September 26, 2024, serves as a crucial reminder of the limitations imposed by Colorado’s […]
Construction projects are inherently complex, and insurance coverage plays a crucial role in managing risks, especially when unforeseen issues arise. The case of Acuity v. Kinsale demonstrates the tangled web of insurance obligations, especially when multiple insurers provide coverage for a single event. This case, involving Monarch Stucco, Inc., Acuity, and Kinsale Insurance Company, sheds […]