Construction Litigation Lawyer in Columbus, OH

A close up of a white envelope on a white background.
Handling Construction Disputes with Legal and Practical Insight

Protecting owners, contractors, and small builders

Projects can stall over payment, quality, or schedule. As a Columbus construction litigation attorney, E. Ray Critchett, LLC helps clients resolve breach of contract claims, defective workmanship, change order fights, and warranty issues. Ray’s experience with contracts and financials brings clarity to scope, pricing, and damages so disputes can be negotiated or tried with confidence.

Types of Construction Cases We Handle

From punch lists to high impact defects

We address contract breaches when work is not performed or payment is withheld, defective construction that causes leaks or structural problems, delay claims, mechanic’s lien filing and defense, and warranty disputes on new homes or renovations. Independent inspectors and engineers help document the cause and cost to correct the issue.

Ohio Construction Law Basics

Key rules that often affect these disputes

Many residential projects also implicate consumer protection rules when homeowners are involved. Written contracts, clear change orders, and lien procedures matter. We evaluate statutes of limitation and repose, forum selection or arbitration clauses, and indemnity provisions so you understand the legal terrain before you act.

Our Approach to Construction Litigation

Early assessment and targeted discovery

We review plans, emails, invoices, payment histories, and site photos to map the problem and proposed fixes. Mediation can resolve many disputes efficiently. If talks fail, we pursue claims for repair costs, delay damages, and related losses with expert support and clear damages models. When homeowner cases also involve consumer protection, we align claims to maximize leverage.

Frequently Asked Questions – Construction Disputes

Direct answers that move projects forward

  • My contractor took a deposit and never started. What can I do?

    Demand performance or refund in writing, then pursue claims for breach and related violations. We move quickly to recover funds and protect evidence.

  • The work is defective. Can I force repairs?

    We can seek specific performance or the cost to repair, depending on the facts and contract language. Proper documentation is essential.

  • What is a mechanic’s lien and can I fight it?

    A lien secures payment for labor or materials. We challenge improper liens and defend valid ones by enforcing deadlines and notice requirements.

  • Do contracts require arbitration?

    Many do. We handle arbitration and litigation and will explain what each process means for cost and timing.

Build Your Case on Solid Ground

A practical plan to resolve the dispute

We will quantify repair costs, negotiate from a position of proof, and file suit when necessary. If the dispute touches broader business litigation, we coordinate claims to avoid duplicate effort.