Architect's Liability for a Worker's Injuries

When a worker is injured on a construction project, he may look to the project's architect for damages. The architect's role as the designer of the project and creator of the project's plans will form the basis for liability if the worker's injury results from the architect's negligence in drawing up the plans. When the architect serves as a supervisor on the project, an injured worker may seek compensation for an injury based on the architect's failure to maintain a safe working environment.

UNIFORM LAWS REGARDING GLOBAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Although there are no international laws that have been enacted for global construction projects, there are some international uniform laws that may apply to the projects. These uniform laws include the International Restatement of Contract Law; the United Nations' Model Law on Procurement of Goods, Construction, and Services; the Uniform Commercial Code; and the International Chamber of Commerce's Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits and Uniform Rules for Contract Guarantees.

Development Approval Process

Construction developments generally follow a similar path on their way to final approval. The first decision a developer must make, and one that can have lasting ramifications throughout the process, is site selection. Choosing a proper location for the development requires taking into account a multitude of factors, not the least of which is the property's zoning designation, density requirements, access, and existing covenants running with the land.

AVOIDING LABOR DISPUTES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

A contractor is often confronted with labor issues and labor disputes in a construction project. In order to avoid potential labor disputes, a contractor should make certain preparations both before and during the construction project.

Contractor's Duties to Adjacent Landowner

When a contractor undertakes to perform work on a construction project, he owes certain duties to the owners of property adjacent to the construction site. Generally, he must take reasonable care not to injure or damage adjacent property. Sometimes, this duty is included in the construction contract with the obligation to indemnify the owner for any damage that does occur.