A Straightforward Guide to Dealing with Broad and Intermediate Form Indemnities in Construction Contracts
Contractors and subcontractors must negotiate hard against broad and intermediate form indemnities that unfairly transfer liability, with a focus on securing limited form indemnities to protect their businesses.
Indemnities and Additional Insured Status—Danger!
Contractors must be vigilant against broad and intermediate indemnities and additional insured clauses, which can shift unfair liability and insurance burdens onto them for client negligence.
The Four Legs of Good Anti-Indemnity Legislation
Effective anti-indemnity legislation should outlaw broad and intermediate form indemnities, prohibit insurance loopholes, and prevent out-of-state venue and law manipulation.
Venue and Choice of Law – Contractual Rendition?
Venue and choice of law clauses in construction contracts can expose contractors to legal risks by forcing them to resolve disputes in states with weaker anti-indemnity laws, transferring liability unfairly across jurisdictions.
How to Get Rid of Additional Insured Status in Construction Contracts
Contractors should negotiate to protect their general liability insurance from being exploited by clients demanding additional insured status, using creative restrictions and clear contract terms.
Resolving Construction Contract Claims and Disputes
Contractors can avoid costly disputes by clearly defining the scope of work, keeping detailed records, and utilizing negotiation or mediation to resolve claims early in the project.
Contractual Liability – The Crown Jewel of a Contractor’s General Liability Insurance
Contractors must carefully review their contractual liability coverage to ensure they are not exposed to uninsurable obligations through broad or intermediate form indemnities in construction contracts.
Setting Up Your New Construction Company: A Step-by-Step Guide
Taking the time to properly set up your new construction company—from creating a solid business plan to securing licenses, insurance, and financing—will help protect your assets and position your business for long-term success.
Negotiating a Down Payment or Early Payment
Securing a downpayment or early payment in construction contracts is crucial for maintaining positive cash flow and protecting your business from delayed payments.
Understanding and Overcoming Construction Contract Paradigms
Many construction contract terms, including so-called "standard" conditions, are negotiable, and understanding common contract paradigms can empower subcontractors to secure fairer deals.
Negotiating for Success in Construction Contracts
Clear scope of work, fair payment terms, and limiting indemnities are essential for contractors negotiating better terms in construction contracts to protect against unnecessary risks.
Construction Contracting Series: Contractual Liability – Are You Really Covered?
Contractors must carefully review their contractual liability coverage to ensure they are not exposed to uninsurable obligations through broad or intermediate form indemnities in construction contracts.