In the recent Colorado Court of Appeals decision Stoecklein v. Fayette Farms, LLC (2024 WL 5098330), the Court addressed critical issues surrounding construction defect claims, statutes of limitations, and the interplay between the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (“CCPA”) and the Construction Defect Action Reform Act (“CDARA”). This case underscores the importance of understanding the statutory […]
Colorado Construction Litigation Blog
Over the years, plaintiff’s attorneys have steadily attempted to chip away at the guardrails that keep Colorado Consumer Protection Act (“CCPA”) claims in check. Over the last few years, the General Assembly has considered a number of bills designed to make it easier to prevail on CCPA claims, increasing litigation risk for businesses across industries, […]
For years, Colorado’s economic loss rule has not applied to residential construction and has not impeded the ability of homeowners to hold general contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, or other construction professionals accountable for negligent work. Specifically, the Colorado Supreme Court has recognized an independent duty on the part of construction professionals to construct homes without […]
Colorado lawmakers have introduced House Bill 25-1261, a measure that, while ostensibly aimed at protecting homeowners from construction defects, will ultimately drive up the cost of housing, particularly for affordable condominiums and townhomes. This bill makes it easier to sue builders, extends the statute of limitations, and will have long-term negative consequences for housing development […]
The cost of housing in Colorado has been an ongoing concern for homeowners, tenants, and developers alike. Senate Bill 25-131 (S.B. 25-131) seeks to address some of these issues by modifying laws related to construction defect claims, landlord-tenant relationships, and local energy code requirements. This bill, scheduled for its first hearing on March 4th at […]
The Colorado Court of Appeals recently issued a significant decision in Veolia Water Technologies, Inc. v. Antero Treatment LLC, 2024 COA 126, clarifying the scope of the economic loss rule and the role of fraudulent misrepresentation in design-build contracts. The case serves as a cautionary tale for both owners and contractors about the importance of […]
The recent Town of Mancos v. Aqua Engineering case is an insightful example of how well written contracts and timely legal action can make all the difference in resolving disputes between municipalities, general contractors, and subcontractors. The ruling favored Aqua Engineering; a subcontractor that played a role in a wastewater treatment facility project gone wrong. […]
The Hill Hotel Owner LLC v. Hanover Insurance Company case has garnered attention due to its implications on the scope of attorney-client privilege in construction litigation. This blog post delves into the project’s background, the ensuing litigation, and the intricate work undertaken by attorneys and experts, highlighting the potential pitfalls associated with assumptions about privilege […]
On June 17, 2024, the Colorado Supreme Court delivered a significant opinion in the case of City of Aspen v. Burlingame Ranch II Condominium Owners Association (Case No. 22SC293). This decision provides crucial guidance on the interplay between the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act (“CGIA”) and the economic loss rule in the context of construction defect […]
Construction contractors in the market for insurance coverage have few legal protections if their insurance agent fails to provide insurance that covers likely claims against the contractor. As construction defect lawsuits continue to be a frequent occurrence throughout Colorado, we have seen an increase in the number and complexity of coverage endorsements and exclusions in […]