In the article, “Follow the Checklist: Lawyers Advise Firms on How to Survive the Pandemic,” Construction Best Practices quotes Balch & Bingham partners Chuck Burkhart and Joe Leavens, members of the Construction Practice, on the key steps contractors can take to protect themselves and their work amid the COVID-19 crisis.
In the article, published on April 9, 2020, Chuck emphasizes the importance of contractors reviewing their insurance coverage as a key first step. Joe addresses the importance of documenting any losses.
They also discuss the difference between business interruption coverage and supply chain insurance and best practices to prove loss. Additionally, they share the importance of writing new provisions into contracts to help manage risk going forward.
Chuck Burkhart is a partner is in the Birmingham office and has developed a national construction practice in which he represents owners, architects, general contractors, and subcontractors on claims ranging from mechanics liens, the drafting and negotiation of high-value construction contracts, to the litigation and trial of complex construction disputes - most recently defending claims against a major electrical utility on arguably the largest construction project ongoing in the United States.
Joe Leavens is a partner is in the Birmingham office and has a diverse construction practice representing owners, contractors and subcontractors. He focuses on drafting, revising and negotiating construction contracts, filing and removing mechanic’s liens, and defending and prosecuting construction lawsuits. He regularly negotiates construction contracts all across the Southeastern United States and recently obtained a settlement north of half a million dollars for the owner of a multi-unit residential complex in a lawsuit against a terminated general contractor.
