A decision out of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas[1] showcases the practical challenge in the relationship between workers’ compensation and the pleading standards required to trigger insurance coverage. The underlying facts follow a familiar pattern.
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Blazer Building Texas, LLC (“Blazer”) hired Ranger Fire, Inc. (“Ranger”) to
What’s the deal with inflation and interest rates? Inflation has been, unfortunately, a hot topic as of late. In the wake of COVID-19, inflation has caused rising prices and unpredictable market conditions that affect everyone from individuals to global businesses. Add in rising interest rates and it’s easy to see how the American economy can
In the wake of increasingly frequent natural disasters, construction insurance has become more critical than ever. While many stakeholders view insurance as just another project cost, it is actually your first line of defense against catastrophic losses from wildfires, tornados, or hurricanes. Understanding your insurance options and obligations is not just good business—it is essential
Not all liens are created equal. The most commonly discussed lien is related to construction improvements under Chapter 53 of the Texas Property Code. For those in the oil & gas/energy segment lien rights exist under Chapter 56 of the Texas Property Code and are refereed to as “Mineral Liens”. This quick piece is intended
When project delays occur due to natural disasters, the financial implications can be severe. Construction stakeholders often focus on immediate physical damages while overlooking the potentially devastating impact of liquidated and consequential damages provisions. Understanding these crucial contract elements before disaster strikes can mean the difference between manageable delays and catastrophic
After a company has been sued, its immediate next steps should be twofold: consult its lawyer and notify its insurance carrier. The carrier should pick up the defense and provide an attorney to represent the company for a claim covered by the applicable insurance policy. The company’s current lawyer’s (who knows
The Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA) is now in full effect, and this comprehensive legislation establishes stringent mandates on how consumer-related personal data of Texas residents should be collected, used, processed, sold and shared. In the construction industry, businesses that market or sell goods or services to consumers, or B2C
As the Texas legislative session approaches, kicking off on January 14, construction companies across the Lone Star State need to start gearing up for their advocacy efforts. Early engagement is not just beneficial—it’s crucial for maximizing your impact in the Capitol and shaping policies that affect
The recent derecho storm in May and Hurricane Beryl just this week caused severe damage throughout Houston and the surrounding area. The intense winds and flash flooding served as a costly lesson to many contractors and project owners. With the expected active hurricane season on our doorstep, and storms that can strike
For years, there has been a state-by-state push to restrict or prohibit non-compete agreements that limit workers’ ability to take a job with a competitor after leaving their employer. This movement to boost employee mobility and wage growth has now culminated in a controversial nationwide proposal by federal regulators. On April 23, 2024, the Federal