Construction Lawyer in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC
Mike Bramnick is a construction lawyer representing contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and property owners in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. His construction law practice includes matters ranging from breach of contract claims, mechanic’s liens, bond claims, trust fund and prompt payment statute violations, contract disputes, violations of home improvement regulations, and general collections matters.
As a construction lawyer, Mike also regularly drafts, reviews, and negotiates construction-related agreements. With years of experience in construction law and construction litigation, he provides clients with practical and cost-effective legal counseling designed to address the legal challenges that arise during construction projects.
Mike represents clients throughout Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia in construction disputes and litigation involving contractors, suppliers, and property owners.
Mechanic’s Liens, Payment Claims, and Contractor Collections
Mike Bramnick regularly works on behalf of unpaid contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers who are owed money on construction projects. These matters often involve pursuing mechanic’s lien claims.
Mechanic’s liens provide an important legal protection for contractors and suppliers. A mechanic’s lien is a statutory right that allows those who provide labor or materials on a construction project to secure a lien against the property for the value of unpaid work. Mechanic’s lien laws are designed to encourage construction by providing additional protection to laborers and material suppliers.
As a construction litigator, Mike works regularly collecting money owed to contractors on construction projects. His detailed understanding of mechanic’s lien laws plays a critical role in the collections process. He represents clients in construction disputes in court and arbitration proceedings, as well as through alternative dispute resolution such as mediation.
Strict compliance with statutory requirements is essential when pursuing a mechanic’s lien. Missing a filing deadline or failing to follow required procedures can invalidate a lien claim. Contractors and suppliers must understand their mechanic’s lien rights and act promptly when payment issues arise.
With years of experience in construction law and litigation in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Mike can quickly evaluate whether a client has valid mechanic’s lien rights and ensure the proper steps are taken to perfect a lien against the property.
If lien rights have expired, an unpaid contractor may still pursue a breach of contract claim against the party it contracted with to obtain a monetary judgment. Because mechanic’s lien laws and filing deadlines vary widely between Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC, understanding these differences is critical when engaging in construction activity across jurisdictions.
What to Do If a Contractor Is Not Paid
Contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers frequently face situations where they are not paid for work performed on construction projects. Payment disputes may arise due to project delays, contractual disagreements, financial issues, or disputes over the quality of work.
When a contractor is not paid, several legal options may be available, including:
- Filing a mechanic’s lien against the property
- Pursuing a bond claim on bonded construction projects
- Filing a breach of contract lawsuit
- Seeking recovery through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration
An experienced construction lawyer can review the contract documents, evaluate potential claims, and determine the most effective legal strategy for recovering unpaid amounts.
Understanding Mechanic’s Lien Deadlines
Mechanic’s lien laws include strict statutory deadlines that must be followed in order to preserve lien rights. These deadlines vary significantly between Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Missing a deadline or failing to comply with statutory requirements can permanently eliminate the right to file a mechanic’s lien. Contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers should act quickly when payment issues arise to protect their legal rights.
Because the mechanic’s lien laws differ between jurisdictions, construction professionals working in multiple states should seek legal guidance to ensure compliance with each state’s requirements.
Construction Contract Disputes
Construction projects often involve complex agreements between property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. Disputes may arise regarding payment terms, scope of work, project delays, defective workmanship, or changes in project specifications.
Construction contract disputes frequently involve breach of contract claims, change order disputes, or disagreements over project performance. In many cases these disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. When necessary, litigation may be required to enforce contractual rights.
Mike Bramnick represents contractors and construction professionals in a wide range of construction contract disputes throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC.
Construction Collections and Post-Judgment Enforcement
Mike Bramnick has secured millions of dollars in judgments on behalf of clients arising out of construction-related disputes. However, obtaining a judgment is only the first step in the collections process.
If a judgment debtor does not voluntarily pay the judgment amount, several legal enforcement mechanisms may be used to collect the debt. These procedures include writs of garnishment of property, wage garnishments, liens, and writs of execution.
There are also post-judgment discovery tools available to identify the assets of a judgment debtor. These tools include interrogatories, requests for documents, and oral examinations designed to uncover the nature and location of a debtor’s assets.
Mike has extensive experience pursuing post-judgment collections and enforcement actions on behalf of clients.
For more information regarding the collections and post-judgment enforcement process, see our civil litigation page.
Home Improvement Lawyer for Claims Against Unlicensed Contractors
Mike Bramnick also regularly represents homeowners in claims against unlicensed contractors.
Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia regulate home improvement contractors and each jurisdiction has different licensing requirements. When a contractor performs home improvement work without the proper license, the legal consequences can be significant.
In Maryland, an unlicensed home improvement contractor may be prohibited from collecting unpaid money for construction services, even if the work was properly performed.
The District of Columbia’s home improvement laws are even more strict. An unlicensed home improvement contractor has no legal right to collect unpaid money due on a home improvement contract. In addition, the contractor may be required to return all money received from the homeowner, even if the work was properly completed.
These laws are designed to protect consumers from unqualified or unscrupulous contractors.
Mike has successfully represented homeowners pursuing claims against unlicensed contractors for violations of home improvement laws and the District of Columbia Consumer Protection Procedures Act.
If you are a homeowner involved in a dispute with an unlicensed home improvement contractor, it is important to consult with a lawyer who understands the home improvement laws in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC.
Construction Law FAQ
How long do I have to file a mechanic’s lien?
The deadline for filing a mechanic’s lien depends on the jurisdiction and the type of construction project. Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC each have different lien deadlines and statutory requirements.
What can a contractor do if they are not paid?
An unpaid contractor may have several legal options available, including filing a mechanic’s lien, making a bond claim, or pursuing a breach of contract lawsuit.
Can an unlicensed contractor collect payment?
In many cases an unlicensed contractor may be prohibited from collecting payment for home improvement work. Maryland and Washington DC both impose strict licensing requirements on contractors.
Do construction disputes go to court?
Many construction disputes are resolved through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. However, litigation may be necessary when parties cannot reach a resolution.
