California Mechanics’ Lien Case Treads Both Old and New Ground
People do the darnedest things. The next case, Carmel Development Company v. Anderson, Case No. H041005, 6th District Court of Appeals (April 30, 2020), involving a…
A Glimpse Into Post-Judgment Collections and Perhaps the Near Future?
According to a recent study conducted by the Harvard University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois, more than 100,000 small businesses (firms with…
Lease-Leaseback Fight Continues
It’s like the rematch between Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed. In the right corner we have the California Taxpayers Action Network. In the left corner, Taber…
Heads I Win, Tails You Lose. Court Finds Indemnity Provision Went Too Far
We all love David and Goliath stories. The underdog winning against the far stronger (and dastardly) opponent. Think Rocky Balboa versus Ivan Drago, the Star Wars…
California Subcontractor Gets a Kick in the Rear (or Perhaps the Front) for Prematurely Recorded Mechanics Lien
California provides three statutorily recognized construction payment remedies: (1) mechanics liens; (2) stop payment notices; and (3) payment bond claims. Each is intended to provide payment…
When it Comes to Trials, it’s Like a Box of Chocolates. Sometimes You Get the Icky Cream Filled One
According to the California Judicial Council you have about a one in three chance your case will go to trial. In 2018, of the 210,028 unlimited…
Sweet News for Yum Yum Donuts: Lost Goodwill is Not an All or Nothing Proposition
Last month a California Court of Appeals clarified that a property owner facing eminent domain is only required to prove partial loss of goodwill, not total…
Court of Appeals Finds Additional Insured Coverage Despite “Care, Custody or Control” Exclusion
When things go wrong on a construction project it’s often a scramble of finger pointing. In McMillin Homes Construction, Inc. v. National Fire & Marine Insurance Company,…
Installation of Solar Panels Ain’t “Roofing Work” Under OSHA Says 9th Circuit
In a straightforward case, but one with widespread applicability today, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals held that rooftop installation of solar panels isn’t (ain’t) “roofing…
Court Holds That Public Entity Can Unilaterally Replace Subcontractor Under California’s Subletting and Subcontracting Fair Practices Act
The Subletting and Subcontracting Fair Practices Act (Public Contract Code section 4100 et seq.), also known as the Listing Law, is intended to prevent direct contractors…
California Court of Appeals Weighs in on the Duty to Defend and Suggests “Fetch” New Motion
It’s not uncommon for construction contracts to include indemnity provisions requiring the indemnitor (typically, the lower-tiered party) to “defend, indemnify and hold harmless” the indemnitee (typically,…
Subrogation, Insurance Code Section 11580, and the Craziness We Call Insurance Law
If you want to geek out on insurance law the next case is for you. The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania v. American Safety…
