Construction projects are complex, involving multiple parties, tight deadlines, and millions of dollars at stake. When disputes arise, they can quickly escalate—delaying completion, damaging relationships, and threatening your bottom line. At Smith Jadin Johnson, our construction litigation attorneys provide strategic legal representation to contractors, subcontractors, developers, and property owners across Minnesota and Colorado.
Whether you’re facing a breach of contract, a construction defect allegation, or a payment dispute, our Minneapolis and Denver-based litigation team is ready to protect your interests and bring clarity to the chaos.
Types of Construction Litigation We Handle
We represent clients in a wide range of construction-related disputes, including:
- Breach of contract and nonperformance claims
- Construction defect litigation (structural, design, or workmanship issues)
- Mechanic’s lien foreclosure and payment recovery
- Delay, disruption, and acceleration claims
- Change order and scope of work disputes
- Warranty claims and product failures
- Negligence or code violation allegations
- Termination disputes and project abandonment issues
We understand that no two construction disputes are the same. That’s why our approach is always customized, tactical, and built to resolve your issue efficiently.
Who We Represent
Smith Jadin Johnson provides litigation services to all parties involved in construction:
- General contractors defending or asserting claims
- Subcontractors and trades seeking payment or defending defect claims
- Real estate developers managing large-scale builds
- Material suppliers involved in collections or delivery disputes
- Property owners facing contractor performance issues
- Design professionals facing liability for alleged design errors
Our construction litigation lawyers understand the language of contracts, blueprints, RFIs, and pay apps—and we’re just as comfortable in the courtroom as we are in a project meeting.
Our Litigation Process
We tailor our litigation strategy based on your priorities: resolving the issue quickly, preserving relationships, or aggressively pursuing a legal remedy. Here’s how we typically proceed:
1. Initial Case Assessment
We review your contracts, correspondence, and documentation to identify strengths, weaknesses, and potential liabilities.
2. Early Resolution Efforts
Before litigation begins, we explore opportunities for resolution through negotiation or mediation. In many cases, we’re able to resolve disputes efficiently without the need for trial.
3. Formal Legal Action
If pre-litigation efforts fail, we file suit or respond to a complaint in state or federal court. We handle all aspects of discovery, motions, hearings, and depositions with a focus on positioning your case for success.
4. Trial or Arbitration
We are trial-ready. Our attorneys have successfully tried construction cases across Minnesota and Colorado. We also handle private arbitration proceedings and have deep experience navigating the unique challenges of construction-specific forums.
5. Post-Judgment Collection or Appeal
After a decision is reached, we help enforce judgments or pursue appeals where necessary. Our goal is to see your dispute resolved completely—legally and financially.
Why Contractors and Owners Trust Smith Jadin Johnson
- Dedicated Construction Law Practice: We focus on the construction industry—this is not a side practice for us.
- Trial-Proven Attorneys: Our lawyers have courtroom experience in complex, high-value disputes.
- State-Specific Expertise: Offices in both Minneapolis and Denver allow us to serve clients with jurisdiction-specific knowledge.
- Business-Minded Approach: We prioritize outcomes that align with your business goals, not just legal wins.
- Reputation for Excellence: Known and respected by judges, opposing counsel, and industry peers.
We’ve earned the trust of clients across the construction spectrum because we deliver results with integrity, efficiency, and professionalism.
Where We Practice
We serve construction professionals across Minnesota and Colorado, including:
Minnesota:
- Minneapolis and St. Paul
- Duluth and St. Cloud
- Rochester and Mankato
- Twin Cities Metro and Greater MN
Colorado:
- Denver Metro Area
- Colorado Springs
- Boulder and Fort Collins
- Mountain and rural counties statewide
We’re familiar with local rules, construction codes, lien statutes, and contract enforcement laws in both states.
Construction Litigation FAQs
What if I want to resolve the dispute without going to court?
We always explore pre-litigation strategies first, including negotiation and mediation. Litigation is a last resort—used only when necessary.
Can I recover legal fees if I win?
That depends on your contract language and state law. We’ll review your agreements to determine if attorney fees are recoverable.
What if I’m being sued unfairly?
We defend clients aggressively and look for ways to challenge standing, scope, and damages at every stage.
Contact a Construction Litigation Lawyer Today
When a construction dispute threatens your business or reputation, don’t go it alone. Smith Jadin Johnson is here to protect your interests and pursue a favorable resolution—whether through settlement or trial.