"News and Information for Construction Defect and Claims Professionals"
CONSTRUCTION DEFECT JOURNAL - ISSUE 242749 - MONDAY, JULY 13, 2026

Structural engineers, construction lawyers and risk specialists explain how major structural failures are analyzed before investigators reach conclusions.
Construction crews have stabilized the former Pfizer headquarters redevelopment in Midtown Manhattan after two load-bearing structural columns buckled on the 21st floor July 7.
The focus has now shifted from emergency response to determining what caused the office-to-residential conversion to suffer a major structural failure.
Mr. Gottlieb may be contacted at gottliebb@enr.com
Reprinted courtesy of Bryan Gottlieb, Engineering News-Record

These procedural changes carry particular significance for construction litigants.

The ruling addresses three aspects of the 2023 regulations that sought to extend Davis-Bacon obligations beyond their traditional scope.
Mr. Irving may be contacted at sirving@pecklaw.com
Reprinted courtesy of Stephen E. Irving, Peckar & Abramson, P.C.

There’s been a recent trend in Florida case law that has figuratively “killed” unlicensed contractors.
Mr. Adelstein may be contacted at dma@kirwinnorris.com
Reprinted courtesy of David Adelstein, Kirwin Norris

Plaintiff insured alleged that hail and a windstorm caused damage to his property.
Mr. Eyerly may be contacted at te@hawaiilawyer.com
Reprinted courtesy of Tred R. Eyerly, Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert

BWB&O is proud to announce that Reno Partner Karen Baytosh received a significant victory on behalf of the firm’s Developer Client in a high-exposure personal injury matter.
Reprinted courtesy of Bremer Whyte Brown & O'Meara LLP
General Construction Investigation - Licensed General Building Contractor CA, AZ, UT, FL
Certified Professional Estimator (ASPE) American Society of Professional Estimators
Extensive testimony experience attendant to numerous commercial and residential construction defect and claims related expert witness designations
(800) 482-1822
www.berthowe.com


These provisions are designed to provide insurers with greater protection from bad-faith exposure in contested liability and injury claims and are viewed as a legislative response to concerns raised by Kelly and subsequent bad-faith litigation.
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Cannistraro arose from the construction of a manufacturing facility in Walpole, which was subject to the PPA.

This is the thirteenth consecutive year Mr. Murai has been recognized by Super Lawyers.
Mr. Murai may be contacted at gmurai@nomosllp.com
Reprinted courtesy of Garret D. Murai, Nomos LLP

Water, especially when you can't see it, can cause serious and costly damage to buildings.

If an arbitration clause is carefully drafted, and properly used, these clauses an be helpful in assuring that the streamlining effect for which arbitration was created actually occurs.
Mr. Hill may be contacted at chrisghill@constructionlawva.com
Reprinted courtesy of The Law Office of Christopher G. Hill

For all CAISO stakeholders, the coming months will reveal the extent to which California must adapt its existing market and transmission planning structure in order to address FERC’s concerns.

Dive into AI innovations in real estate with insights from Mark Sorsa-Leslie on connecting data and enhancing building maintenance.
Mr. Heiskanen may be contacted at aec-business@aepartners.fi
Reprinted courtesy of Aarni Heiskanen, AEC Business
California Architectural Registration Board Supplemental Examination Commissioner
(800) 482-1822
www.berthowe.com


Mr. Yoders may be contacted at yodersj@enr.com
Reprinted courtesy of Jeff Yoders, Engineering News-Record


Mr. Eyerly may be contacted at te@hawaiilawyer.com
Reprinted courtesy of Tred R. Eyerly, Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert

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Bert L.. Howe & Associates, Inc., provides construction-related expert witness investigation and trial support services to the nation's most recognized publicly traded builders, commercial general liability carriers, law firms, and construction practice groups. To schedule a no-cost consultation with a construction or design expert possessing the credentials, licensures, and qualifications best suited to your matter, please contact us at 800.482.1822
Certified Professional Estimator (ASPE) American Society of Professional Estimators
Licensed General Contractor (778968), State of California, Licensed General Contractor (072729), State of Nevada
Fire Loss Reconstruction Cost Estimating Expert
(800) 482-1822
www.berthowe.com
