Author Archives: David Fine

About David Fine

David is an partner in the firm's Litigation Group and is chair of the Construction Law Group. David serves as litigation counsel for contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and other business concerns within the construction industry. He regularly advises his clients on matters such as contract drafting and dispute resolution, surety bond claims, mechanics liens and bid protests. David works closely with a number of local and regional trade organizations, and he often lectures and writes about topics pertinent to the construction industry.

Construction Defect Claims and the Often Misunderstood Application of Express and Implied Warranties

Posted on April 26, 2018

A claim for breach of construction warranty must be filed within the time allowed by the applicable statutes of limitation or repose.  Most jurisdictions, including Massachusetts, allow parties to modify that period by agreement.  The agreement must be particular and … Continue reading →

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New 2017 AIA Documents Released – Are You Prepared?

Posted on July 14, 2017

The construction contracts created by American Institute of Architects (“AIA”) have, for several decades, been established as the industry standard for contract forms.  There exist AIA forms for every imaginable project relationship and delivery method.  Every ten years or so, … Continue reading →

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Enforcing “No-Damage-for-Delay” Clauses: A Potential Landmark Construction Law Decision from the Massachusetts Appeals Court

Posted on April 11, 2017

A recent decision from the Massachusetts Appeals Court is likely to have a substantial impact on construction contract and claims practice in the Commonwealth.  The Massachusetts State College Building Authority (“MSCBA”) hired Suffolk Construction Company, Inc. (“Suffolk”) to serve as … Continue reading →

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Is Faulty Workmanship an Occurrence?

Posted on September 28, 2016

Add New Jersey to the growing list of jurisdictions adopting a more expansive view of insurance coverage for construction defect claims. The standard form commercial general liability (CGL) insurance policy provides coverage for those sums that the insured becomes legally … Continue reading →

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The Spearin Doctrine is Alive and Well in Massachusetts

Posted on September 8, 2015

The Tom Brady decision was not the only important decision issued last week.  Attached is a slip opinion of an SJC decision that will help define the role of a construction manager at risk (CMAR) on construction projects in Massachusetts.  … Continue reading →

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The Complex Web of Insurance Coverage And Construction Losses

Posted on August 20, 2015

The Massachusetts Appeals Court recently issued a decision that sheds light on the interplay between multiple insurance policies allegedly covering the same construction project.  The project was a renovation of a second floor bathroom at a home in Medford, Massachusetts.  … Continue reading →

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Massachusetts Earned Sick Time Law Seminar – July 16 at Holy Cross

Posted on June 23, 2015

On July 1, 2015, the Massachusetts Earned Sick Time Law takes effect.  As many of you are aware, the Attorney General’s Office has been busy hosting public hearings concerning their proposed regulations related to the Earned Sick Time Law.  Mirick … Continue reading →

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Superior Court Issues Significant Decision Regarding Construction Managers

Posted on September 26, 2014

The Worcester Superior Court recently issued an important decision that could significantly affect the risk assumed by construction managers performing public projects under the M.G.L. c. 149A construction manager – at risk delivery method. In Coghlin Electrical Contractors, Inc. v. … Continue reading →

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Massachusetts Revises Its Building Code Adding Increased Energy Efficiency Standards

Posted on July 16, 2014

Following up on my post dated November 15, 2012, as of July 1, 2014, the International Energy Conservation Code (“IECC”) 2012 went into effect, replacing the former baseline building energy code regulations.  The Commonwealth’s adoption of the updated code is … Continue reading →

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Supreme Court Answers: Your Form Selection Clause Is Enforceable

Posted on January 13, 2014

Earlier this year, I posted about a case on its way to the U.S. Supreme Court concerning the enforceability of a forum selection clause in a construction contract.  The case involved a general contractor from Virginia that entered a subcontract agreement … Continue reading →

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Ambiguous Indemnification Provision Leaves Supplier Footing The Bill

Posted on October 3, 2013

Last week, the Massachusetts Appeals Court rendered an important decision in Fraco Products, Ltd. v. Bostonian Masonry Corporation concerning indemnity obligations for construction site injuries.  The case highlights for contractors, subcontractors and suppliers the importance of carefully drafted indemnification provisions … Continue reading →

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Should You Sign That Lien Waiver?

Posted on August 28, 2013

It is common practice to require contractors and subcontractors to execute lien waiver forms in exchange for periodic or final payments on construction projects.  In fact, it is such a universally accepted practice that many sign these forms without reviewing … Continue reading →

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