Grading is a critical part of the construction process. Any mistakes made during this stage will result in bigger issues as construction progresses. Without proper grading, drainage problems can occur, leading to dangerous pressure on a building’s foundation.

When a mistake like this puts your property at risk, you have the right to pursue legal action. With the help of our team at Herman & Wells, you may be entitled to seek compensation through Pinellas Park grading issue litigation. Reach out to our experienced construction defect attorneys today to learn more.

Common Grading Errors

Even seemingly minor grading issues can cause significant problems, which can result in litigation in Pinellas County. These problems often involve flooding and water damage, which can wreck structures and frequently lead to costly repairs.

Inaccurate Sloping

A common mistake made during grading is failing to implement the appropriate slope. If the sloping is inaccurate, water will not drain away properly from the foundation of the building. In serious cases, this can lead to flooding within the structure.

Over Compaction

While compact soil is an important part of a well-graded lot, over compaction can pose a problem. Packing soil too tightly can hinder water drainage and potentially inhibit root growth.

Failure To Plan for Drainage

One of the worst mistakes contractors can make is not taking into account drainage when developing a plan—for instance, not adding any slope near the building or failing to make use of drainage pipes when needed.

Deadlines for Filing a Suit

Strict time limits apply to litigation due to grading defects in Pinellas Park. If you wait to file a lawsuit after the deadline—known as the statute of limitations—expires, you will lose the opportunity to seek financial compensation. These rules have become stricter for plaintiffs in Florida in recent years.

Under the law, you have four years to pursue legal action for a construction defect. However, many property owners will not discover an issue until years after the work is completed. To combat this, the four-year period does not begin to count down until the defect is or should have been discovered.

While this extends the amount of time to file a suit, there is another deadline, known as the statute of repose, to consider. The statute of repose places a firm seven-year time limit starting from the date construction begins, regardless of when the issue is discovered.

Why Seek Legal Counsel?

When grading issues arise, our team at Herman & Wells can assist you, as we have extensive experience in holding negligent contractors accountable. We understand that your case is important, so our lawyers deal with you directly instead of just handing your file over to a paralegal. When litigation becomes necessary due to grading issues in Pinellas County, our attorneys will strive to obtain the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact a Lawyer in Pinellas Park Today for Assistance With Grading Defect Litigation

Grading mistakes during construction can result in serious consequences. If you are dealing with flooding or water damage due to poor leveling or drainage, you may be entitled to seek compensation. Get in touch with our team today to discuss your options regarding Pinellas County grading issue litigation.

Pinellas Park Construction Defect Lawyer