Chicago Construction
Accidents & Defect Attorneys

Construction defects refer to flaws in the design, materials, or workmanship of a building project. Common examples include:

• Faulty plumbing
• Structural instability
• Electrical issues
• Foundation problems
• Water intrusion or mold growth
• Defective roofing
• Substandard materials or craftsmanship

If you’ve discovered an issue with a recent project, our Chicago construction defect attorneys can evaluate your case and file a claim to hold the at-fault parties accountable.

We can leverage our extensive experience and enlist the services of industry experts to explain how the contractor’s actions (or inaction) deviated from standard practices. We’ll also outline how their actions negatively impacted your property value and disrupted your life or business operations.

Latent and Patent Defects in Construction

Construction issues can be categorized as either latent or patent. Patent defects are visible issues, like windows that are installed incorrectly.

Latent defects, by contrast, aren’t detectable through reasonable inspection or observation. For instance, a faulty pipe inside a wall, which might not cause problems for months or even years, would be considered a latent issue.

Unfortunately, latent defects may not be discovered until it’s too late. The good news is that our Chicago attorneys can address both types of defects through strategic legal action.

At Hart McLaughlin & Eldridge, we take a meticulous approach to every construction defect case.

Our construction defects lawyers in Chicago will start with a thorough review of your case. We’ll investigate the project and work with engineers and construction professionals to identify the root cause of the issue in question. We’ll then create a tailored legal strategy to pursue fair compensation on your behalf. 

Our process includes: 

• Reviewing property damage and construction contracts 
• Gathering documentation to support the client’s case, including inspection reports and photographs
• Negotiating with the liable parties to work out a fair settlement or taking the case to court if needed
• Pursuing fair damages for repair costs, property devaluation, lost use, and other financial impacts

Our attorneys are committed to delivering results. Set up your free case evaluation to learn more about our approach.

The statute of limitations for construction defects in Illinois is typically four years. The clock starts ticking on the day the defect is discovered. However, latent defects are sometimes subject to an extended filing period under the state’s discovery rule.

For certain claims involving real property improvements, the statute imposes a 10-year limit from the project’s completion. However, the four-year time deadline still applies once the issue is discovered.

Imagine that you have your house repiped, and there’s a latent issue with one of the pipes. The pipe is slowly dripping, which causes water intrusion and mold growth. However, you don’t discover the issue for five years.

In this case, the 10-year rule would apply. Since you discovered the mold within 10 years of the project’s completion, you’d still be eligible to file a claim within four years of observing the defect.

Our Chicago construction defect lawyers can help you understand the specific time limits that may apply to your case.

Facing Construction Defects? Turn to Hart McLaughlin & Eldridge

Don’t let construction defects drain your finances or devalue your property. Our qualified construction defect attorneys are ready to help you make things right through decisive legal action. Reach out today to schedule your free initial consultation.