FAIRFIELD CONNECTICUT BUILDING EXPERT
DIRECTORY AND CAPABILITIES

Quick Note: Expert Testimony – Back to the Frye Test in Florida

December 19, 2018 — David Adelstein - Florida Construction Legal Updates
Expert testimony (opinions) – very important testimony in construction disputes. Whether it is a delay claim, an inefficiency claim, a defect claim, etc., expert testimony plays an invaluable role in construction disputes. Construction attorneys work closely with expert witnesses to ensure that an expert helps render an opinion to support their client’s burden of proof (including damages) or an affirmative defense. Read the court decision
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Reprinted courtesy of David Adelstein, Kirwin Norris
Mr. Adelstein may be contacted at dma@kirwinnorris.com

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The Almost-Collapse of a Sarasota, Florida Condo Building

July 11, 2021 — Beverley BevenFlorez – CDJ Staff
Five years ago, residents of the Dolphin Tower in Sarasota, Florida were forced to evacuate after cracks appeared in their fourth-floor condominium units. “My assistant calls me and says, ‘[Kris] thinks the building is falling down,’” David Karins of Karins Engineering told Sarasota Magazine. “I said, ‘I doubt that.’ Then I got there and saw what was going on and I said, ‘You know, the building may be falling down.’” In July of 2010, city officials ordered all residents to evacuate. Five years and $11 million dollars in rehabilitation and residents were finally able to move back in last month. The Herald-Tribune had previously interviewed John Bonacci, an engineer at Sarasota’s Karins Engineering: “I’d say yes, there was grave danger. It was luck that it didn’t come all the way down. Getting shoring in there quickly was instrumental in preventing it from collapsing.” Read the full story, Sarasota Magazine... Read the full story, Herald-Tribune... Read the court decision
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White and Williams LLP Acquires 6 Attorney Firm

August 29, 2022 — White and Williams LLP
White and Williams LLP has announced the acquisition of a six-attorney law firm nationally known for their work in the surety and construction space. Located in Towson, MD, Baltimore County, the attorneys of Pike & Gilliss LLC will join White and Williams, marking the opening of the firm’s 11th location and extending the firm’s presence to Maryland, Washington DC and Virginia. Attorneys joining White and Williams include David Gilliss, who will serve as Managing Partner of the Towson office, Patrick Pike and Eric Korphage as partners, Joel Williams as Counsel, and Anthony Kikendall and Robert Kline as associates. “We are excited to make this longtime informal partnership official by joining forces,” said Gilliss. “Attorneys from White and Williams and Pike & Gilliss have had clients in common for over a decade and we often collaborate. This official coming together creates one of the leading surety practices in the country, offering clients a broader and more cohesive experience and extensive legal expertise.” Read the court decision
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Reprinted courtesy of White and Williams LLP

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NTSB Cites Design Errors in Fatal Bridge Collapse

November 28, 2018 — Scott Judy - Engineering News-Record
Design errors may have played a role in the collapse of the 174-foot-long bridge span that was under construction at Florida International University, according to a Nov. 15 investigative update from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The structure, which was being constructed over live traffic along SW 8th Street, killed six when it suffered a sudden, catastrophic collapse on March 15. Read the court decision
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Reprinted courtesy of Scott Judy, ENR
Mr. Judy may be contacted at judys@enr.com

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Updated: Happenings in and around the West Coast Casualty Seminar

May 13, 2014 — Beverley BevenFlorez-CDJ STAFF
For those who are attending the West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar this week, the Construction Defect Journal has updated its list of concerts, sporting events, and museum exhibitions taking place in and around Anaheim. Whether you like to spend your personal time checking out a new band, or watching your favorite Angel slide into home, or perusing the local art museum, there is something to spark your interest. ***CONCERT VENUES*** THE HOUSE OF BLUES IN ANAHEIM Live Band Karaoke Wednesday, May 14th, 2014 Doors Open at 10pm / Show Begins at 11pm Every Wednesday experience the excitement of singing your favorite song with a live band. Over 200 songs to choose from our massive collection of classics and current hits. Get down here and let your vocals roar. No Cover! Rockin’ The Blues Thursday, May 15th, 2014 Doors Open at 10pm / Show Begins at 11pm Every Thursday night head down to The Voodoo Lounge and listen to the best local live blues band. This is the music that shaped American music and influences every genre we listen to today. No cover! Alice in Cooperland with Sons of Cream and Iron Plaid Friday, May 16th, 2014 Doors Open at 7pm / Show Begins at 8pm Friday Night Live Friday, May 16th, 2014 Doors Open at 10pm / Show Begins at 11pm Every Friday night features live music in The Voodoo Lounge. One stage, weekly mind blowing performances. No cover! Stephen "Ragga" Marley Saturday, May 17th, 2014 Doors Open at 8pm / Show Begins at 9pm Dance, Pop and Hip-Hop Saturday, May 17th, 2014 Doors Open at 10pm / Show Begins at 11pm Every Saturday night The Voodoo Lounge heats up with the sounds of DJ Matt Hill spinning across genres and getting the party started. No Cover! For More Information on Events at THE HOUSE OF BLUES OF ANAHEIM... THE GROVE OF ANAHEIM Lindsey Stirling plus special guest Dia Frampton Wednesday, May 14, 2014 Doors Open at 7pm / Show Begins at 8pm Primal Fear Thursday, May 15, 2014 Doors Open at 6:30pm / Show Begins at 7pm Jillian Michaels 'Maximize Your Life' Tour Friday, May 16, 2014 Doors Open at 6pm / Show begins at 8pm For More Information on Events at THE GROVE OF ANAHEIM... THE HONDA CENTER 2014 Powerhouse Saturday, May 17, 2014 – Parking lot Festival 3pm – Show Begins 7pm Power 106 presents Powerhouse with Performances by Nicki Minaj, TDE’s Schoolboy Q, Wiz Khalifa, Trey Songz, YG, Jennifer Lopez, Childish Gambino, Juicy J, Sage The Gemini, Isaiah Rashad, plus Special Surprise Guests and More! For More Information and to Purchase Tickets for THE HONDA CENTER... ***SPORTING EVENTS*** ANGEL’S STADIUM - BASEBALL The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v. Tampa Bay Rays Thursday, May 15th at 7:05pm Friday, May 16th at 7:05pm Saturday, May 17th at 6:05pm Sunday, May 18th at 12:35pm For More Information and to Purchase Tickets for ANGEL'S BASEBALL... THE HONDA CENTER – HOCKEY Ducks v. Kings – Game 7 (If Necessary) Friday, May 16th at TBA For More Information and to Purchase Tickets for DUCKS' HOCKEY... ***MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS*** MUZEO Transcending Trash: The Art of Upcycling Apr 26 –Aug 31, 2014 Transcending Trash: The Art of Upcycling celebrates the transformation of throwaway objects into complex and colorful works of art. African Exhibit On The Move (free) May 7 –May 1, 2014 Photographer Dawn Harman has captured the spirit and energy of Africa through a series of limited edition images- each and every photo tells an extraordinary story. Museum Days/Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (Closed Mondays) / 10 am to 5 pm For More Information on Events at MUZEO... BOWERS MUSEUM (Santa Ana) Beethoven: The Late Great Feb 8 - May 18, 2014 In recognition of the 60th anniversary of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and its 21st and final season of Dean Corey’s leadership, the Philharmonic Society will present a multi-season celebration of the major late works of Ludwig van Beethoven, including a celebratory exhibition at the Bowers Museum. Soulful Creatures: Animal Mummies In Ancient Egypt Mar 22 – June 15, 2014 Soulful Creatures: Animal Mummies in Ancient Egypt is the first major exhibition to focus on one of the most fascinating aspects of ancient Egyptian culture and religion—the mummification of animals. Chuck Jones: Doodles of a Genius Apr 26 - August 3, 2014 This exhibition contains original drawings, most never publicly displayed, including a section of 50 so‐called "Doodles," perhaps best described as coming from one artist's very far side. The Lure Of Chinatown: Painting California's Chinese Communities Apr 12 - August 31, 2014 The unique cultural customs, fascinating architecture, and rich aesthetic of the Chinese communities in San Francisco and Los Angeles inspired many 19th and 20th century artists. Museum Days/Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (Closed Mondays) / 10 am to 4 pm For More Information on Events at BOWERS MUSEUM... Read the court decision
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Near-Zero Carbon Cement Powers Sustainable 3D-Printed Homes

August 07, 2023 — Aarni Heiskanen - AEC Business
Eco Material Technologies and Hive 3D have unveiled the first 3D-printed homes using near-zero carbon cement as part of a housing project called The Casitas @ The Halles. The homes, ranging from 400 to 900 square feet, are constructed using Eco Material’s durable, longer-lasting cement called PozzoCEM Vite®. The cement replaces 100% of traditional Portland cement, has 92% lower emissions, and sets much faster. Hive 3D has developed a system to mix Eco Material’s cement replacement products with locally-sourced aggregates on-site, enabling cost-efficient and affordable construction. The collaboration aims to offer sustainable housing solutions and transition the construction industry away from high-carbon materials. Read the court decision
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Reprinted courtesy of Aarni Heiskanen, AEC Business
Mr. Heiskanen may be contacted at aec-business@aepartners.fi

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Tenth Circuit Finds Insurer Must Defend Unintentional Faulty Workmanship

December 09, 2011 — Tred R. Eyerly - Insurance Law Hawaii

Applying Colorado law, the Tenth Circuit found a duty to defend construction defect claims where the faulty workmanship was unintentional. Greystone Const. Inc. v. National Fire & Marine Ins. Co., 2011 U.S. App. LEXIS 22053 (10th Cir. Nov. 1, 2011). A prior post [here] discussed the Tenth Circuit’s certified question to the Colorado Supreme Court in this matter, a request that was rejected by the Colorado court.

In two underlying cases, Greystone was sued by the homeowner for damage caused to the foundation by soil expansion. In both cases, the actual construction was performed by subcontractors. Further, in neither case was the damage intended or anticipated. Nevertheless, National Union refused to defend, contending property damage resulting from faulty construction was not an occurrence.

Relying on a Colorado Court of Appeals case, General Security Indemn. Co. of Arizona v. Mountain States Mut. Cas. Co., 205 P.3d 529 (Colo. App. 2009), the district court granted summary judgment to National Union.

On appeal, the Tenth Circuit first considered whether Colorado legislation enacted to overturn General Security could be applied retroactively. The statute, section 13-20-808, provided courts "shall presume that the work of a construction professional that results in property damage, including damage to the work itself or other work, is an accident unless the property damage is intended and expected by the insured."

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Reprinted courtesy of Tred R. Eyerly, Insurance Law Hawaii. Mr. Eyerly can be contacted at te@hawaiilawyer.com

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Vietnam Expands Arrests in Coffee Region Property Probe

February 19, 2024 — Mai Ngoc Chau - Bloomberg
Vietnam authorities detained the Communist Party chief of coffee-producing province Lam Dong as they expand an investigation into alleged bribery tied to a tourist and residential project, the public security ministry said in a website statement. Party chief Tran Duc Quan was arrested for allegedly abusing his power and position, according to the statement. Quan allegedly violated the law while giving instructions to the Dai Ninh property project in the province, causing severe consequences, it said. A Lam Dong Provincial Party Committee representative declined to provide a comment about the arrest. A representative for Quan was not available. Read the court decision
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Reprinted courtesy of Mai Ngoc Chau, Bloomberg

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