Delay Claims and Liquidated Damages

Delay disputes are usually about responsibility, documentation, and timing.

Construction delays can create major financial consequences. A delay may affect labor costs, supervision, equipment, materials, project sequencing, occupancy, revenue, and completion deadlines. Construction contracts often address delay through notice requirements, schedule provisions, extensions of time, no-damage-for-delay clauses, liquidated damages, or acceleration claims.

Delay disputes often involve questions of responsibility. Was the delay caused by the owner, contractor, subcontractor, designer, permitting authority, weather, supply chain, change orders, defective work, or force majeure? Was the delay excusable, compensable, concurrent, or waived? Were proper notices submitted?

Liquidated damages are also a common sticking point. Owners may assess daily damages for late completion, while contractors may challenge whether the damages were properly triggered, enforceable, or caused by contractor delay.

Delay claims frequently connect to Change Orders, Breach of Construction Contract, Construction Contracts, Payment Bond Claims, and Claim of Lien. A delay dispute can determine not only who owes money, but whether a lien or bond claim is supported.