Case Types
- Construction defect and workmanship claims by owners, associations and homebuyers
- Breach of contract and warranty disputes between owners and contractors
- Subcontractor backcharge and payment disputes involving workmanship
- Contractor negligence allegations arising from construction work
- Insurance coverage and subrogation matters involving the quality of construction
- Disputes over incomplete work and abandoned projects
Services for Cook County Litigation
Paul's litigation services follow the life of a case: early consulting while counsel evaluates a claim, document review and identification of missing records, site inspection under an agreed protocol, written reports, rebuttal of opposing experts, and deposition and trial testimony. Engagements can be consulting only or testifying, and a consulting engagement can become a testifying engagement if counsel decides to disclose him.
Expert Disclosure in Illinois State Court
In the Circuit Court of Cook County, retained testifying experts are generally disclosed as controlled expert witnesses under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 213(f)(3), which requires disclosure of the subject matter, conclusions and opinions, and the bases for them, along with the witness's qualifications and any reports. Paul prepares his opinions with those requirements in mind, so that each opinion and its basis are stated clearly. Counsel determines what is required in the particular case.
Federal Court and Arbitration
Construction disputes in Chicago are also heard in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and in arbitration. In federal court, retained experts generally provide a written report under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(a)(2)(B). In arbitration, the rules and the panel's orders govern. Paul has testified at an AAA arbitration hearing and prepares reports to the format counsel identifies for the forum.
Local Knowledge for Local Cases
Cook County cases benefit from an expert who knows the area's building stock, permit system, trade practices and repair costs. Paul's licensed contractor status in Chicago and three decades of local work allow him to speak to how work is done here. See Illinois construction workmanship for matters elsewhere in the state, and contact Paul for a conflict check.
Mediation and Settlement
Many Cook County construction cases resolve in mediation. A clear condition list, photographs keyed to each item and a supportable repair scope give the parties a common set of facts to negotiate from. Paul prepares his work so that it is useful at that stage as well as at trial.