Dallas Austin

What if there was a magical way of shifting financial responsibility for losses to another party’s insurance company? There is, though the magic is not always the good kind or, for that matter, the intended kind.  Additional insured provisions are one of the more effective forms of risk transfer among owners, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers.  Typically, the owner seeks additional insured status from the general contractor, and the general contractor from its subcontractors. Not all additional insured coverage is created equal. It is also prudent to consult local counsel when revi

The Texas law authorizing mechanic’s and materialman’s liens was intended as a useful self-help tool for contractors.  Unfortunately, though, the statute instead creates a minefield of procedural and substantive snares for the unwary.    Mechanic’s lien “mines” are most commonly detonated by prospective lienors who fail to distinguish between “original contractors” and “subcontractors,” don’t comply with the law’s notice requirements (particularly with regard to subcontractors), or identify a property subject to a lien inaccurately. Read forward to learn about three o