Michael Lewis successfully received a settlement for a general contractor in a matter involving a breach of contract. Our client nearly completed the construction and interior buildout of a new medical facility for a cardiology practice when the practice stopped making payments. Approximately $1.2 million was left outstanding when the practice was preparing to open.
Construction was suspended by our client and they retained possession of the building keys. The practice initiated emergency litigation seeking a temporary restraining order to obtain access to the facility. During those proceedings, Michael secured an initial $200,000 payment while preserving its claims for the remaining balance. He then pursued a coordinated litigation strategy designed to protect the contractor’s substantial financial interest in order to prevent the stalling of the dispute. This included recording and enforcing a mechanic’s lien against the property, initiating the contractual arbitration process, and defending claims and counterclaims brought against our client. Michael also coordinated with the property owner concerning related legal proceedings and addressed building-completion and occupancy issues that complicated the dispute.
Despite substantial counterclaims and resistance, Michael negotiated an additional $900,000 payment, bringing the client’s total recovery to over $1 million. The settlement also resolved the competing claims and counterclaims, allowing the parties to conclude the litigation.