Construction law is a general reference to various areas of law as applied to the design, engineering, and construction of buildings—including residential buildings and commercial buildings—as well as bridges, roads, pipelines, railroads, water transmission and distribution systems, electrical power transmission systems, sewerage systems, and other structures.
In addition to the law governing the filing and removal of mechanic’s and materialmen’s liens (also known as contractor liens), construction law includes contract law, employment law, personal injury law, insurance law, zoning law, and real estate law.
In Louisiana (LA), construction law encompasses a wide range of legal areas as they relate to the construction industry. This includes the regulation of mechanic's and materialmen's liens, which are legal claims made by contractors and suppliers for payment for work performed or materials provided. Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 9 and Title 38 outline the procedures for filing and enforcing these liens. Construction law in Louisiana also involves contract law, which governs the agreements between property owners, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. Employment law is relevant as well, addressing worker's compensation, safety regulations, and labor disputes. Personal injury law comes into play when there are accidents or injuries on construction sites. Insurance law is important for issues related to coverage for damages or losses during construction. Additionally, zoning and real estate laws impact where and how structures can be built. Louisiana's construction law is complex and often requires the guidance of an attorney to navigate the various statutes and regulations that apply to the construction process.