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 Mississippi, construction law encompasses a wide range of legal areas as they relate to the construction industry. This includes the creation and enforcement of contracts, which are essential for defining the rights and obligations of parties involved in construction projects. Mississippi law also governs mechanic’s and materialmen’s liens, providing a legal framework for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers to secure payment for labor and materials provided. These liens must be filed and enforced in accordance with state statutes, specifically under Title 85, Chapter 7 of the Mississippi Code. Employment law is another critical aspect, covering worker safety, wage requirements, and labor relations. Personal injury law is relevant in cases of accidents and injuries on construction sites, while insurance law deals with the types of coverage required for construction projects. Additionally, zoning and real estate laws in Mississippi affect where and how structures can be built, and these are typically administered at the local level through ordinances and land use regulations. Each of these areas of law plays a vital role in the overall legal landscape of construction in Mississippi.