Construction defects or property damage to a medical building in Seattle presents one of the most difficult challenges for the building owner.
Assuming tenants include doctors, dentists, orthodontists, laboratories, physical therapists, and possibly a pharmacy, here are a few of the issues to consider after someone discovers damage to the building.
The damage inside the building may not reveal itself until the walls are covered with mold.
Even opening the walls to inspect can cause mold spores to be released.
Preserving the Evidence: If you discover damage to the building, your first step is to preserve evidence of the loss. That means you should:
If, as happened in the case of the building shown above, the owner’s damages are much greater than merely the cost of repairing the building.
If you own or manage a medical building, and you discover evidence of water intrusion, leaks, mold, or other forms of damage, you should move as quickly as possible to find a water intrusion expert, who can trace the source of water damage and then recommend methods to seal off the affected areas.
You will then need a lawyer to advise you on the management of the various liability issues facing you and the repairs to the building. Finding the right lawyer means finding one who has worked through these issues before, as they involve landlord/tenant law, property damage, insurance issues, and construction expertise.
Our law practice also focuses on Construction Defects & Insurance Claims, Preliminary Notices & Lien Claim Services, Credit & Collection Services, Real Estate Disputes and Condominium and Homeowner Association issues. If you need legal advise, call us today!