Rancho Mesa's Director of Surety Matt Gaynor interviewed Kevin Carlin of Carlin Law Group on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 to learn about his background, where he started his law career, and current hot topics in the construction industry. Kevin is a well-respected construction attorney here in Southern California who represents a number of Rancho Mesa clients.

One topic of discussion centered on payment disputes.

MG: Are you seeing a lot of payment disputes right now?

KC: No, as your listeners know, the construction economy is on fire right now as there has been a ton of money sloshing around as a result of low interest rates and stimulus. While there are a few payment lawsuits going on right now, contractors seem to be more focused on getting the next job rather than chasing the money they are owed on the last job. Most of my cases right now seem to involve demands for defense and indemnity on large complex public, commercial and hospitality projects. These cases are highlighting how important, and frightening, indemnity language in prime contracts and subcontracts is, and how important it is to have good insurance. Most contracts contain indemnity language where if you are 1% at fault, you agree to pay 100% of the liability. Most people in the construction industry do not know about this or appreciate this risk because it’s never a problem until it’s a problem. These are the risks that make it so important to have the right coverages and policies of insurance, which is where you guys come in.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about Kevin and the Carlin Law Group.