Barnes & Thornburg Construction Law Update - July 2017

Welcome to the July 2017 edition of the Construction Law Update, an e-publication that features articles authored by the attorneys in Barnes & Thornburg LLP's Construction practice group.

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Liability and Insurance Coverage for Subcontractor's Negligence: Do Your Form Contracts and Insurance Policies Still Fit?
By Joseph R. Fullenkamp
Using form contracts or recycling contract provisions without tailoring them to your specific project can have unintended consequences and create insurance coverage gaps. Read about two recent Indiana decisions that highlight the importance of understanding the terms of your construction contracts, ensuring they are consistent with your insurance policies, and that they comply with the law of your jurisdiction.

Hot Topic: New AIA Terms for Insurance in Construction Contracts
By Kenneth M. Gorenberg
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) publishes perhaps the most widely used contract forms in the construction industry. In April 2017, AIA released an update to its main set of general conditions between owner and contractor. This article addresses significant changes to the insurance terms in the 2017 conditions.

Even When You Win, You Lose: Subcontractor's Indemnity Obligation Enforced Despite Being Absolved of Liability at Trial
By Scott R. Murphy
The recent Michigan case, Provenzino v. Macomb County, illustrates the importance of paying close attention to indemnity provisions in construction contracts. Read more about how the failure to negotiate a fair and reasonable indemnity provision left a subcontractor paying for the legal defense of the general contractor even when it was absolved of liability at trial.

Soaring to New Heights With Drones: The Rise of UAVs in Construction Projects
By Kenneth D. Suzan and Molly Beckius  
The next time you visit a construction site, look up. You may see a drone in flight. Learn more about how drones are being used in the construction industry, the risks and liabilities that come along with them, and expected rulemaking that is likely to continue over the coming months.