Sub-subcontractor Recovers From General Contractor Under Implied Contract/Unjust Enrichment Theory

C. Szabo Contracting v. Lorig Construction, 2014 IL App (2d) 131328’s plaintiff  sub-subcontractor (it contracted with a subcontractor, tried to use unjust enrichment to recover against a twice-removed general contractor on a highway construction job. The plaintiff installed underground pipes under a subcontract.  When the subcontractor didn’t pay, the Plaintiff sued the general contractor to recover over $200K …

General Contractor Can Be Liable For Subcontractor Mishap: The ‘Retained Control’ Exception

In Lederer v. Executive Construction, 2014 IL App (1st) 123170, a drywall subcontractor’s employee sued a general contractor and an electrical subcontractor after the stilt-walking employee tripped on an uncovered electrical outlet at a downtown (Chi.) office building construction site.  The outlet was left uncovered by the electrical subcontractor who was hired by the general contractor.  The …

Substantial Performance Doctrine: Contractor Defeats Finicky Homeowners in Construction Case (the ‘You Missed A Spot’ Post)

Two diva-esque homeowners (I don’t judge; I just report) who demanded impossible perfection from a contractor got slapped with a $100,000-plus bench trial verdict in Wolfe Construction v. Knight, 2014 IL App (5th) 130115-U. Affirming the damage award, the appeals court gave content to the substantial performance doctrine, expanded on the requirement of contractual definiteness and …