Construction Law Blog

Homeowners Unable To Recover For Emotional Distress In Construction Disputes

Many homeowners who consult with me regarding construction disputes are not only financially damaged but emotionally distressed, and understandably so. Our homes are not only our biggest financial investments but our sanctuaries, and misconduct by unscrupulous contractors that damages those sanctuaries makes us feel that we have no place of safety and, in some instances, makes us worry that we may be homeless altogether. Thus, the question is often posed to me whether homeowners can collect damages for emotional distress that results from construction contract disputes, in addition to their economic damages.

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Building the American Solar Ecosystem: Manufacturing Resilience, Homeowner Warranties & Design Transformation

In today’s rapidly evolving solar industry, the challenge isn’t simply installing more panels — it’s about ensuring each stage of the value chain is resilient, the homeowner is protected, and the built environment is transformed. A recent piece in Solar Power World points out the critical importance of a strong domestic manufacturing base, robust partnerships and innovation in making large-scale solar projects less risky. At the same time, homeowners and developers are navigating warranty complexities, legal protections, and architectural integration of solar systems (as illustrated in blog posts from The Law Offices of John Caravella). Together, these threads paint a fuller picture of how to build a truly resilient American solar ecosystem.

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Analyzing Thanksgiving-Season Fire Claims in New York and Florida

Each year, fire incidents in the United States increase during the Thanksgiving and holiday season, particularly from cooking and heating sources. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), Thanksgiving Day has more than twice the number of reported home fires compared to an average day.

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Notice, Negligence, and Workplace Injury Liability in New York State

Employers who learn about a dangerous condition or a defective product and fail to take reasonable steps to fix or warn about it raise sharply practical — and legal — questions. In New York the answers depend on (1) who was injured (an employee or a non-employee), (2) what statutory regimes apply (notably the workers’ compensation statutes and the Labor Law), and (3) what evidence exists showing the employer had actual or constructive notice of the hazard. Below I explain how notice figures into negligence and Labor Law claims in New York, how post-accident conduct (including failure to fix) is treated in evidence, and then walk through a representative case study so you can see those rules in action.

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Your Trusted Construction Law Attorney in New York and Florida

When construction projects face legal challenges, experience matters. John Caravella, Esq., of The Law Offices of John Caravella, P.C., brings a rare combination of architectural knowledge and legal expertise to clients throughout New York and Florida. His practice focuses exclusively on construction law, helping contractors, property owners, and design professionals protect their rights, resolve disputes, and achieve successful project outcomes.

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Holiday Safety Measures For Your Home

Though the holiday season represents happiness and channeling positive energy for the New Year, unfortunate events can happen without expecting they will. Did it ever occur to you that your favorite decorations such as twinkling lights and evergreen scented candles could become dangerous? Below are five important steps to ensure your decorations are a success and not a mess. For more information about the United States Fire Administration, please click here. 

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Deck Inspection Resources (2020)

Deck Inspection Resources (2020) by Frank Woeste, P. E., Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech. Spring is a great time to inspect your deck to make sure it is safe for continued use by your family and friends. The inspection resources listed herein should be useful for accomplishing a meaningful inspection of an existing deck for occupant safety.

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Primary AIA Contract Documents

Last quarter, John Caravella was invited to speak at the AIA Contract Documents Workshop where he was able to share his knowledge about Construction Contract Interpretation and Fundamentals. In this specific article, we discuss the document types between different parties, to ensure the correct contract is being utilized for your specific type of work.

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What’s New in New York Construction: Wellness, Sustainability, and Community Growth

The construction industry in New York is entering a new era—one that blends innovation, public well-being, and environmental responsibility. Recent developments across the state highlight how the field is expanding beyond traditional building projects to address worker wellness, sustainability, and community impact.

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Get an Experienced Construction Litigation and Arbitration Firm Fighting for You!

The Law Offices of John Caravella, P.C. offers a free initial consultation with a Long Island construction attorney to discuss your legal concerns with no obligation. To schedule an appointment, call our office today or fill out the form below.