Practice Areas | Stellpflug Law PLLC

Construction Litigation

Recognizing that “construction” is not a single industry but an aggregate of specialties and relationships, litigation may arise in commercial construction regardless of the care and planning that is taken on the front end.

Stellpflug Law has unmatched experience defending contractors across a wide variety of projects, where we have handled a wide spectrum of claims – including those related to unforeseen conditions, defaults, delay and disruption, and design and construction defects. In addition to standard commercial builds, we have uncommon experience in the legal defense of claims involving multiple mission critical data centers, modular construction, and renewable energy projects across the region.

Our clients know it takes a coordinated team to be successful. When a claim is brought, we work closely with field representatives and experts to provide a rapid on-site assessment and to analyze complicated fact patterns as to the assignment of responsibility. Through detailed case evaluations and clear, direct communications, we help our clients focus on the best way to protect reputations and investments – be it through settlement or trial.

The attorneys at Stellpflug Law PLLC have successfully resolved hundreds of high stakes construction matters for our clients, including a commercial contractor with global operations. These companies — among the most innovative, responsible firms in the construction marketplace, count on us to provide a strong defense.

Representative Construction Matters include:

Obtained dismissal of declaratory judgment suit against global contractor on summary judgment motion.
Multiple appeals involving interpretation of the common enterprise doctrine. O’Malley v. Ulland Bros., 549 N.W.2d 889 (Minn. 1996); Judnick v. Hibbing Taconite, 1996 WL 706872 (Minn. Ct. App.); LeDoux v. M. A. Mortenson Company, 835 N.W.2d 20 (Minn. Ct. App. 2013).
Cost-effective early settlement of payment bond claims on behalf of principal and surety sued on large public works project.
Obtained summary judgment dismissal of manufacturer after federal court granted motion in limine to exclude plaintiff’s expert.
Represented product distributor / installer through summary judgment, obtained dismissal of large parts of plaintiffs case. Oakbrooke Infinity HOA, Inc. v Pulte Homes, Inc.
Lead trial counsel for general contractor in suit alleging construction defects in local hospital.
Successful representation of contractors in multiple construction defect matters involving confidential mission critical data centers.
Multiple confidential arbitration proceedings.
Successful pursuit of downstream contractors and insurers for indemnification and defense costs on behalf of general contractors, including recent settlement for 100% of construction costs, plus full reimbursement of all attorneys fees from subcontractor’s insurer.

Product Liability Defense

Bringing a product to market requires substantial dedication, inspiration and investment. And that’s just the beginning. At Stellpflug Law, we work in partnership with our clients to identify potential risks across the product life cycle to defend product liability matters and help mitigate future claims.

We represent brand-name manufacturers in claims involving catastrophic injury, wrongful death or property loss due to alleged product defects. Our attorneys have deep experience in fact development and analysis for product liability actions and stay on top of the latest advancements and legal strategies. Through detailed case evaluations and clear, direct communications, we help our clients focus on the best way to protect reputations and investments – be it through settlement or trial.

The attorneys at Stellpflug Law PLLC have successfully defended leading manufacturers — including Fortune 500 companies and global corporations — in numerous product liability disputes. We have handled a wide range of claims for commercial and industrial products including vertical transportation equipment, an international HVAC equipment manufacturer, and pesticides.

Our clients — among the most groundbreaking, responsible manufacturers in the marketplace, count on us to provide a strong defense.

Representative Product Liability Matters include:

Summary judgment dismissal of fireplace manufacturer in explosion with multiple personal injuries, after trial court precluded plaintiffs expert from testifying. Glidden v. Lennox Hearth Products Inc., 01 – CV -08–1506, Aitkin County (Oct. 14, 2009).
Summary judgment dismissal of elevator manufacturer in personal injury case. Holverson v. ThyssenKrupp Elevator Corp. et al., 2014 WL 3573630 (Montgomery, J.)(D. Minn. July 18, 2014).
Secured a Rule 12 dismissal of commercial property damage lawsuit against a national pest control vendor in the Northern District of Illinois based on federal venue statutes.
Obtained summary judgment dismissal of manufacturer after federal court granted motion in limine to exclude plaintiff’s expert.
Multiple confidential settlements.

Insurance Coverage

Our practical approach encompasses both legal and business considerations to provide our clients with a full overview of the risks involved. Our coverage attorneys have successfully resolved coverage disputes involving a wide range of insurance products, and an equally wide range of services ranging from coverage analysis and opinions to declaratory judgment proceedings.

Stellpflug Law PLLC assists clients in navigating insurance disputes — protecting their best interests by identifying their priorities and providing reasoned coverage opinions to ensure they are protected throughout all stages of litigation.

Decades of industry practice provides our team with a unique understanding of how to resolve insurance issues efficiently and effectively both inside and outside the courtroom.