Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and property owners all have important legal rights under Louisiana’s construction laws. When payment disputes arise, a properly filed lien can provide valuable protection for those who have performed work or supplied materials. At the same time, property owners have the right to challenge invalid or improperly recorded liens that interfere with the use or sale of their property.
At Veazey Felder, LLC, we represent both construction professionals and property owners in disputes involving contractor privileges, mechanic’s liens, lien foreclosures and lien cancellations throughout Lafayette, Baton Rouge and surrounding Louisiana communities.
Understanding Louisiana Contractor Privileges
Louisiana’s Private Works Act gives contractors, subcontractors, laborers and material suppliers the ability to protect their right to payment through what Louisiana law refers to as a contractor’s privilege. In many other states, these are commonly called mechanic’s liens or construction liens.
Because Louisiana law contains strict filing requirements and deadlines, even a minor mistake can affect the validity of a claim.
Our attorneys help clients understand their rights before problems become more expensive and difficult to resolve.
Representing Contractors, Subcontractors And Suppliers
If you completed work or supplied materials and have not been paid, you may have legal remedies beyond simply filing a lawsuit.
We assist construction professionals with matters involving:
- Filing contractor privileges
- Preserving lien rights
- Payment disputes
- Contract enforcement
- Breach of construction contracts
- Collection of unpaid invoices
- Lien foreclosure actions
- Defense against claims challenging recorded privileges
Taking prompt action is often critical because Louisiana law imposes strict deadlines for preserving lien rights.
Helping Property Owners Remove Invalid Liens
Not every recorded lien is legally enforceable. Improper filings can delay real estate transactions, interfere with financing and create unnecessary legal complications.
We represent residential and commercial property owners seeking:
- Cancellation of invalid contractor privileges
- Removal of expired liens
- Challenges to improperly filed claims
- Defense against excessive or fraudulent lien amounts
- Resolution of payment disputes before foreclosure
Our goal is to protect your property while working toward a practical resolution whenever possible.
Lien Foreclosure Actions
Recording a contractor’s privilege is often only the first step. If payment is still not made, the claimant may need to file a lien foreclosure action within the time allowed by Louisiana law.
These cases can involve questions such as:
- Whether the privilege was properly preserved
- Whether required notices were given
- Whether the claimed amount is accurate
- Whether contractual obligations were fulfilled
- Whether defenses exist that prevent enforcement
Whether you are seeking payment or defending against foreclosure, experienced legal representation can help protect your interests.
Construction Payment Disputes Often Involve More Than The Lien
Many contractor privilege cases also involve broader disputes regarding:
- Scope of work
- Change orders
- Construction delays
- Defective workmanship claims
- Contract interpretation
- Payment applications
- Warranty issues
- Project completion disputes
We evaluate the entire dispute rather than focusing solely on the recorded lien.
Protecting Your Business Or Property
Construction projects involve significant investments of time and money. Whether you are trying to collect payment for completed work or remove an improper encumbrance from your property, obtaining legal guidance early can often improve your options and reduce unnecessary litigation.
Veazey Felder, LLC works to resolve construction disputes efficiently while protecting our clients’ financial interests.
Speak With A Lafayette Contractor Privilege And Lien Attorney
If you are involved in a contractor privilege, lien foreclosure or lien cancellation dispute, contact Veazey Felder, LLC to schedule a consultation. We represent contractors, suppliers, developers, business owners and property owners throughout South Louisiana.