Navigating legal complexities in the roofing industry

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Discover how Adams and Reese is helping roofing contractors stay ahead of legal challenges.   

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with David Toney, co-chair of the construction team at Adams and Reese, to discuss the evolving landscape of construction law, offering critical insights for roofing contractors. As legal complexities deepen, especially in the realms of litigation and cyber threats, David's advice is more relevant than ever. 

David shares the increasing difficulty subcontractors and suppliers face in avoiding legal entanglements. "It's certainly not getting any easier for subcontractors and suppliers," he notes, recognizing the growing trend of contractual obligations pushing risk down the chain. Today, it's common for contractors to find themselves embroiled in expensive disputes due to the rising demands from developers and large contractors to indemnify and defend against claims. 

A significant portion of the discussion also focuses on the impact of the ongoing labor shortage. David observes, "The labor they do get is not well-trained," which often leads to costly accidents and, in some cases, fatalities. He stresses the importance of proper training, suggesting that it can significantly reduce the likelihood of incidents: "The companies that really take time and put care into training their folks, they're going to have less claims, they're going to have fewer incidents." 

Cybersecurity is another pressing issue. As David explains, "Cyber has really become a big deal," with attacks leading to severe disruptions, such as shutting down manufacturing plants and intercepting financial transactions. The rise in cyberattacks represents the need for contractors to invest in robust cyber insurance as a protective measure. 

For those in the roofing industry, David’s insights serve as a reminder of the importance of proactive legal strategies. By focusing on documentation, risk management and staying informed about industry trends, contractors can better navigate the legal challenges they face. 

Read the Transcript or Listen to the Podcast to learn more about safeguarding your business!