Ball Janik LLP Welcomes Construction Defect Attorney and U.S. Air Force Veteran Jake Scott to its Fort Lauderdale Office
June 02, 2026 —
Ball Janik LLPBall Janik LLP, a leading construction defect and insurance recovery law firm, has welcomed Jake Scott as an associate in its Fort Lauderdale office. Scott joins the Construction Defect Practice Group, bringing experience across construction litigation that includes construction defect, contract dispute, and negligence matters, along with a track record of representing construction professionals through depositions, court appearances, and trial preparation to support the firm's steady growth and client service statewide.
"We're excited to welcome Jake Scott to our Fort Lauderdale office and Construction Defect Practice Group," said James C. Prichard, Managing Partner at Ball Janik LLP. "We look forward to the fresh perspectives and legal solutions he will provide for community associations across South Florida."
Scott is a results-driven attorney dedicated to providing strategic counsel for complex legal challenges. He has experience managing all phases of a case, from early investigation and discovery through trial preparation and settlement negotiations.
Prior to joining Ball Janik, Scott served as an associate attorney in Fort Lauderdale, where he represented clients in construction litigation matters, handled depositions and court appearances, conducted legal research, and drafted pleadings, motions, and briefs. He also worked as an attorney in Tampa, where he represented contractors, subcontractors, and construction firms in defending claims involving construction defects, contractual disputes, and negligence, and worked closely with expert witnesses, engineers, and consultants to develop and present technical evidence.
Scott's experience representing the development and building sides of construction disputes provides a valuable, contrast-driven perspective that supports the strategic evaluation of claims and practical approaches to resolution for Ball Janik's clients.
A proud veteran, Scott served in the United States Air Force for eight years, including roles as an Airspace Control Officer and in Space Systems Operations, supporting safe space flight operations and satellite communications.
Carrying the discipline of airborne operations, Scott worked in the aerospace sector as a Satellite Engineer and Orbital Analyst. He also held a role in the housing sector, supporting marketing and business development initiatives.
Scott received his law degree from Stetson University College of Law. He attended American Military University, where he earned degrees in marketing, business management, and related support services.
About Ball Janik LLP
Ball Janik LLP is a Florida-based law firm offering construction defect, construction law, insurance recovery, and commercial litigation counsel to its local and national clients. The firm was founded in 1982 and has expanded its capabilities, professionals, and geographic footprint. What started as a small firm focused on real property, land use, and litigation (known then as Ball Janik & Novack) has grown to a team of 50-plus attorneys and paralegals in 5 offices in Florida, with centuries of combined experience and capabilities. The firm has been recognized by Chambers USA, U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®, The Best Lawyers in America©, and Corporate International. Read more here: https://www.balljanik.com.
Micromobility in Smart Cities: Keeping the Wheels in Motion
May 26, 2026 —
James P. Bobotek - Gravel2Gavel Construction & Real Estate Law BlogMobility is the lifeblood of any city. How people are able to travel in, out and within a metropolitan area is vital to its citizens, businesses, supply chains and social services. And as U.S. cities have expanded in size and population density, the strategies for addressing mobility have evolved. Many have taken different approaches to public transit, and each city boasts a dense tapestry of roadways, walking paths and various parking options. But as cities continue to reexamine infrastructure strategies through smart city technology, a new field of transportation has emerged—micromobility.
Designed for short-distance travel using lightweight vehicles (bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, etc.), the industry’s global net worth has grown exponentially in recent years to the tune of hundreds of billions, with one forecast predicting it could reach
$340 billion by 2030. Micromobility also finds itself at the forefront of various smart city technological improvements. Geofencing has been implemented in
U.S. cities to determine where micromobility vehicles can operate, control speed limits, and park utilizing the vehicles’ GPS location. Internet of Things (IoT) technologies (satellite-based location receivers, cloud communication, internet links, etc.) have
improved vehicle lifespans by keeping track of when vehicles require service and prevent vandalism and theft. Data collected from vehicles’ location tracking is routinely used for
urban planning and smart city development.
Read the full story...Reprinted courtesy of
James P. Bobotek, PillsburyMr. Bobotek may be contacted at
james.bobotek@pillsburylaw.com
Soot Constitutes Property Damage
March 17, 2026 —
Tred R. Eyerly - Insurance Law HawaiiApplying Missouri law, the Eighth Circuit affirmed the jury verdict awarding damages for the presence of soot after a fire. Maxus Metropolitan, LLC v. Travelers Property Cas. Co. of Am., 2025 U.S. App. LEXIS 29921 (8th Cir. Nov, 17, 2025).
A fire destroyed Phase 6 of a multi-building apartment complex known as the Metropolitan. At the time of the fire, all six phases of the Metropolitan were at various stages of completion, including some of which were occupied by tenants. Phase 6 was still under construction. The fire caused severe damage to Phase 5. The interiors of Phases 1-4 were unaffected by the fire.
Maxus Metropolitan, the owner of the complex, had a policy with Travelers which covered up to $35 million in “direct physical loss, . . or damage.” The policy also provided coverage for up to $5 million in lost business income.
Read the full story...Reprinted courtesy of
Tred R. Eyerly, Damon Key Leong Kupchak HastertMr. Eyerly may be contacted at
te@hawaiilawyer.com
Louisiana Legislature Enacts Act 932 – Significant Changes to Insurer Bad-Faith Exposure for Failure to Settle
July 13, 2026 —
Tabitha R. Durbin & Jennifer E. Michel - Lewis BrisboisThe Louisiana Legislature has enacted Act 932 (formerly House Bill 1162), which became law this week without the Governor's signature pursuant to the Louisiana Constitution, after expiration of the applicable constitutional review period. Act 932 makes several important amendments to Louisiana's insurer bad-faith statute and appears intended, at least in part, to address issues arising from the Louisiana Supreme Court's decision in Kelly v. State Farm Fire & Casualty Co., 169 So.3d 328 (La. 2015). The Act also makes changes regarding claim payments involving licensed contractors. The Act takes effect on August 1, 2026.
Key Takeaways
Act 932:
- Limits certain bad-faith causes of action (bad faith failure to settle) involving personal injury and bodily injury claims where good-faith disputes exist or where an insurer has not been afforded sufficient opportunity to respond to a settlement demand.
- Requires insurers and adjusters to verify a contractor's Louisiana license status before issuing claim payments when a contractor is named as a payee on a check for repair or restoration of immovable property.
- Creates a statutory safe harbor protecting insurers from bad-faith penalties and attorney fees when payment delays result from an inability to verify a contractor's license, provided specified documentation and notice requirements are met.
Reprinted courtesy of
Tabitha R. Durbin, Lewis Brisbois and
Jennifer E. Michel, Lewis Brisbois
Ms. Durbin may be contacted at Tabitha.Durbin@lewisbrisbois.com
Ms. Michel may be contacted at Jenny.Michel@lewisbrisbois.com
Read the full story...
Trend Continues Where Unlicensed Contractors Have No Recourse
July 13, 2026 —
David Adelstein - Florida Construction Legal UpdatesThere’s been a recent trend in Florida case law that has figuratively “killed” unlicensed contractors. Here’s another one. The moral to this trend and case is simple: make sure you have the proper licenses prior to serving as a contractor under Florida law. Trying to be cute, as seemed to be the situation in this case with a creative argument, is not an argument that will carry the day and your resources will be devoted to being creative versus the ultimate merits of the dispute.
In Ramindesign, LLC v. Skarzynski, 2026 WL 1649571 (S.D.Fla. 2026) an owner of real property hired a company to design and construct a spec home on the property. The company and its owner were NOT licensed contractors. The contract stated the company was serving as a “spec developer” and referred to it as the contractor throughout the contract. Other than this, the contract was set up as a cost plus a fee.
Read the full story...Reprinted courtesy of
David Adelstein, Kirwin NorrisMr. Adelstein may be contacted at
dma@kirwinnorris.com
Thank You All for 10 Years Straight of VA Super Lawyers
May 05, 2026 —
Christopher G. Hill - Construction Law MusingsIt is with humility and a sense of accomplishment that I announce that I have been selected for the tenth straight year to the
Virginia Super Lawyers in the Construction Litigation category for 2026. Add this to my recent election to the
Virginia Legal Elite in Construction and I’ve had a pretty good year. As always, I am thrilled to be included on these peer-elected lists. Your confidence in my work is very gratifying.
So without further ado, thank you to my peers and those on the panel at Virginia Super Lawyers for the great honor. I feel quite proud to be part of the
5% of Virginia attorneys that made this list for 2026.
Read the full story...Reprinted courtesy of
The Law O
What Lies BeneathProperly Trigger the Performance BondPennsylvania Superior Court Fires up a Case-By-Case Analysis for Landlord-Tenant, Implied Co-Insured QuestionsNo Friday Night Lights at $60 Million Texas Stadium: Muni CreditGAO Sustains Unsupported Past Performance Evaluation and Unequal Discussion Bid ProtestHousing Inflation Begins to RiseGeorgia Law: “An Occurrence Can Arise Where Faulty Workmanship Causes Unforeseen or Unexpected Damage to Other Property”Do Not Forfeit Coverage Under Your Property Insurance PolicyBuilder’s Be Wary of Insurance Policies that Provide No Coverage for Building: Mt. Hawley Ins. Co v. Creek Side at Parker HOAGRSM Offices Earn Top Recognitions in 2025 Lists by The Business Journals Regional PublicationsLos Angeles Team Secures Summary Judgment for Client in Wrongful Death Lawsuit over Construction IncidentTake Advantage of AI and Data Intelligence in ConstructionWhich Cities have the Most Affordable Homes?9th Circuit Closes the Door on “Open Shop” ContractorHappenings in and around the West Coast Casualty SeminarHEI Civil's Colorado Division is Awarded the 2024 NUCA William H. Feather Safety Award For 1,000,000+ ManhoursWho Is To Blame For Defective — And Still LEED Certified — Courthouse Square?Big Builder’s Analysis of the Top Ten Richest CountiesFrom Singapore to Rio Green Buildings Keep Tropical Tenants CoolPolicy Language Matters: New Jersey Court Bars Cleanup Coverage Under Broad Policy TermsSummary Judgment for Insurer on Construction Defect Claim ReversedASCE Statement on Calls to Suspend the Federal Gas TaxLos Angeles Construction Sites May Be on Fault LinesCouple Claims Poor Installation of Home Caused DefectsIn Review: SCOTUS Environmental and Administrative Decisions in the 2020 Term<
Proposed Florida Construction Defect Act
Naples, Florida, Is Getting So Expensive That City Workers Can’t Afford It
#12 CDJ Topic: Am. Home Assur. Co. v. SMG Stone Co., 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 75910 (N. D. Cal. June 11, 2015)
Workers Charge Negligence In 2022 Kansas City-Area Bridge Collapse
Courts Will Not Rewrite Your Post-Loss Property Insurance Obligations
How Small Mistakes Can Have Serious Consequences Under California's Contractor Licensing Laws.
Coffee Beans, Mars and the 50 States: Civil Code 1542 Waivers and Latent Defects
Preventing Common and Costly Water Intrusion Events in Construction
Massachusetts Court Holds Statute of Repose Bars Certain Asbestos-Related Construction Claims
State Audit Questions College Construction Spending in LA
Indemnity: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You!
Pulte Home Corp. v. CBR Electric, Inc.
Subcontractors Eye 2022 with Guarded Optimism
Connecting Construction Project Information: Open Technology Databases Improve Project Communication, Collaboration and Visibility
Construction Lien Does Not Include Late Fees Separate From Interest
Congress Passes, President Signs Sweeping Energy Measure In Spend Bill
Judge Tells DOL to Cork its Pistol as New Overtime Rule is Blocked
Resulting Loss Claims Denied
Constructive Suspension (Suspension Outside of an Express Order)
Appellate Division Confirms Summary Judgment in Favor of Property Owners in Action Alleging Labor Law Violations
St. Mary & St. John Coptic Orthodox Church v. SBS Insurance Services, Inc.
Nomos LLP Partner Garret Murai Recognized by Best Lawyers®
An Obligation to Provide Notice and an Opportunity to Cure May not End after Termination, and Why an Early Offer of Settlement Should Be Considered on Public Works Contracts
AI in Construction: What Does It Mean for Our Contractors?
Cal/OSHA Approves COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards; Executive Order Makes Them Effective Immediately
The Law Clinic Paves Way to the Digitalization of Built Environment Processes
Insured’s Bad Faith Claim Survives Summary Judgment
There's No Such Thing as a Free House
Heat Stress Deaths Show Europe Isn’t Ready for Climate Change
Colorado Federal Court Confirms Consequetial Property Damage, But Finds No Coverage for Subcontractor
UPDATED: No Easy Fix for Potomac River Sewage Spill, Now Estimated at $20M
Condo Owners Allege Construction Defects
Tejon Ranch Co. Announces Settlement of Litigation Related to the Tejon Ranch Conservation and Land Use Agreement
Quick Note: Can a Party Disclaim Liability in their Contract to Fraud?
Construction Seyt Named a Top Construction Blog by FeedSpot
Insurer Cannot Raise Issues on Appeal that Were Not Presented to the Trial Court
Jonathan Aihie Named to The National Bar Association’s “Top 40 Under 40” List
Enforceability Of Subcontract “Pay-When-Paid” Provisions – An Important Update
ICE Said to Seek Mortgage Role Through Talks With Data Service
Alaska Supreme Court Rules That “Total Pollution Exclusion” in Homeowners Insurance Policy Does Not Bar Coverage for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Coverage Denied Where Occurrence Takes Place Outside Coverage Territory
Failure to Strictly Adhere to Limitations for Flood Claim Leads to Denial
#2 CDJ Topic: Valley Crest Landscape v. Mission Pools
Commercial Construction in the Golden State is Looking Pretty Golden
HHMR and Every One of its Partners Recognized by Legal 500 in Denver Elite – Real Estate
Damages in First Trial Establishing Liability of Tortfeasor Binding in Bad Faith Trial Against Insurer
Federal Arbitration Act Preempts Pennsylvania Payment Act
Homebuilder Immunity Act Dies in Committee. What's Next?
Wilke Fleury Attorneys Highlighted | 2019 Northern California Super Lawyers
Honoring Veterans Under Our Roof & Across the World
