Since 1989, Lloyd, Gray, Whitehead & Monroe, P.C. has steadily and consistently grown from 4 to 36 attorneys providing full-service litigation for clients throughout the Southeast. We recently added another chapter to our history, opening an office in Florida to complement our headquarters in Alabama. We continue to grow and expand our staff, but ever mindful of our belief in staying lean and efficient. We serve our clients best with effective outcomes.

NEWS + MEDIA

architects and engineers

FLORIDA APPELLATE COURT HOLDS STATUTE OF REPOSE DOES NOT APPLY TO CLAIM ALLEGING NEGLIGENT INSPECTION

In Manney v. MBV Engineering, Inc., 2019 WL 2079379 (Fla. 5th DCA May 10, 2019), the Fifth District Circuit Court of Appeals of Florida held the statute of repose did not apply to a homeowner’s claim against an engineer for negligently inspecting a newly constructed home because the inspection did not qualify as the design, planning or construction of an improvement to real property.

construction

GEORGIA SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS LONGSTANDING ACCEPTANCE DOCTRINE IN NEGLIGENT CONSTRUCTION CASE

In Thomaston Acquisition, LLC v. Piedmont Construction Group, Inc., Georgia’s Supreme Court addressed the scope of the “acceptance doctrine” in negligent construction cases. 2019 WL 2332043 (Ga. 2019). Thomaston Acquisition, LLC (“Thomaston”) was the subsequent purchaser of an apartment complex and, after purchase, it discovered that the roof and HVAC system had been negligently constructed. Thomaston’s purchase contract with the seller included an “as is” clause. Thomaston filed suit against Piedmont Construction Group, Inc. (“Piedmont”), the original contractor who constructed the complex, alleging negligent construction and breach of contract/implied warranty.

environmental

U.S. SUPREME COURT GRANTS REVIEW OF MONTANA SUPERFUND SITE RULING

The U.S. Supreme Court has granted a petition for writ of certiorari to review questions regarding clean-up activities required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”). Atlantic Richfield Co. v. Christian, No. 17-1498. In the suit, Atlantic Richfield seeks to overturn a decision by the Montana Supreme Court which allows private landowners to challenge the EPA’s cleanup plan at one of the nation’s largest Superfund sites.

employment

ALABAMA ENACTS NEW EQUAL PAY ACT TO PREVENT WAGE DISPARITY

On June 11, 2019, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a new law that prohibits employers from paying less for the same work on the basis of gender or race. The new law, titled the Clarke-Figures Equal Pay Act (the “Act”), makes Alabama the 49th state to enact a state law against wage inequality, with only Mississippi remaining. The Act will go into effect on September 1, 2019.

securities

SEC ADOPTS RULES AND INTERPRETATIONS REGARDING BROKER DEALER AND INVESTMENT ADVISER STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

On June 5, 2019, the SEC voted to adopt a package of rulemakings and interpretations regarding broker dealers’ and investment advisers’ standards of conduct, including new Regulation Best Interest, new Form CRS Relationship Summary, and two interpretations under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

workers compensation

ATTORNEYS AARON ASHCRAFT AND JOHN C. WEBB PREVAILED ON A RES JUDICATA ARGUMENT, OBTAINING SUMMARY JUDGMENT IN A WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CASE

Attorneys Aaron Ashcraft and John C. Webb recently obtained summary judgment in a workers’ compensation action pending in Bessemer Alabama. The summary judgment asserted a novel res judicata argument, and was based on the proposition that a Plaintiff cannot recover benefits after previously asserting, and settling, a claim for permanent total disability benefits against the same employer.

We are known as lawyers,

but we’re really problem solvers.

PRACTICE AREAS

Architects and Engineers/Design Professionals

Construction

Coverage

Employment

Environmental

Fair Housing and Public Accommodation

General Liability

Insurance Fraud/Special Investigations

Medical & Healthcare

Professional Liability

Securities

Worker's Compensation

Architects and Engineers/Design Professionals

Architects and engineers are held to a higher standard of care. When disputes arise alleging a design or engineering flaw, these professionals may be exposed to liability claims involving their livelihood, reputation and professional licensure. We recognize the level of skill and knowledge required to vigorously defend architects and engineers when they are accused of failing to meet the standard of care. We represent design professionals throughout the country.

Construction

Every construction defect dispute presents a unique set of circumstances requiring the experience and versatility our construction litigation team offers. LGWM’s Construction Practice Group includes experienced attorneys who understand the issues and complexities involving building projects.