Experienced Guidance Through Construction Law
Last updated on March 20, 2026
Disputes involving construction law can be of critical importance to you, whether you are a contractor or an individual homeowner. Disruptions to a construction schedule, incomplete services or building defects can derail a project and cause significant financial harm.
Wampler & Souder, LLC, has extensive experience handling construction law matters for clients who cannot afford to have their projects delayed or take on additional costs due to a construction dispute or payment issue. Our legal staff works with many clients in the construction industry on a variety of matters that are not handled by many other firms in the area. Additionally, we have an in-depth understanding of specific construction accident issues, which you can learn more about by reading through our construction accident guide.
Common Construction Site Accidents
Construction sites are inherently busy places with heavy machinery, uneven terrain and various hazards. Even though the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces safety regulations, accidents can still occur.
While project specifics can influence workers’ risks, certain dangers are tragically common. The following are some of the major construction accident categories responsible for a significant portion of construction worker fatalities as identified by OSHA:
- Falls: Falls from heights, like scaffolding, ladders or roofs, are among the leading causes of construction site injuries and fatalities. Workers can sustain severe injuries or even lose their lives due to falls caused by improper safety equipment, lack of fall protection systems or human error.
- Struck-by accidents: Construction workers are at risk of being struck by falling objects, swinging loads or moving vehicles on site. These accidents can result in traumatic injuries, such as head injuries, broken bones or even fatalities.
- Caught-in or caught-between accidents: Workers can become caught or trapped between heavy equipment, machinery or collapsing structures. These accidents often lead to crushing injuries, amputations or other severe trauma.
- Electrocutions: They can occur from contact with live electrical wires, faulty equipment or overhead power lines, leading to fatal or severe burns and nerve damage.
- Trench collapses: Trench collapses can quickly bury workers and cause suffocation or crushing injuries.
- Machinery-related accidents: Improper operation, maintenance or insufficient training of heavy machines like cranes, forklifts and excavators can lead to accidents that result in serious injuries or fatalities.
- Exposure to hazardous materials: Exposure to hazardous materials like asbestos, lead or toxic chemicals can cause long-term health issues if not properly handled and protected against.
Accidents can still occur even with the most effective prevention measures in place. In such cases, you are better off seeking proactive legal injury care services. With our legal team by your side, we can help you understand the specific type of construction accident leading to your injury. This can facilitate faster processing of your claim to cover all your damages.
Why Would I Need A Maryland Construction Law Attorney?
The benefits to having a lawyer with experience in construction law matters can be substantial. Our attorneys take on cases regarding dispute resolution, including negotiation and settlement, mediation, arbitration and the trial process. In addition, our lawyers and legal team:
- Can try construction matters before state and federal courts and administrative agencies such as the Maryland Home Improvement Commission, the Consumer Protection Division, the Office of Administrative Hearings, the Virginia Board for Contractors, and the District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
- Deal with all issues that traditionally arise in construction disputes, including building defects and claims for change orders and extra work.
- Assist with statutory requirements of licensing and issues related to payment and performance bonds.
- Prepare builder and subcontractor contracts and other agreements that you can use in a manner that will both protect you and comply with construction laws and regulations.
- Pursue a collection action against an owner, builder, or general contractor who is not paying you. We also can help you obtain a mechanic’s lien. Often, we are able to do this and take a contingent fee out of whatever we recover.
FAQ: Maryland Construction Law
Many have immediate questions about construction law. Below we provide answers, starting with three of the most common questions.
What should be included in a construction contract to reduce the risk of disputes?
A construction contract needs to be as comprehensive as possible, as any ambiguity can lead to disputes and miscommunications. Here are some terms to consider including:
- The full scope of the project and what should be accomplished
- The schedule of the project, including a projected finishing date
- The payment terms and how compensation will be determined and provided
- Responsibilities of all parties when it comes to procuring parts and materials
- Warranties that will apply to the property, or the parts and materials
- Dispute clauses addressing dispute resolution tactics, such as ADR or litigation
It is essential to put contracts in writing and to go over them in detail before signing to help ensure all parties are on the same page.
What are the mechanic’s lien deadlines in Maryland, Virginia and DC?
The DMV has different deadlines for different geographical locations.
- Maryland: Usually, a petition to establish a lien must be filed within 180 days, with the countdown starting on the last day that work is performed.
- Virginia: The petition to establish a lien must be filed within 90 days, starting on the last day of the month in which labor was carried out or materials were furnished to the project.
Often, subcontractors are also responsible for a Notice of Intent to Lien, which is a formal notification given to the property owner before the lien is filed. The deadline for this notice is 120 days in Maryland and 30 days in Virginia.
When should I contact a construction lawyer? Before signing a contract, when problems arise or after work stops?
You should contact a lawyer before signing a binding contract and as soon as you anticipate a legal, financial or contractual issue during a project. Many choose to involve counsel at the very beginning to review contracts, negotiate terms and identify risks before work starts. An attorney can also help once construction is underway, especially amid any delays, unexpected change orders, payment disputes or safety concerns.
If work slows or stops entirely, the potential for significant financial loss increases and legal guidance becomes critical. Early involvement helps protect your rights, preserve evidence and position you for a stronger resolution.
Contact Our Firm Today For A Consultation
The sooner you contact us about your construction dispute, the sooner we can help. Call us at 301-732-7675 or email us your contact information to get started now.