Akhiok Alaska Construction Expert Witness Directory

Why and When Construction Robotics Makes Sense

February 10, 2026 — Aarni Heiskanen - AEC Business
In construction, robotics is often discussed in terms of technology: better AI, more capable machines, and robots on job sites. Recent research suggests that the question is less about whether robots can work and more about when and why they deliver real value. An Aalto University research paper on computer-vision-driven robotic waste sorting offers a valuable lens into this. The researchers use ZenRobotics’ computer-vision-enabled automated system as a case study. The Finnish startup was acquired by Terex, a U.S. company, in 2022. At first glance, waste sorting might seem like a niche application. But it illustrates a broader economic logic that aligns with findings across the broader body of research on construction robotics. Read the full story...
Reprinted courtesy of Aarni Heiskanen, AEC Business
Mr. Heiskanen may be contacted at aec-business@aepartners.fi

BWB&O’s LA Team Secures a Defense Victory for General Contractor Client in Riverside Superior Court!

January 13, 2026 — Dolores Montoya - Bremer Whyte Brown & O'Meara LLP
Congratulations to Woodland Hills Partner Daniel Crespo and Associate Lauren Landau for securing a defense victory on behalf of one of our general contractor clients! The Riverside Superior Court granted summary judgment in favor of our client, finding the plaintiff’s core allegation was flatly contradicted by video evidence. The Court held that surveillance footage conclusively showed the minor did not fall into an “open trench” as alleged, but instead fell after voluntarily jumping over a temporary construction fence stabilizer. Read the full story...
Reprinted courtesy of Dolores Montoya, Bremer Whyte Brown & O'Meara LLP

Groundbreaking New York Law Regulates Third-Party Litigation Funding for the First Time

February 02, 2026 — Nicholas P. Hurzeler - Lewis Brisbois
On December 19, 2025, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Consumer Litigation Funding Act (A804-C/S1104A) into law. The new statute takes aim at abusive third-party litigation funding practices statewide. For years, the unregulated "lawsuit loan" industry has acted as a silent inflator of claim values, forcing plaintiffs to reject reasonable settlement offers in order to pay back exorbitant interest. The new regulatory framework, effective June 17, 2026, introduces caps and transparency measures that may help stabilize settlement negotiations and curb artificially inflated demands. The law does not apply to contracts made before its effective date. Below are some of its most important provisions. Read the full story...
Reprinted courtesy of Nicholas P. Hurzeler, Lewis Brisbois
Mr. Hurzeler may be contacted at Nicholas.Hurzeler@lewisbrisbois.com

Bridging the Information Gap of Alternative Delivery Methods on Public Projects

January 21, 2026 — Michael S. Blackwell - The Dispute Resolver
In almost all corners of the country, municipalities, counties, and states alike have historically employed a design-bid-build approach to public projects. While the delivery method lends itself easily to selecting the lowest bidder for both the design and construction phases of projects, it also excludes other, alternative methods that may be better suited for projects that require contractor involvement during the design phase, a phased approach to completion, or partnership between the public entity and private investment. But implementation of new delivery methods has posed a problem in some areas due to a lack of familiarity. This blog post proposes a simple solution. As early as the mid-late 1990s, changes in federal procurement laws allowed for the adoption of design-build, one option for alternative delivery, for public projects. Since that time, states, municipalities, and other public entities have followed suit. Today, you can find the use of design-build, progressive design-build, A + B, CM/GC, CMAR, and P3 just to name a few of the delivery methods that have been adopted in various states. These alternatives help provide options to public entities to find the right fit for their project. Read the full story...
Reprinted courtesy of Michael S. Blackwell, Riess LeMieux, LLC
Mr. Blackwell may be contacted at mblackwell@rllaw.com

Dispositive Motions in AAA Construction Arbitration: Why You Should Think Twice

September 30, 2025 — Lisa Colon - The Dispute Resolver
When involved in a construction arbitration under the AAA rules, the urge to file a dispositive motion can be strong. After all, wouldn't it be beneficial to eliminate your opponent's case early and save the time and expense of a full hearing? However, before drafting that motion to dismiss or motion for summary judgment, take a moment to consider if it's truly the best strategic choice. The AAA's Measured Approach to Dispositive Motions The AAA Construction Industry Arbitration Rules adopt a notably cautious stance toward dispositive motions. Rule R-34 states that arbitrators may allow such motions "upon prior written application," but only after evaluating "the time and cost associated with the briefing of a dispositive motion." The rule explicitly mandates that arbitrators consider whether permitting the motion aligns with "the goal of achieving an efficient and economical resolution of the dispute." Read the full story...
Reprinted courtesy of Lisa Colon, Saul Ewing LLP
Ms. Colon may be contacted at lisa.colon@saul.com

STV and Tutor Perini/Parsons Arbitrate Unusual Dispute Over Seven $1M Deductibles

August 25, 2025 — Richard Korman - Engineering News-Record
The $2.1-billion Terminal A replacement project at Newark-Liberty International Airport, open since 2023 in in New Jersey, has turned into a multi-million-dollar legal headache for key companies on the project - the Tutor Perini/Parsons joint venture contractor and its main design subcontractor, STV Engineering. Read the full story...
Reprinted courtesy of Richard Korman, Engineering News-Record
Mr. Korman may be contacted at kormanr@enr.com

Assignment of Claim not Precluded by Policy’s Anti-Assignment Clause

October 21, 2025 — Tred R. Eyerly - Insurance Law Hawaii
The Supreme Court of Maryland upheld the insured's assignment of a post-loss claim despite the policy's anti-assignment provision. In re Featherfall Restoration, LLC, 2025 Md. LEXIS 294 (Md. July 24, 2025). The insureds purchased a "High Value' homeowners policy from Travelers Home and Marine Insurance Company for their residence. The policy included an anti-assignment clause: "Assignment of this policy will to be valid unless we give our written consent." Three months after the policy expired, the insureds notified Travelers of damage to their roof that they contended resulted from a wind and hailstorm that occurred before the policy expired. The insureds hired Featherfall Restoration, LLC to repair their roof. Read the full story...
Reprinted courtesy of Tred R. Eyerly, Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert
Mr. Eyerly may be contacted at te@hawaiilawyer.com

ABA’s Fundamentals of Construction Law, 3rd Edition

September 30, 2025 — Elaine Y. Lee - Peckar & Abramson, P.C.
Elaine Lee, a Partner in P&A’s Los Angeles office, co-authored a chapter for the American Bar Association (ABA)’s Fundamentals of Construction Law, 3rd Edition book. Elaine co-authored chapter 12, “Changes in the Work.” The chapter discusses:

Changes and Resulting Impacts
Contract Clauses Addressing Changes
Change Order Clause

Read the full story...
Reprinted courtesy of Elaine Y. Lee, Peckar & Abramson, P.C.
Ms. Lee may be contacted at elee@pecklaw.com

AKHIOK ALASKA CONSTRUCTION EXPERT WITNESS DIRECTORY AND CAPABILITIES