Shutts & Bowen LLP Tampa partner Meredith Freeman was recently interviewed by Merchant Insurance Solutions regarding new challenges, rules and restrictions being presented in construction, an industry deemed “essential” amid the current pandemic.
Speaking via videoconference with Jennifer McDonald, Vice President and Insurance Agent at Merchant Insurance Solutions, Meredith provided in-depth perspective about the issues contractors are facing. When Florida’s governor issued his stay-at-home order in response to COVID-19, it contained a carve-out designating construction as an “essential service.” Although “essential,” the industry is facing a myriad of challenges including delays, contract issues, stop work orders and suspension of work, loss of productivity and heightened regulations on job sites.
According to Meredith, COVID-19 presents many new challenges for construction businesses. “The current environment is challenging and changing almost every day. There is so much new information coming out,” she said. “Additionally, as some projects are halted or cancelled, new projects are starting up, and existing projects are being accelerated. Construction businesses are having to react and adapt quickly to survive and thrive.”
Click here to see the interview.
About Meredith A. Freeman
Meredith A. Freeman is a partner in the Tampa office of Shutts & Bowen LLP, where she is a member of the Construction Litigation Practice Group. Meredith is Board Certified in Construction Law by the Florida Bar and practices primarily in the areas of construction and business litigation. Meredith has experience in handling a variety of construction related matters, including claims against design professionals, construction defects claims, and delay claims. Meredith is also experienced in drafting and negotiating construction contracts. In her business litigation practice, Meredith is experienced in handling complex civil litigation matters in state and federal courts, including contract disputes, real estate disputes, and other general business litigation matters. She has represented clients in cases spanning a wide range of industries, including insurance, real estate, construction, accounting, and banking.