Overview:

A New Jersey general contractor contacted The Law Offices of Paul H. Appel after a commercial property owner failed to release final payment for completed renovation work. Despite full performance under the contract, the client faced a six-figure non-payment that threatened cash flow and project continuity.

Case Overview: Securing Final Payment for NJ ContractorChallenge:

The dispute involved unclear payment milestones, change-order confusion, and the owner’s claim of defective workmanship. Litigation risk was high, with the potential to delay future bids and damage the contractor’s reputation within the construction community.

Approach:

Attorney Paul H. Appel conducted a comprehensive review of the construction contract, change orders, and payment records. Leveraging his expertise in construction law matters, he initiated targeted negotiation with the owner’s counsel while simultaneously preparing to file a mechanic’s lien to preserve the contractor’s legal leverage. Through clear documentation and persuasive argumentation, Mr. Appel demonstrated full contractual compliance and exposed the weaknesses in the owner’s claims.

Result:

Within weeks, the matter was settled through a structured payment agreement—without the need for litigation. The contractor recovered 100% of the outstanding balance plus interest and retained a positive working relationship with the client. This outcome highlights The Law Offices of Paul H. Appel’s commitment to efficient dispute resolution, protecting contractors’ rights, and ensuring they are fairly compensated for their work.