Since March of 2020, the construction industry continues to face unprecedented escalation in material pricing as the world begins the rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. Tariffs, supply shortages, weather, the blockage of the Suez Canal, and other world events have contributed to a risky environment for owners, contractors, and subcontractors alike. Steel prices at mills in the United States are up 60% - 100% in the last six months, lumber prices have skyrocketed, and supply chains have been impacted on both a cost and time basis. 

Price volatility abounds, and the current industry standard places much of the risk on the contractors. Given that these conditions could persist for months (if not longer), contractors should arm themselves with the proper understanding of how to protect their companies. 

In this webinar, Cohen Seglias partners John Greenhall and Jonathan Cass will share steps contractors can take when existing contractual language inadequately addresses changing conditions. They will also discuss how to use the traditional change order process to capture such costs or negotiate new price escalation clauses.

John Greenhall, Partner

John Greenhall represents clients across the construction industry, including general contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, sureties, and owners. As Chair of Cohen Seglias’ Construction Contract and Risk Management Group, he is adept at negotiating contracts and responding to questions that arise during the construction process and prides himself on providing quick, practical solutions to his clients’ issues. John is a litigator with a particular emphasis on transactional work. He has handled cases at both the state and federal levels in a multitude of jurisdictions, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Florida, and West Virginia.

Jonathan Cass, Partner

As Chair of the firm’s Insurance Coverage & Risk Management Group, Jonathan Cass helps his clients evaluate and manage their insured and uninsured business risks. He drafts, reviews, and advises on various risk-transfer-related contractual clauses, including indemnification clauses and insurance requirements. When coverage disputes arise, either due to outright coverage denials or a reservation of rights, Jonathan takes a nuanced approach to the dispute to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients. If negotiations cannot resolve the problem, he initiates coverage litigation to protect his client.