Protecting New York & New Jersey Construction Industry Clients
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The construction industry in New York operates under some of the most complex legal and regulatory requirements in the country. Whether you are a general contractor, subcontractor, property owner, or developer facing a contract dispute, surety bond claim, mechanic's lien, or labor law issue, the Law Office of Jay Meyers has the experience to protect your business and your assets.
We have served construction industry clients in New York City, Staten Island, New Jersey, and surrounding areas for over 30 years, handling everything from multi-million dollar surety bond disputes to everyday contract negotiations.
Recent Result: Jay Meyers resolved a construction surety bond claim for a major NYC Local 3 Electrical Contractor — original balance of $425,000 resolved for $70,000. Early intervention and aggressive negotiation saved our client $355,000. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Surety Bond Claims & Defense
Surety bond demands are one of the most financially threatening situations a contractor can face. When a bond is called, the full bond amount — which can run into hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars — is potentially at stake. Immediate legal response is critical.
We represent contractors facing:
- Performance bond demands and defaults
- Payment bond claims from subcontractors and suppliers
- Bid bond disputes
- Surety company investigations and indemnity demands
- SBA-backed bond disputes and resolution
Our approach: We immediately analyze the underlying contract, the nature of the alleged default, and the validity of the claim — then negotiate aggressively for resolution at the lowest possible figure.
Mechanic's Liens in New York
New York's Lien Law is one of the most powerful collection tools available to contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers. If you have not been paid for work performed or materials furnished, a properly filed mechanic's lien:
“Jay gave me reassurance and hope. He helped me understand that there is a life past all of this — and he delivered. I will forever be grateful.”
Ray Levato — Bankruptcy Client • Read All Reviews →
- Attaches to the property, clouding title and preventing sale or refinancing
- Creates leverage for payment negotiations
- Establishes your priority claim ahead of other creditors in foreclosure
Deadlines are critical: 4 months for single-family residential projects, 8 months for commercial and multi-family projects. Missing the deadline permanently forfeits your lien rights.
We also defend property owners and general contractors against improper liens — filing lien discharge motions, bond-over applications, and lien foreclosure defenses.
Contract Drafting, Negotiation & Disputes
Prevention is always less expensive than litigation. We draft and review:
- Prime contracts and subcontracts
- Construction management agreements
- Design-build contracts
- Owner-architect agreements
- Equipment leases and purchase agreements
When disputes arise, we represent contractors and owners in arbitration (AAA, JAMS), mediation, and litigation in New York State and federal courts.
Asset Protection for Contractors
Many contractors face personal liability exposure from business debts, bond claims, and contract disputes. We combine our construction law expertise with our deep knowledge of bankruptcy law and business entity planning to help contractors:
- Structure their business to limit personal liability
- Navigate SBA loan resolution and debt reduction
- Use bankruptcy strategically when business debts become overwhelming
- Resolve surety indemnity agreements through negotiation or bankruptcy
Full Scope of Construction Legal Services
Transactional & Advisory
- Contract negotiation and drafting
- Bid preparation and review
- Project administration counsel
- Construction lending and financing
- Land use, zoning, and governmental approvals
- LEED and green certification issues
- Regulatory compliance and licensing
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
- Surety bond default defense and claim prosecution
- Mechanic's liens — filing and defense
- Construction defect claims
- Payment disputes and delay claims
- Government contract appeals and bid protests
- Arbitration and mediation representation
- Job close-outs and final account settlements
Ready to Take the First Step?
One phone call can change everything. We will tell you exactly where you stand — no jargon, no pressure, no obligation. Most clients feel better after the very first conversation.
Confidential • No obligation • Habla Español • We come to you if needed
Related Practice Areas
- Bankruptcy for Contractors — When business debts become overwhelming, bankruptcy can provide relief.
- Construction Accident Claims — Injured workers and Labor Law 240 scaffold fall claims.
- New Jersey Construction Law — Surety bonds, mechanic's liens, and disputes in NJ.
- Our Case Results — $425,000 surety bond claim resolved for $70,000.
Construction Law FAQ
What is a construction surety bond and what happens when there is a default?
A surety bond is a three-party agreement between a contractor (principal), the project owner (obligee), and a surety company (guarantor). If the contractor defaults on their obligations, the surety is required to step in — either completing the work or paying the bond amount. When a surety demand is made against your bond, you need experienced legal counsel immediately to protect your assets and negotiate the best outcome.
Can a mechanic's lien be filed on a residential property in New York?
Yes. Any contractor, subcontractor, laborer, or material supplier who has not been paid for work performed or materials furnished can file a mechanic's lien against the improved property in New York. The lien must be filed within 8 months for commercial property and 4 months for single-family residences after the last date of work.
What is a payment bond and how does it protect subcontractors?
A payment bond guarantees that the general contractor will pay subcontractors and suppliers. On public projects in New York, payment bonds are required by law. If you have not been paid, a claim against the payment bond may provide recovery even if the general contractor is insolvent.
How are construction disputes typically resolved in New York?
Many construction contracts include mandatory arbitration clauses. We represent contractors and owners in AAA, JAMS, and ad hoc arbitrations, as well as litigation in New York State and federal courts. We also handle mediations and informal dispute resolution to minimize litigation costs when possible.
Our company received a $400,000 surety bond demand — what do we do?
Call us immediately. Surety bond claims are time-sensitive and require aggressive legal response. We recently resolved a $425,000 surety bond claim for a major NYC contractor for just $70,000 — an 84% reduction. Early intervention and skilled negotiation can dramatically reduce your exposure.