Hanson Bridgett Secures Major Win for Beador Construction Company
May 30, 2024 (Los Angeles, CA) - After a seven-day trial in February 2024 before the Hon. Kirk Nakamura, retired presiding judge of the Orange County Superior Court, a team of Hanson Bridgett construction attorneys secured a significant win for their client, Beador Construction Company Inc., in Beador Construction Company, Inc. v, City of Irvine. Judge Nakamura denied all cross-claims by the City and awarded Beador Construction $2.734 million for breach of contract, plus pre-judgment interest and attorneys’ fees and costs.
The Hanson Bridgett team submitted a motion in support of a final judgment in favor of Beador Construction in excess of $4.3 million including all attorneys’ fees and pre-judgment interest. The City paid $4.2 million to settle the case before Judge Nakamura rendered a decision on Beador Construction's motion for fees.
“From our cross-examination of the City's experts and witnesses, to ensuring our graphic exhibits were flawless and every detail was accounted for throughout the trial, this was an impeccable team effort,” said partner Alex Baghdassarian. “Our success can be attributed to our knowledgeable, candid, and supportive client; our rigorous pre-trial preparations; and everyone in our Construction Practice who contributed to this case or stepped up to assist with our clients while we were engaged in trial."
The Hanson Bridgett trial team included partners Alex Baghdassarian and Alan Bishop and associate Bianca Velez.
Background on the Case
The City of Irvine awarded Beador Construction Company – an experienced heavy civil contractor specializing in public works projects – an $11.3 million contract for the expansion of University Drive near UC Irvine's campus. Under the contract, Beador was to complete the work within 240 working days.
Substantial setbacks contributed to project delays, including unknown underground conditions at the site of the project, errors in the City's design drawings and specifications, and delays in the removal of power lines and light poles to be completed by the local utility. While Beador Construction notified the City of the expected impact of each occurrence, the collective issues delayed the completion of the project by nearly two years.
Despite the costly delays associated with the unforeseen complications, the City refused to negotiate with Beador Construction for increased compensation or an expanded completion timeline per the contract. Upon completing the project in December 2020, Beador Construction submitted multiple claims to the City. Following the rejection of its claims, in August 2021, Beador Construction filed suit in the Superior Court of Orange County against the City of Irvine. The City responded with a counterclaim alleging defective work and seeking liquidated damages in excess of $1 million. The Court then appointed Judge Nakamura as the Judicial Referee for trial of the case.
The trial by judicial reference ultimately found that Beador Construction substantially complied with the contractual requirements and that delays were not the fault of the company, resulting in Judge Nakamura issuing the award in favor of Hanson Bridgett's client.
About Hanson Bridgett LLP
Hanson Bridgett LLP is a full-service AmLaw 200 law firm with more than 200 attorneys across California. Its Construction Practice is ranked Band 1 by Chambers and Partners and recognized by its peers as one of the best groups of construction lawyers in California, representing general contractors, trade contractors and owner-developers on private and public works projects throughout the state.
Creating a diverse workforce by fostering an atmosphere of belonging and intentional support has been a priority at Hanson Bridgett since its founding in 1958. We are dedicated to creating an environment that provides opportunities for people with varied backgrounds, both for attorneys and administrative professionals. As the first law firm recognized as a certified B Corp, we are committed to the communities where our employees live and work and consider it part of our professional obligation to serve justice by encouraging and supporting pro bono and social impact work.
For media inquiries contact:
Patrick L. Clos
Communications Manager
Hanson Bridgett LLP
415-995-5098
pclos@hansonbridgett.com
