Profile

With extensive experience in representing every aspect of a complex construction defect action, Louis R. Chao is able to provide subcontractors, construction managers, general contractors, and developers with a full and effective defense. The goal is to not only minimize their personal exposure but also ensure that risk-management procedures are implemented.

Focused on Managing High-Demand Construction Defect Litigation

After initially learning construction defect litigation from a firm that only represented plaintiffs in large complex cases, Louis has since represented product manufacturers, subcontractors, construction managers, general contractors, and developers in diverse projects. As a result, he has developed a comprehensive approach for resolving complex actions in the most efficient and economic manner.  

Louis also has extensive experience with other aspects of construction, and has successfully litigated claims involving alleged loss of lateral support between adjoining property owners, diversion of surface water and associated slope failures, as well as damages flowing from the wrongful termination of construction contracts."

Experience

Louis’s practice areas include work on large-scale projects consisting of condominiums, apartments, high-rise towers, single-family homes, and diverse commercial projects, such as medical centers, school facilities, and water parks.

WORKSITE ACCIDENTS/MOLD EXPOSURE

Louis assists his clients in defending claims involving alleged catastrophic worksite accidents, and personal injuries related to mold exposure resulting from allegedly defective construction. Often times the best way to avoid such claims is to be proactive. With a working knowledge of worksite occupational safety and health requirements, course of construction inspection requirements by the various building departments, quality assurance inspections, and important documentation practices, Louis advises his clients how to avoid potential liability.  

REPRESENTATIVE CLIENTS

Louis has worked with insurance companies like Navigators Insurance Company, Zurich North America, AIG/Lexington, Scottsdale Insurance Company, and third-party administrators, such as GALLAGHER BASSETT and Claims Resource Management, Inc., and a host of private construction clients.

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

• Condominium conversion - Louis’ experience includes high-profile cases like El Escorial Owners Association v. Santa Barbara Villas, L.P., where plaintiff alleged that the cost to repair the construction defects, including damages related to alleged toxic mold, the premature failure of cast iron pipes throughout the buildings, and the relocation of all unit owners for an extended period, was approximately $58 million.
• Construction defect - Louis provided assistance with settlement discussions in a complex construction defect action at the request of the Hon. Judge Thomas Pearce Anderle of the Santa Barbara Superior Court. 
• Mold - Louis has also helped defend claims involving alleged lung cancer and mental developmental challenges due to mold exposure. Eva Geffcken and Alexander M. Geffcken v. Samuel D'Andrea, et al. In other cases, mold was simply a damage component that drove the large relocation costs that were allegedly tied-in to federal assistance requirements since the project had been built with federal tax credits. Rio Vista Village Ltd. v. Leidenfrost/Horowitz & Assoc. et al.

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Press Releases

03.27.08 Archer Norris Expands Southern California Presence