Legal Question in Construction Law in California

I am not sure if type of law is correct here as I was looking at contractors law but don't see. Anyway I am a licensed contractor doing A/C Heating and Commercial ice machines, walkin boxes and etc. I was doing a job in a walk-in box (brazing a part) and the sprinklers went off. I have done this type of work for over 30 years and never had a problem. the sprinklers should never go off unless it was at least 155 degrees thats just the way they are set. I was over 3 ft and its above me. The business turned it over to their isurance for the water damage to what little product that was there. I asked for the results they were to get as to whether the sprinkler head malfunctioned or what. They say it is my fault and want a large sum of money. I need to find some one in my area to see for this problem.

thank you

Dick Carter/Dicks Refrigeration


Asked on 4/08/11, 12:29 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Bryan Whipple Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law

First, be sure you have notified your insurance agent(s) in writing and know whether, and to what extent, they are going to provide your defense.

If you need to shop for your own lawyer, I'd say you need someone with a reasonable amount of prior experience in defending contractors, but depend on your lawyer for legal ability, not specific knowledge of HVAC, brazing or sprinkers. The lawyer will work with you to find the right expert or experts to advise and testify regarding the factual issues.

By the way, this is NOT an area where I practice.

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Answered on 4/08/11, 12:43 pm


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