Legal Question in Construction Law in New Jersey

Patio Steps

I recently had a contractor come to my home and put in a paver patio and steps going into my house. There were two steps and landing which turned out to be not to builiding code. That is, the last step was 11.5'' which should have been 8''. Someone fell trying to get into my house and got hurt. Althoug the injuries weren't serious, the person did get hurt and had to go to the doctor to make sure. Turns out there was a blood clot but all turned out OK. I immediately called the contractor and he said he would come over and correct it. Over 6 weeks later he did come, but now he wants me to pay for the work and materials. I told him he was lucky no one was hurt and he couldn't have cared less about it, never once even asking about the person or the injuries. Turns out the code is 8.25'' for steps. He said I OK'd the plans and he built the landing according to what I approved. I told him that it should be his responsibilty and not mine to know codes. What should I do? He wants another $300 to $400. Thanks.


Asked on 7/01/07, 11:16 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Davies The Davies Law Firm, P.A.

Re: Patio Steps

you can hire an attorney like me to snarl at him and tell him to go away.

and your friend who got hurt has 2 years from the injury to sue you and maybe sue this contractor too. I suggest you ask the contractor to pay your friend's out of pocket expense for medical care.

I do this kind of work. If you would like me to assist, please call my office. I am in Hackensack. You can then decide how you would like to proceed.

My contact information can be obtained from the links below, just click on the Attorney Profile link. Let my secretary know you found me through LawGuru.

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Answered on 7/02/07, 10:25 am


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