The spotlight is shining brightly on a panel of industry thought leaders who will be speaking on emerging issues in construction defect litigation at the upcoming West Coast Casualty litigation conference. Led by WSHB partner Chad Dunigan, this panel is a must attend event for all stakeholders involved in the construction industry.
WSHB managing partner in Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida, Chad Dunigan will be speaking at the 31st Anniversary West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar on May 15-16, 2025, at the Disneyland Resort Hotel in Anaheim, California. The presentation, Emerging and Disturbing Trends for 2025: The Changing Face of Construction Defect Litigation, will explore evolving legal and industry challenges shaping construction defect claims nationwide. Joining Dunigan are fellow industry leaders Kenneth Kasdan, Rose Hall, and Carolyn Crawford.
The construction sector is experiencing a seismic shift due to rapid technological advancements, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and new environmental and efficiency-driven building methods. Simultaneously, legal frameworks are evolving, leading to a more complex litigation landscape, jurisdictional variances and claims strategies growing in complexity. This session will examine how these factors, along with AI, social inflation, litigation abuse, and shrinking insurance availability in some areas, are redefining construction litigation.
"Chad Dunigan brings unparalleled insight into how emerging trends, ranging from climate-driven defect claims to the rise of fraud-base theories, are reshaping construction litigation," said founding partner Stephen Henning. "His experience navigating these legal complexities will provide invaluable guidance to industry professionals."
Dunigan brings a national perspective to the panel, having practiced both on the West and East Coast. He is widely regarded as a thought leader in Florida with a reputation for consistently securing favorable results for the firm's developer and general contractor clients.
"The days of straightforward construction defect litigation are behind us," said Dunigan. "With new materials, evolving construction techniques, and increasing external pressures, the industry must adapt quickly. Understanding these challenges is critical for attorneys, insurers, and builders alike."
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Experience the power of a proven industry leader in the law. Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is renowned globally for our exceptional trial results and expertise in handling complex litigation. With our nationwide network of over 500 lawyers across 42 office locations, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive litigation and counsel to both public and private companies. From start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, we deliver unrivaled legal representation that consistently achieves favorable outcomes for our clients.
At WSHB, our strength lies in our diverse and accomplished team of attorneys. We boast thought leaders and defense specialists in over 41 fields of practice, covering an extensive range of specialties. Founded in 1997, we are proud to be among the top ten law firms in the nation for diversity, female partners, female lawyers, and Hispanic lawyers. This rich tapestry of diversity forms the foundation of our success when presenting cases to juries of our peers, ensuring we understand the unique nuances underlying each claim.
Our expansive geographic footprint allows us to provide effective and efficient representation to clients nationwide, regardless of their location, background, or legal expertise. By prioritizing strategic and cost-effective approaches to litigation, our dedicated attorneys work tirelessly to protect the interests of our clients. We have a track record of success, securing numerous victories such as summary judgments and defense verdicts on behalf of our clients. As a trial firm, we have taken over 2,000 cases to verdict, making us well-equipped to handle even the most complex and high-stakes litigation matters across the country.
