Spire Helps Chet Morrison Contractors Gain Fair Compensation For Increased Time and Cost
Phillips 66 needed a new pipeline constructed to supply hydrogen to a new facility it was building in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. Phillips 66 contracted with WHC Energy to construct this pipeline. WHC subcontracted with Chet Morrison Contractors (CMC) to install the portion that crossed Lake Salvador. CMC provided the barges and labor to install the pipeline, including the necessary support work, and completed the work in 2021. During the installation work, CMC encountered numerous weather and installation issues, increasing the time and cost required. WHC Energy refused to compensate Chet Morrison for costs in excess of the original contract value. CMC claimed for its additional costs.
Spire was retained to analyze and provide opinions regarding the impacts to the pipeline installation work, whether the additional time and associated cost were compensable under the contract, and to assess WHC’s counterclaims for alleged additional cost in supporting CMC. Spire analyzed the contract, weather data, daily reports, performance records, communications, and other project documents to assess the cause of impacts, responsibility for the causation, and whether each type of impact was compensable according to the contract terms. Spire provided expert reports and testified in deposition and arbitration regarding Spire’s findings.
Spire’s analysis helped Morrison substantiate its case for the additional time required to install the pipeline and to rebut WHC’s counterclaims. Spire’s testimony was beneficial to the arbitration panel in clarifying the events and damages related to the dispute.
The arbitration panel found in favor for Morrison and awarded damages to Morrison for its additional time and other costs and denied WHC’s additional costs.
Spire’s team of experts is comprised of experienced construction professionals that understand the range of risks companies face throughout the dispute resolution process. From managing claims and quantifying damages to assessing productivity loss, calculating schedule delays, and evaluating the standard of care, Spire’s litigation support experts analyze each particular dispute situation to ensure the best outcome for its clients.
Navigating construction disputes is complex, requiring expertise at every stage from mediation to arbitration and litigation. Spire Consulting Group offers tailored guidance to address technical challenges and provide the necessary support throughout the dispute resolution process. With extensive hands-on construction experience, Spire’s litigation support experts deliver clear, concise, and objective analyses, empowering clients to build the strongest possible case.
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