When construction projects don’t go as planned, financial loss often follows. That’s where delay damages come in. These claims can either make or break a case, depending on how well they’re backed by facts. For builders, owners, and legal teams in Los Angeles, understanding what you can and can’t claim is essential. This blog breaks down the basics of delay damages, outlining how to approach them with clarity and precision in any dispute.
What Are Delay Damages?
Delay damages refer to the financial losses suffered when a construction project is delayed beyond agreed timelines. These can include extended overhead costs, lost revenue, increased labor expenses, and equipment standby charges. To successfully recover these costs, claims must be supported with solid documentation, scheduling data, and expert analysis.
That’s where a delay damages expert plays a key role. Their job is to clearly define the cause of the delay, identify responsible parties, and calculate the actual financial impact.
What You Can Claim
In most cases, contractors or owners may claim direct costs that resulted from delays. This can include idle labor, extended site supervision, additional rental or storage fees, and overhead costs. If proven, these expenses can be recovered in full.
A construction claims expert witness can help identify which of these costs are justifiable. Courts look for a clear cause-and-effect link between the delay and the damages claimed. Without that connection, even valid costs may be denied.
What You Can’t Claim
What you can’t claim are speculative or unsupported losses. For example, projected profits from unrelated projects, general inconvenience, or inflated administrative costs won’t hold up in court. These types of claims can undermine your credibility.
An experienced construction scheduling witness can help filter out weak claims and ensure only valid, well-documented damages are presented. This is especially important in high-stakes environments like Los Angeles, where construction disputes are common and often aggressive.
The Role of Experts in Claim Validation
Expert witnesses are critical in turning a claim from uncertain to rock-solid. A seasoned delay damages expert witness doesn’t just plug numbers into a spreadsheet—they analyze the full project timeline, contract terms, and on-site conditions to develop a defensible position.
In many cases, attorneys bring in a construction delay expert witness before filing a claim to ensure everything is airtight. From calculating compensable time to preparing court-ready reports, the right expert helps strengthen every aspect of the case.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes in delayed construction damages expert cases is not documenting the delay in real time. Missed daily reports, vague change orders, or poor schedule updates can all weaken your claim.
Another pitfall? Overestimating losses. Claims that appear exaggerated or unsupported can get tossed out—along with the rest of your case. A skilled construction damages expert witness helps ensure your numbers are both accurate and defensible.
Claiming Delay Damages Starts With the Right Experts
At HPM Consultants, we’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to delay damages. We know how to dig into the details, analyze the timeline, and calculate legitimate, defensible claims. From Los Angeles to large-scale national disputes, we help contractors, attorneys, and owners present the facts clearly and win stronger outcomes. When it comes to delayed claims, don’t take chances.
Contact us today, and let’s get your case moving in the right direction.
