Perspectives

For financial professionals, securing payment starts long before an invoice becomes overdue. Implementing proactive lien and bond protections can mean the difference between getting paid or writing off a loss. Here’s how you can set yourself up for success and avoid unnecessary risks.

Start with Strong Documentaion

To file a lien or bond claim effectively, you need a solid foundation of documentation. Missing even one critical piece of information can cause delays or jeopardize your rights. Key documents include:

Contract: Defines the scope of work, payment terms, and lien rights.

Job Level Tracking: Ensures accurate documentation of labor and materials.

 Credit Supplement Sheet: Verifies financial details and customer information.

Notices: Preserve lien rights and establish compliance with state laws.

Invoices & Proof of Delivery: Confirm amounts owed and that materials were delivered to the job site.

Understand State-Specific Lien and Bond Requirements

Lien laws vary by state, and missing deadlines or filing incorrectly can cost you your claim. For example:

Utah: A preliminary notice must be filed within 20 days of first furnishing or lien rights are waived.

Missouri: A 10-day Notice of Intent must be served before filing a lien. If your attorney receives the lien request too late, you may lose your rights.

Being aware of state-specific requirements ensures you never miss a deadline.

Verify Ownership and Delivery Details

A lien is only as strong as the accuracy of your filings. Make sure:

The correct property owner is listed-incorrect ownership details can invalidate your lien.

You have proof of delivery to the site, not just a customer’s warehouse or rigger’s yard.

Work Within Key Deadlines

Timing is everything when filing liens and bond claims. To avoid last-minute rushes:

• Request supporting documentation from brances at least 20 days before the deadline. 
• Engage WFJ for lien/bond assistance at least 14 days prior to the deadline. 

Get Expert Guidance

When in doubt, consult a legal expert. WFJ’s lien and bond attorneys are here to help answer your questions and ensure your filings are compliant. Whether you need an opinon letter or help navigating complex lien laws, our team is ready to assist.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

By establishing proactive lien and bond protections now, you can prevent financial losses and ensure that your company is paid for the work and materials it provides. Contact WFJ today to discusss how we can help you streamline your process and secure your receivables.

For credit managers, mitigating risk is a top priority. Late payments, customer defaults, and financial instability can create serious cash flow issues and increase the risk of non-payment. One of the most effective tools available to credit professionals is the performance bond – a crucial form of protection that ensures obligations are met and payments secured.

Understanding Performance Bonds

A performance bond is a type of surety bond issued by an insurance company or bank to guarantee that a party will fulfill their contractual obligations. If they fail to do so, the surety company steps in, either to ensure completion or to compensate the affected party for losses incurred.

Performance bonds play a key role in various industries. They are commonly used in manufacturing, serving contracts, supply agreements, and large-scale transactions to provide financial security and guarantee performance.

Why Credit Managers Should Pay Attention to Performance Bonds

1. Mitigating Payment Risk-Businesses experiencing financial difficulties may struggle to pay suppliers or service providers. A performance bond provides security that obligations will be met, reducing the likelihood of unpaid invoices.
2. Ensuring Contract Completion-If a bonded company defaults, the surety ensures that an alternative solution is in place, protecting all parties involved.
3. Enhancing Credit Decisions-When evaluating credit applications, knowledge of performance bonds can help gauge financial security and business viability.
4. Supporting Collections Efforts– If a contract is breached and payments go unpaid, knowing how to leverage a performance bond claim can help recover funds.

How Performance Bonds Work in the Payment Process

Credit managers should be familiar with the three key parties involved in a performance bond:

• Obligee (Project Owner or Contracting Party)-The entity requiring the bond, often a company or government agency.
• Principal (Contracted Party)- The business obligated to fulfill the contract.
• Surety (Bonding Company)- The entity guaranteeing performance andstepping in if the principal defaults.

A performance bond is often issued alongside a payment bond, which ensures supplilers and service providers are paid even if the contracting party fails to meet financial obligations. These two bonds together provide a comprehensive layer of financial protection in contractual agreements.

Identifying Red Flags in Troubled Business Relationship

Credit managers should watch for early warning signs of financial distress to act proactively. These include:

• late or irregular payments from clients or customers
• increased disputes over contractual obligations
• companies struggling to obtain new credit lines
• delays in product or service delivery
• business restructuring, leadership changes, or talk of acquisition

Steps to Protect Your Business

Verify Bond Coverage-Before extending credit, ensure the contracting party has an active performance bond in place.

Understand Claim Deadlines-Each bond has specific notice and filing deadlines. Missing these could result in lost recovery opportunities.

Track Payment Timelines- If payments become inconsistent, invesitgate whether a bond claim may be necessary.

Work with Legal Counsel-A knowledgeable legal team can help navigate the complexities of bond claims and ensure compliance with filing requirements.

Performance bonds serve as a critical safety net across industries, offering credit managers an additional layer of protection against non-payment and contract failure. Understanding how they work and how to leverage them effectively can make all the differenece in managing risk and securing payment.

If you have concerns about payment security or need assistance with bond rights and enforcement, our team at Wagner, Falconer & Judd is here to help. Contact us to ensure your business is fully protected.

Louisiana has enacted significant amendments to its bond claim statutes, impacting both private and public projects. These changes, which took affect on August, 1, 2024, for private bond claims and June 19, 2024, for public bond claims, introduce new obligations for sureties while also allowing them to assert additional defenses in certain circumstances.

Key Changes in the Law

One of the most notable updates is the introduction of “pay-if-paid” and “pay-when-paid” defenses for sureties, provided these provisions exist in the general contractor’s contract. However, material suppliers are specificaly exempt from these defenses, ensuring stronger payment protections for their claims.

How Material Suppliers Can Secure Payment

Under the amended statuses, sureties are now required to make payment to a material supplier if the following conditions are met:

1. Delivery Compliance: The materials supplied must conform to the specifications outlined in the order.
2. None of Nonpayment: If 45 days pass without payment after material delivery, the supplier may send a Notice of Nonpayment to the general contractor, surety, owner.
3. Final Payment Notice: If 90 days elaps from the date of delivery without receiving payment, the supplier can issue a “payment notice” to the surety.
4. Mandatory Payment Decline: Upon receipt of the “payment notice”, the surety must pay the material supplier within 10 days. While the statute is unclear, it appears the deadline for payment is based on the date the “payment notice” is mailed rather than when it is received.

Proper Notice Delivery is Critical 

To ensure compliance with the new requirements, all required notices should be sent via registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. This helps establish a clear record of compliance with statutory deadlines and protects the material supplier’s rights.

While the law does not provide a detailed definition of a “payment notice”, it is reasonable to assume that this notice should include:

• Acopy of the outstanding invoice(s)
• A copy of the previously sent Notice of Nonpayment

What this Means for Material Suppliers

These amendments provide a structured process for material suppliers to secure payment more effectively, reducing the risks associated with delayed or withheld funds. By following the outlined notice procedures, material suppliers can ensure their claims are properly documented and enforceable under the new legal framework.

For businesses supplying materials on bonded projects in Louisiana, understanding and adhering to these new requirements is essential to securing timely payments and avoiding potential disputes. Staying informed and proactive in sending notices can make all the difference in ensuring financial stability and compliance with the updated bond laws.

Partner with WFJ for Legal Guidance and Protection

Navigating legal changes can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone WFJ is here to help businesses stay compliant, protect their projects, and secure payments efficiently. Our legal team is well versed in construction law and bond claims, ensuring your rights are safeguarded under the latest legal updates. Contact WFJ today to learn how we can support your business and keep your projects moving forward without unnecessary financial risks.

Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of lien and bond laws is crucial for construction professionals and large businesses looking to protect their financial interests. In recent years, several states have enacted key legislative changes impacting private, commercial (non-residential) mechanic’s lien claims and public bond claims-shaping how contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders secure payment on projects. Staying informed about these updates can mean the difference between a smooth claim process and costly legal disputes. Below, we break down some of the significant changes affecting commercial and government construction projects.

 Public Bond Threshold

In recent years, more states have raised the minimum contract amount that requires general contrators on public projects to secure a payment bond. Here are some of the latest increases:

Alabama – $50,000 – $100,000

Kentucky – $40,000 – $100,000

Illinois – $50,000 – $150,000

Montana – $50,000 – $150,000

Subcontractors and material suppliers should continue to track these increases to ensure there is payment protection on these government projects.

Florida

In October 2023, the Florida lien law was amended.  Notably, Florida expanded the definition of “contractor” to include both construction management services and program management services.  Construction management services include coordinating and scheduling a project’s preconstruction and construction phases, and program management services include cost and schedule control, and coordinating project planning, design, and construction.

Additionally, if a payment bond has been posted on a private project, both the contractor and the contractor’s surety must be served with the Notice of Nonpayment.  For rental equipment, the Notice must be served no later than 90 days after the date that the equipment was on the project and available for use.

Louisiana

In 2024, the law was amended for payment bonds on both private and public projects.  On payment bond claims, sureties may now assert contingent payment clauses as a defense to payment.  If there is a “pay-if-paid” or “pay-when-paid” clause in the contract, a surety can now rely on those clauses to avoid payment.

However, the amended law also created an exception for material suppliers.  If the material supplier sends notice of non-payment to the general contractor, surety, and owner, at least 45 days after the date of delivery, and is not paid within 90 days of the delivery of the materials, the surety is obligated to make payment on the supplier’s claim no later than 10 days after the supplier sends a payment notice.

Texas

In 2023 Texas amended the law for change orders issued on an current project.  For all construction contracts entered on or after September 1, 2023, if the contractor (or subcontractor) receives a directive and the value of that change totals 10 percent or more of the original contract value, the contractor (or subcontractor) can decline the work.   The contractor or subcontractor now has a statutory right to refuse to proceed with the work before an executed change order is signed.  Additionally, a contractor or subcontractor who elects not to proceed with additional work is not responsible for damages associated with the election not to proceed.

Virginia

Effective January 1, 2023, Virginia eliminated pay-if-paid provisions in construction contracts.  If the prime contract was executed prior to January 1, 2023, pay if paid clauses are enforceable, assuming the applicable contract language is clear and unambiguous.   However, if the prime contract was executed on or after January 1, 2023, a pay-if-paid clause is not enforceable in Virginia.

Changes in line and bond laws can create unexpected challenges, but they also present opportunities to strengthen your payment security. WFJ provides the legal knowledge and strategic support you need to adapt to new requirements and protect your projects. Let’s work toegether to ensure your contracts, claims, and compliance efforts are rock solid.

The information provided in this summary does not, nor is it intended to, constitute legal advice. You should not take or refrain from taking any action based on any information contained in this summary without first seeking legal advice.

State specific opinion letters are available upon request.

If one of your goals in 2025 is ensure your contracts are more secure, you’re not alone. Contracts are often viewed as administrative necessities, but for businesses involved in capital equipment sales-whether it’s large machinery, medical devices or construction materials-contracts are powerful tools for mitigating financial and legal risks. Poorly drafted agreements can lead to costly disputes, lost revenue, and exposure to liabilities that could threaten the financial stability of your business. By incorporating key provisions, you can safeguard your operations and reduce potential risks. Let’s explore three critical contract terms every capital equipment provider should prioritize.

Limitation of Liability: Safeguard Your Financial Interests

A limitation of liability clause protects your business from excessive financial exposure by capping the damages you may be required to pay in the event of a dispute or breach. For capital equipment providers, this protection is crucial given the significant cost associated with product failures, delayed delivery, or operational downtime.

How it works:

This clause limits liability to a specific dollar amount, such as the contract value or a predetermined ceiling, ensuring your exposure is manageable. For example, if a client incurs significant losses due to malfunction, your liability could be limited to the purchase price of the product rather than broader, unpredictable costs like lost profits or third-party claims.

Best Practice:

Be precise in defining the cap and consider excluding specific types of damages, such as consequential, incidental, or punitive damages. Keep in mind that enforceability may vary by  jurisdiction, so consult legal counsel to endure your contracts are legally sound and enforceable.

Warranties: Clearly Define Your Obligations

Warranties establish the scope of your obligations and help set customer expectations, which is critical in capital equipment sales where trust is essential. Warranties can be express (explicitly stated) or implied (automatically applied by law). Managing these warranties properly can prevent misunderstandings and legal disputes.

Express Warranties:

These are explicit promises regarding the product’s performance, quality, or lifespan. They’re often detailed in contracts, marketing materials, or technical specifications. Missteps in how these promises are worded can lead to overcommitments and liability exposure.

Implied Warranties: These include written guarantees like the warranty of merchantability (the product will perform as expected) and fitness for particular purposes (the product is suitable for the buyer’s specific need). While these are automatic in many transactions, they can often be limited or disclaimed through carefully crafted contract language.

Best Practice:

Specify what is covered and for how long. If applicable, disclaim implied warranties to avoid unforeseen obligations. For example, a clause such as “The product is sold as-is with no implied warranties” can significantly reduce your risk.

Indemnity Clauses: Shift Liability for Third-Party Claims

Indemnity clauses allocate the financial responsibility for third-party claims to a specific party, which is essential in capital sales where the risk of product-related claims is higher. These provisions protect your business from bearing the financial burden of lawsuits related to product performance, safety, or improper use by the customer.

How it works:

If a customer or a third party files a claim due to a malfunction, defect, or accident, an indemnity clause can transfer the responsibility for legal costs, settlements, and damages away from your company. This is particularly valuable in industries like construction, healthcare, and heavy equipment, where operational risks are significant.

Best Practice:

Ensure the indemnity clause defines the scope of claims covered and the extent of liability. In some cases, mutual indemnity-where both parties agree to indemnify each other under certain circumstances-can provide balanced protection.

The Bottom Line: Protect Your Business Through Smart Contracting

For capital equipment providers, contracts are more than legal agreements-they are essential risk management tools. By integrating provisions such as limitation of liability, clear warranties, and well-structured indemnity clauses, you can significantly reduce your exposure to financial loss and legal disputes.

Taking the time to review and refine your contracts with experienced legal counsel ensures that these provisions are both enforceable and tailored to your unique business needs. Protecting your business today with robust contract terms can prevent costly issues down the road and strengthen your financial stability. Take action. If you’re unsure whether your contracts effectively reduce your risk, now is the time for a review. Contact Wagner, Falconer and Judd for expert guidance on drafting capital sales contracts designed to protect your bottom line.

In light of recent extreme weather events, it’s crucial for businesses to ensure their contracts include a Force Majeure clause. This provision protects parties from liability or obligations when unexpected events beyond their control prevent the fulfillment of contractual duties.

What Does Force Majeure Cover?

A Force Majeure clause typically applies to situations such as:

• Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, or other severe weather events.
• Government Actions or Regulations: Unexpected regulations, travel bans, or other state-imposed restrictions.
• Labor Strikes or Civil Unrest: Disruptions in operations due to strikes or protests.
• Pandemics or Public Health Emergencies: Events similar to the COVID-19 pandemic that impact business operations.

Why Force Majeure Clauses Matter?

Including a Force Majeure clause in contracts is essential for businesses to mitigate risks, provide flexibility, and avoid breach of contract when unforeseen events occur. Here’s why:

Mitigates Risk: A Force Majeure clause reduces potential liabilities by freeing parties from obligations when events beyond their control-like natural disasters or pandemics-disrupt operations.

Provides Contract Flexibility: This provision allows for the adjustment or suspension of obligations during disruptive events, ensuring businesses can adapt without facing penalties.

Avoids Breach of Contract: By acknowledging the impact of unpredictable events, a Force Majeure clause helps prevent breaches and protects relationships between parties.

How This Plays Out in Practice

In real-world scenarios, Force Majeure clauses are invaluable when dealing with:

Supply Chain Disruptions: When extreme weather or other factors interrupt supply lines, the clause provides relief from penalties.

Service Interruption: If a company cannot perform services due to uncontrollable circumstances, it avoids liability by invoking the Force Majeure provision.

By including this clause, businesses can protect themselves from undue risks and financial burdens when events outside of their control occur. It’s a proactive step that provides flexibility and helps manage unforeseen disruptions effectively.

If you’re looking to strengthen your contracts or need guidance on incorporating Force Majeure clauses, our legal team at WFJ is here to assist.

Addressing defaults and outlining remedies within contracts is crucial for protecting businesses from financial risk. For finance teams, it is essential to ensure that these provisions are robust and clear, providing them with the necessary tools to respond effectively in the event of a customer’s default.

A default occurs when a party fails to fulfill its contractual obligations, such as making timely payments or or adhering to the terms of a lease or purchase agreement. To mitigate the financial impact of a default, contracts should include late or missed payments, failure to maintain insurance, or unauthorized use of equipment. By clearly defining what constitutes a default, the dealer can act swiftly and decisively when a breach occurs.

Once a default is established, the contract should provide a range of remedies to protect the businesses’ financial interests. Common remedies include the right to repossess any equipment, acceleration of payment obligations (where the full amount due becomes immediately payable), and the imposition of late fees or interest on overdue payments. The right to terminate the contract and recover damages, including the cost of retrieving and refurbishing the equipment, should also be clearly articulated.

To further strengthen these protections, finance teams should ensure that contracts include provisions for legal fees and costs, allowing the dealer to recover expenses incurred in enforcing the contract or pursuing legal action. Additionally, contracts should specify that any waiver of a default or delay in enforcement does not constitute a waiver of the dealer’s rights under the contract, preserving the dealer’s ability to enforce the agreement in the future.

It is also important to include dispute resolution mechanisms, such as arbitration or mediation, which can provide a more efficient and cost-effective means of resolving conflicts without resorting to lengthy litigation. These mechanisms should be clearly outlined in the contract, along with the steps required to initiate them.

Finally, finance teams should work closely with legal counsel to ensure that default and remedy provisions are tailored to the dealership’s specific needs and are compliant with applicable laws. Regular review of contract templates and updates in response to changes in the law or business practices is essential for maintaining effective protection.