Chapter 24

PROCEDURAL ASPECTS OF

CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION

Shawn M. Rodda, Esq., Editor (2007 Supplement)

Holland & Hart LLP

Daniel R. Frost, Esq., Editor (2005 Supplement)

Holland & Hart LLP

Buck S. Beltzer, P.E., Esq., Editor and Author (2005 & 2007 Supplements)

Holland & Hart LLP

Todd W. Miller, Esq., Editor and Author (2003 Supplement)

Holland & Hart LLP

SYNOPSIS

§ 24.1 INTRODUCTION

§ 24.1.1—Types Of Claims

§ 24.2 STANDING

§ 24.3 PROPER FORUM

§ 24.3.1—Contractual Language

§ 24.3.2—No Contractual Language

§ 24.4 JURISDICTION

§ 24.4.1—Personal Jurisdiction

§ 24.4.2—Subject-Matter Jurisdiction

§ 24.4.3—Venue

§ 24.5 AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES

§ 24.5.1—Waivable Defenses

§ 24.5.2—Statutes Of Limitation

§ 24.5.3—Failure To Exhaust Administrative Remedies

(10/07) 24-1

§ 24.6 CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS IN PROFESSIONAL

NEGLIGENCE CASES

§ 24.7 PROCEDURAL ASPECTS OF THE CONSTRUCTION DEFECT ACT

§ 24.7.1—Notice Requirements When An Express Warranty Does Not Apply

§ 24.7.2—Type Of Action Restricted

§ 24.8 PRO RATA LIABILITY

§ 24.8.1—Claims Subject To The Statute

§ 24.8.2—Designation Of Responsible Nonparties

§ 24.8.3—Allocation Of Responsibility

§ 24.8.4—Comparative Fault

§ 24.9 ARBITRATION OF CONSTRUCTION DISPUTES

§ 24.10 ACTIONS AGAINST GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES

§ 24.10.1—Notice Of Intent To Sue

§ 24.10.2—Sovereign Immunity

§ 24.11 MISCELLANEOUS PROCEDURAL ISSUES

§ 24.11.1—Garnishment Proceeding

§ 24.12 FEDERAL CONSTRUCTION CLAIMS

§ 24.12.1—Miller Act Claims

§ 24.12.2—Federal Contracts

§ 24.13 COUNTERCLAIMS, CROSS CLAIMS, AND THIRD PARTY PRACTICE IN

CONSTRUCTION LAW

§ 24.13.1—Rule 13: Counterclaim And Cross-Claim

§ 24.13.2—Rule 14: Third Party Practice

As more fully explained throughout this book, the substantive law applicable to construc-

tion disputes can be unique and tricky. The procedural law that governs such disputes also can be

difficult. Claims asserted by parties in a construction dispute can be subject to different certifica-

tion requirements, mandatory notice provisions, and binding ADR procedures. It is critical that

§ 24.1 • INTRODUCTION

§ 24.1 The Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Construction Law

24-2 (10/07)

practitioners in this area be familiar both with the general rules that govern civil litigation in

Colorado, and also the special requirements that may apply to claims asserted in the construction

context. This chapter covers some of those rules and requirements.

§ 24.1.1 —Types Of Claims

See generally Chapter 7, “The Owner of the Construction Project”; Chapter 8,

“Architect/Engineer Liability”; Chapter 10, “The Contractor”; Chapter 15, “Defective

Construction Performance”; Chapter 16, “Express and Implied Warranties in Construction Law”;

and Chapter 18, “Construction Disputes.”

Economic Loss Rule

Colorado practitioners should be aware that it can be difficult to bring tort claims in com-

mercial construction cases. In 2004, in BRW, Inc. v. Dufficy & Sons, Inc.,1 the Colorado Supreme

Court held that a subcontractor on a commercial construction project may not sue the design engi-

neer in tort for the subcontractor’s alleged economic losses on the project. The BRW decision

turns on the economic loss doctrine and underscores the importance of this doctrine for parties

who are engaged in litigation involving commercial construction projects.

The economic loss rule is triggered when a party to a contract claims that he or she has

sustained financial loss or has not realized the full profit expected in performing the contract and

asserts tort claims to recover these alleged economic losses. This strategy may be an attractive

course because tort law permits a more expansive measure of damages than contract law.

Construction law is, by its very nature, contractual. The economic loss rule, as established

by the Colorado Supreme Court in 2000, limits parties to recovery under contract theory when a

breach causes only economic loss.2 In Colorado, economic loss is any damage other than physical

harm to persons or property.3 The Colorado Supreme Court requires the focus to be on the source

of the duty, not the resultant harm, when determining whether the economic loss rule applies to a

dispute.4 Practitioners should also carefully consider the recent development that extends the eco-

nomic loss rule both to parties in contractual privity and parties in “interrelated contracts.”5

Thus, BRW and Town of Alma provide a relatively clear analytical framework for those

practitioners who either seek to assert or who wish to defend against tort claims in commercial

construction context.

Claims by Owners

The most common claims asserted by owners generally are directed either at the archi-

tect/engineer on the project, or at the general contractor. Owners hire architects to design their

projects, and hire general contractors to implement the design and carry out the project. There are

also a number of other entities that may be involved — sub-contractors, material suppliers, and

insurers, for example — but the owner’s principal expectations are focused on the architect/engi-

neer and the general contractor.

If an owner is dissatisfied with the performance of its architect/engineer, the owner usual-

ly asserts both a breach of contract claim and a negligence claim.6 However, if the owner and

Procedural Aspects of Construction Litigation § 24.1.1

(10/07) 24-3

architect/engineer are bound under contract, either party may be barred from asserting a negli-

gence claim under Colorado’s economic loss doctrine.7 Under the economic loss doctrine, “a

party suffering only economic loss from the breach of an express or implied contractual duty may

not assert a tort claim for such a breach absent an independent duty of care under tort law.”8

A breach of contract claim can be based on that architect/engineer’s failure to fulfill the

explicit written requirements of the contract, as well as the architect’s failure to use reasonable

care in the performance of the contract, or the failure to abide by applicable professional stan-

dards.9 Architect/engineers are subject to an implied warranty that they possess the skill and learn-

ing ordinarily possessed by others in their profession.10 A contract claim against the architect may

also be predicated on the architect’s failure to meet applicable building codes.11

Owners may also assert negligence claims against architect/engineers, but only when the

architect/engineer owes the owner an independent duty of care.12 One court has noted that the evi-

dence admissible under either a contract or a negligence case against an architect is essentially the

same, and that the only real difference between the claims are the applicable statutes of limita-

tions, and the damages that are recoverable.13 Under Colorado law, an architect must exercise rea-

sonable care, which requires him or her to act “in a manner consistent with the knowledge and

ability possessed by members of the profession in good standing.”14 The standard is measured on

a statewide, rather than local, basis.15 As discussed below in section 24.6, if an owner asserts a

claim for professional negligence against the architect, he or she is required to file a certification

within 60 days that the claim has been reviewed by an expert and determined to be meritorious.16

Owners may also assert claims for breach of contract and negligence against the general

contractor, but again, only when the contractor owes the owner an independent duty of care.17

Colorado law recognizes that the contract between the owner and the general contractor creates

the obligation of the general contractor to perform its work with reasonable care and skill.18

Owners also may assert claims for the contractor’s breach of implied warranties, including com-

pliance with applicable building codes, performance of work in a workmanlike manner, and suit-

ability of the completed project for the ordinary purposes for which it might reasonably be used.19

Claims Against Owners

See generally Chapter 7, “The Owner of the Construction Project.”

Architects and general contractors may assert claims against the owner for breach of con-

tract, usually involving the failure to pay fees due under the contract.20 General contractors may

also seek lost profits, if the owner improperly ends the project.21 The owner is also subject to an

implied warranty regarding the sufficiency of the plans and specifications provided to contractors.

If the plans are not adequate, contractors may be able to recover payment for any additional work

or costs occasioned by the defective plans.22 Because subcontractors rarely have any privity of

contract with owners, direct contract claims by subcontractors are usually not viable. However,

subcontractors who have not been paid by the contractor generally will file a mechanic’s lien

against the property for which the subcontractor’s efforts were provided.23 Sub-contractors may

also file claims for unjust enrichment, although such claims in the context of tenant finish work

will likely fail.24

§ 24.1.1 The Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Construction Law

24-4 (10/07)

Claims by Contractors

See generally Chapter 10, “The Contractor.”

Contractors generally enter into a prime contract with the owner to implement the project

as designed by the owner’s architect, as well as one or more additional contracts with subcontrac-

tors to carry out the project. As against the owner, the most common claim is for payment under

the prime contract.25 Additionally, contractors may be entitled to recover for harm that results

from any delay caused by the owner, unless the prime contract contains a no-damages-for-delay

provision.26 The most common claim that arises against subcontractors is for breach of contract

based on the failure to perform pursuant to the requirements of the subcontract. Oftentimes,

claims against subcontractors are characterized as a failure to fulfill a warranty that work will be

completed in a workmanlike manner.27 In addition, construction contracts include an implied

covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and a contractor can assert a claim for breach of that

covenant as part of its claim for breach of contract.28

Claims Against Contractors

See generally Chapter 10, “The Contractor.”

The most common claim against a contractor will be for nonpayment to a subcontractor.

If the unpaid subcontractor also asserts a mechanic’s lien and/or a claim for unjust enrichment

against the owner, the contractor is also likely to face a claim for indemnification by the owner.

Owners also may assert a claim for failure to perform as required by the prime contract. If the

contractor enters into a design-build contract with the owner, the contractor’s potential liability to

the owner expands to include the design phase of the project, as well.29 As the manager of a proj-

ect, contractors also face potential premises liability with respect to the worksite.30 Contractors

also face potential liability with respect to worker safety under Colorado Workers’ Compensation

Act, as well as the federal Occupational Health and Safety Act.31

Claims by Architects and Engineers

See generally Chapter 7, “The Owner of the Construction Project.”

Generally, architects and engineers enter into contracts with owners to design projects as

specified by the owner. Assuming that the specifications of the owner are sufficiently identified,

the most common claim an architect or engineer will have is for nonpayment by the owner.

Claims Against Architects and Engineers

See generally Chapter 8, “Architect/Engineer Liability.”

The scope of potential claims against an architect or engineer is considerably more expan-

sive. Most commonly, claims against an architect or engineer will be asserted by the owner.32

As discussed earlier, an owner or other entity may only assert a tort claim against an architect or

engineer when the architect or engineer owes the owner a duty independent of the contractual

duty.33

Procedural Aspects of Construction Litigation § 24.1.1

(10/07) 24-5

Standing is a threshold jurisdictional issue in any litigation.34 It concerns the question of

whether a party who has asserted a claim in litigation has a right to invoke the jurisdiction of the

courts to hear the claim.35 The test in Colorado for determining standing was established in

Wimberly v. Ettenberg.36 As the court explained, the “proper inquiry on standing is whether the

plaintiff has suffered injury in fact to a legally protected interest as contemplated by statutory or

constitutional provisions.”37 Because standing is a jurisdictional issue, it can be raised at any

time.38 In determining the issue of standing, a trial court must accept the allegations of the com-

plaint as true, and can consider other evidence supportive of standing.39

Subsequent case law has elaborated on the standing test announced in Wimberly. The test

involves both constitutional and prudential issues.40 The constitutional issue arises out of Article

VI, section 1 of the Colorado Constitution, which limits the role of the courts to the resolution of

actual controversies.41 Under this prong of the test, a plaintiff must demonstrate that he or she has

suffered or will suffer an injury in fact.42 Such injury need not necessarily be economic in charac-

ter; harm to intangible values will satisfy this requirement, as well.43 Similarly, the violation of

rights created by statute satisfies the injury in fact requirement.44 When a statute specifically des-

ignates those who may sue under it, however, no one except those designated has standing to pur-

sue a claim for violation of the statute.45 To satisfy the injury in fact requirement, the alleged

injury must be direct and palpable.46

The prudential prong of the standing test requires that the plaintiff demonstrate the injury

he or she has suffered is to a legally protected right that belongs to the plaintiff.47 Generally

speaking, a party does not have standing based on injury to the legally protected interests of oth-

ers.48 However, a plaintiff who can establish his or her own standing may, under certain limited

circumstances, be able to establish standing on behalf of a third party, as well.49 For example,

such standing may exist where the plaintiff can establish a substantial relationship with a third

party.50 Second, such standing may exist where the plaintiff can demonstrate sufficient difficulty

associated with or improbability of the third party asserting his or her own rights.51 Finally, the

plaintiff can argue the need to avoid dilution of a third party’s rights if third-party standing is not

permitted.52

When a dispute arises, an early determination must be made as to the proper forum in

which to address the dispute. This question turns on a number of issues, including contractual lan-

guage that may govern the proper forum or identify the range of options, jurisdictional questions,

and venue issues.

§ 24.3 • PROPER FORUM

§ 24.2 • STANDING

§ 24.2 The Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Construction Law

24-6 (10/07)

§ 24.3.1—Contractual Language

Colorado law accords wide latitude to parties to a contract in specifying the chosen forum

in which to resolve disputes. Practitioners should always study the language of any agreement

under which a dispute arises to carefully determine whether it specifies the agreed-upon process

and/or forum for resolving disputes.

See generally Chapter 26, “Contract Clauses Managing, Allocating, and Transferring

Construction Project Risks.”

Forum Selection Clauses

In Colorado, forum selection clauses are enforceable unless they are unfair or unreason-

able.53 The burden of proving that a forum selection clause is unfair or unreasonable is on the

party seeking to avoid its effect.54 Mere inconvenience or additional expense is not the test of

unreasonableness; instead, the party seeking to avoid the forum selection clause must “show that

the trial in contractual forum will be so gravely difficult and inconvenient that he will for all prac-

tical purposes be deprived of his day in court.”55 Thus, if a contract specifies the parties’ chosen

forum, that choice will usually be enforced absent some compelling reason why the parties should

not be held to the language of the contract. The proper procedure for asserting the applicability of

a forum selection clause is to file a motion to dismiss at the outset of the proceedings, at which

point the trial court must require the party opposing the motion to demonstrate by a preponder-

ance of the evidence that the clause is unfair, unreasonable, or fraudulently induced.56 The trial

court may hold an evidentiary hearing and, where applicable, may hold that enforcement of the

forum selection clause was waived.57

See generally Chapter 26, “Contract Clauses Managing, Allocating, and Transferring

Construction Project Risks.”

ADR Clauses

See generally Chapter 21, “Arbitration and Mediation of Construction Disputes.”

The public policy of Colorado strongly favors arbitration as a dispute resolution

process.58 A valid, enforceable arbitration agreement divests a court of jurisdiction over all issues

within the scope of the agreement.59 To decide whether an arbitration agreement encompasses a

dispute, the court must decide whether the factual allegations underlying the claims are within the

scope of the arbitration clause, regardless of the legal label assigned to the claims.60 Any doubts

about the scope of an arbitration provision are to be resolved in favor of arbitration.61

The Colorado Supreme Court has recently overturned the intertwining doctrine in Colora-

do. Thus, claims that are subject to an arbitration agreement must be arbitrated, while claims that

are not subject to arbitration may be stayed or proceed to litigation, in the discretion of the trial

court.62

Procedural Aspects of Construction Litigation § 24.3.1

(10/07) 24-7

Choice of Law

Regardless of any contractual provision requiring application of the law of another state,

the Colorado legislature has stated that the law of Colorado shall apply to all construction projects

in Colorado.63

§ 24.3.2—No Contractual Language

If players in a construction project are not bound by contract, or if the contract does not

contain a forum selection clause, state court venue is governed by C.R.C.P. § 98(c). As related to

a construction dispute, § 98(c) states that venue is proper in the county:

1) where the contract was signed;64

2) where the contract was to be performed;65

3) where the tort was committed;

4) where any of the defendants reside;

5) where the plaintiff resides (a) if service is made on the defendant in that same county,

or (b) if the defendant is from out of state;

6) where the defendant may be found; or

7) in the county designated in the complaint.

Jurisdictional issues can arise in one of two ways. The issue of personal jurisdiction con-

cerns the court’s authority over the parties that are before it. Subject matter jurisdiction focuses on

the power of a court to address the substantive issues that are presented and to accord the relief

that is requested.

§ 24.4.1—Personal Jurisdiction

C.R.C.P. 12(b)(2) provides for the dismissal of a claim if a court lacks personal jurisdic-

tion over the party subject to the claim. Practitioners must carefully analyze this issue whenever

they represent out-of-state defendants, since the absence of personal jurisdiction is a waivable

defense.66 The defense can be waived in a number of ways. For example, if a defendant files a

motion to dismiss under Rule 12(b), but fails to include the lack of personal jurisdiction among

the bases for the motion, the defense is waived.67 If no Rule 12(b) motion is asserted and a defen-

dant also neglects to assert the defense in its responsive pleading or any permissible amendment

thereof, again the defense will be waived.68 If the defense is asserted in the responsive pleading

but not specifically raised before the trial court within a reasonable time, the defense may be

waived.69 The defense may be waived by other conduct, as well. For example, the assertion of a

permissive counter claim, a crossclaim, or a third-party claim will probably affect a waiver of the

defense.70

§ 24.4 • JURISDICTION

§ 24.3.1 The Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Construction Law

24-8 (10/07)

Generally speaking, personal jurisdiction exists if a defendant is served in state. Thus,

Colorado courts have personal jurisdiction over an out-of-state corporation qualified to do busi-

ness in Colorado, including claims arising out of a transaction occurring in another state, as long

as service was affected within Colorado.71 However, there is some question whether service on a

defendant who is temporarily in the state but with no other contacts with the state is sufficient to

confer personal jurisdiction.72

If a defendant who is not served in Colorado challenges the existence of personal jurisdic-

tion, it becomes the plaintiff’s burden to make a prima facie demonstration that personal jurisdic-

tion exists.73 A prima facie demonstration of personal jurisdiction may be based on the allegations

of the complaint.74 The court may also consider any affidavits offered by the parties, as well as

evidence presented at the hearing on the motion to dismiss.75 The issue of personal jurisdiction is

determined based on facts that existed at the time the complaint was filed.76

The analysis of personal jurisdiction involves a two-tiered inquiry. The court must first

determine whether Colorado’s long-arm statute, C.R.S. § 13-1-124, provides a basis for the exer-

cise of jurisdiction, and then determine whether the exercise of jurisdiction would violate federal

due process principles.77 C.R.S. § 13-1-124 provides in pertinent part as follows:

(1) Engaging in any act enumerated in this section by any person, whether or not a

resident of the state of Colorado, either in person or by an agent, submits such

person and, if a natural person, such person’s personal representative to the

jurisdiction of the courts of this state concerning any cause of action arising

from:

(a) The transaction of any business within this state;

(b) The commission of a tortious act within this state;

(c) The ownership, use, or possession of any real property situated in this state;

(d) Contracting to insure any person, property, or risk residing or located with-

in this state at the time of contracting.

* * * *

Case law makes it clear that the legislature’s intent in enacting this statute was to extend the juris-

diction of Colorado courts to the fullest extent permitted by the due process clause of the 14th

Amendment to the United States Constitution.78

The due process analysis assesses whether the defendant has had sufficient minimum con-

tacts with the state such that maintenance of the suit does not offend the traditional notions of fair

play and substantial justice, as articulated by the U.S. Supreme Court in International Shoe Co. v.State of Washington.79 Due process requires that individuals have a fair warning that a particular

activity may subject them to the jurisdiction of a foreign sovereign.80 The critical issue is whether

the defendant has purposefully availed himself or herself of the privilege of conducting activities

within the forum state, thereby invoking the benefits and protections of its laws.81 If sufficient

minimum contacts exist, the court may consider those contacts in light of other factors to deter-

Procedural Aspects of Construction Litigation § 24.4.1

(10/07) 24-9

mine whether the assertion of personal jurisdiction passes constitutional muster.82 These factors

include the burden on the defendant; the forum state’s interest in adjudicating the dispute; and the

plaintiff’s interest in obtaining convenient and effective relief.83 As one court observed, “[d]eter-

mining personal jurisdiction [is] more an art than a science.”84

§ 24.4.2—Subject-Matter Jurisdiction

“Subject-matter jurisdiction concerns a court’s authority to deal with the class of cases in

which it renders judgment.85 A court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of an action if the

case is one of the types of cases that the court has been empowered to entertain by the sovereign

from which the court derives its authority.86 In determining whether a court has subject-matter

jurisdiction, it is necessary to evaluate both the nature of the claim and the relief sought.87 Unlike

issues of personal jurisdiction, the issue of subject-matter jurisdiction is not a waivable defense,

and may be raised at any time.88

State Court Jurisdiction

Article VI, Section 9 of the Colorado Constitution confers general jurisdiction upon dis-

trict courts, with original jurisdiction in all civil, probate, and criminal cases.89 This jurisdiction

extends to cases involving federal rights, even when there is no governing Colorado authority.90

When a federal question arises, state and federal courts have concurrent jurisdiction unless

Congress has affirmatively given exclusive jurisdiction to the federal courts.91

Federal Question Jurisdiction

Federal district courts have original jurisdiction of all civil actions arising under the

Constitution, laws, and treaties of the United States.92 Federal question jurisdiction applies to

claims founded upon federal common law as well as those of statutory origin.93 The mere fact that

a federal statute or regulation may apply to a dispute may not be enough, however, to confer fed-

eral jurisdiction.94 As Justice Cardozo explained in Gully v. First National Bank,95 the federal

right must be central to the case for federal question jurisdiction to exist:

To bring a case within the statute, a right or immunity created by the Constitution

or laws of the United States must be an element, and an essential one, of the plain-

tiff’s cause of action. The right or immunity must be such that it will be supported

if the Constitution or laws of the United States are given one construction or effect,

and defeated if they receive another. A genuine and present controversy, not mere-

ly a possible or conjectural one, must exist with reference thereto, and the contro-

versy must be disclosed upon the face of the complaint, unaided by the answer or

by the petition for removal.96

Moreover, the mere adoption by a state law of a United States law as a criterion or test does not

cause a case under the state law to be subject to federal question jurisdiction.97

As mentioned above, state and federal courts share concurrent jurisdiction over matters

involving federal questions unless they concern an area involving exclusive federal jurisdiction. A

number of federal statutes may arise in construction cases that are subject to exclusive federal

jurisdiction. For example, cases under the Miller Act are subject to exclusive federal jurisdic-

§ 24.4.1 The Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Construction Law

24-10 (10/07)

tion.98 Cases arising under a patent or copyright are also subject to exclusive federal jurisdic-

tion.99 Likewise, claims against the United States under the Federal Tort Claims Act must be filed

in federal court.100 And claims involving property of the estate of a debtor in bankruptcy are sub-

ject to exclusive federal jurisdiction; the district courts have original, but not exclusive, jurisdic-

tion over all other proceedings under the Bankruptcy Code.101

As to federal court jurisdiction over disputes concerning arbitration, see Chapter 21,

“Alternative Dispute Resolution,” Supplement.

Diversity Jurisdiction

Federal jurisdiction is also available in cases where the matter in controversy exceeds

$75,000, and is between either citizens of different states, citizens of a state and citizens or sub-

jects of a foreign state, or citizens of different states when citizens or subjects of a foreign state

are additional parties.102 The diversity of citizenship must be complete as between the plaintiffs

on the one hand and the defendants on the other; if any plaintiff and any defendant are citizens of

the same state, diversity jurisdiction does not exist.103 If the existence of diversity citizenship is

challenged, it is the plaintiff’s burden to prove diversity by a preponderance of the evidence.104

The citizenship of the parties at the time the action is commenced determines the diversity

question.105 In the case of natural citizens, state citizenship is the equivalent of domicile.106

Domicile is established by demonstrating physical presence in a location coupled with the intent

to remain there indefinitely.107 With respect to corporations, 28 U.S.C. § 1332(c)(1) provides that

a corporation is “deemed to be a citizen of any State by which it has been incorporated and of the

State where it has its principal place of business.” When determining a corporation’s principal

place of business, a court should look to the total activity of the company or the totality of the cir-

cumstances, considering “the character of the corporation, its purposes, the kind of business in

which it is engaged and the situs of its operations.”108 With limited partnerships, the citizenship of

each limited partner is evaluated to determine whether there is complete diversity.109 Similarly,

with unincorporated associations, the court looks to the citizenship of all of its individual mem-

bers in determining the existence of diversity jurisdiction.110

§ 24.4.3—Venue

The issue of venue is addressed in Rule 98 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure.

Rule 98(a) addresses, inter alia, actions “affecting” real property, and provides that such actions

shall be tried in the county in which the real property (the subject of the action, “or a substantial

part thereof,”) is situated. A number of cases address the issue of whether an action “affects” real

property, as contemplated by the rule. For example, actions to cancel a real estate mortgage,111

to quiet title,112 to terminate a lease and recover possession of real property,113 and to determine

county boundaries114 have been characterized as affecting real property. On the other hand, an

action directed to the validity of certain county land use regulations was determined not to fall

within the scope of Rule 98(a).115 The Colorado Supreme Court has also ruled that there is no

requirement that foreclosure proceedings be filed in the county where the property being fore-

closed is located.116

Procedural Aspects of Construction Litigation § 24.4.3

(10/07) 24-11

Rule 98 offers a number of options with respect to the proper venue for contract or tort

actions. If the action falls within either the parameters of Rule 98(a), dealing with claims that

“affect” real property, or Rule 98(b), dealing with the recovery of certain penalties or forfeitures,

the provisions of those sections must be followed.117 If those provisions do not apply, the rule

offers a number of other alternatives for the proper venue in which to pursue such claims. For

example, Rule 98(c)(1) provides that a contract or tort action may be tried either in (1) any county

in which any defendant resides, (2) the county where the plaintiff resides if a defendant is served

in that county, (3) any county in which a defendant can be found, or in the county designated in

the complaint, if the defendant is not a resident of Colorado, or (4) if the defendant is about to

depart Colorado, in any county where the plaintiff resides or where the defendant can be served.

Additionally, Rule 98(c)(2) — when read in tandem with interpretative case law — provides that

contract actions may be tried in the county that the contract identifies as the place of

performance.118 Similarly, Rule 98(c)(4) provides that an action on a contract for services may

also be tried in the county in which the services were to be performed. Rule 98(c)(5) provides that

a tort action may also be tried in the county where the tort was committed.

Objections to venue can be waived if they are not asserted in a timely fashion.119 Rule

98(e) provides that motions to change venue must be filed within the same timeframes governing

motions to dismiss under Rule 12(b)(1)-(4); i.e., within 20 days of service within the state, and 30

days if the complaint was served outside of Colorado.120 Additionally, if the defendant intends to

file a motion to dismiss under Rule 12(b)(1)-(4), the motion to change venue must be filed simul-

taneously with the motion to dismiss.121 If a defendant cannot file an intended motion to change

venue within the proper time, a motion to extend must be filed; otherwise, the right to object to

venue will be lost.122 Motions challenging venue with respect to consumer contracts, or which are

based either on the inconvenience or the potential prejudice of the chosen venue are treated differ-

ently. Such motions are waived only if they are not filed before the case is set for trial, although

the court can decide, in its discretion, to entertain such a motion even after that point.123

Rule 98(j) provides that if there are either multiple plaintiffs or multiple defendants in the

case, a motion to change venue should not be granted unless all the parties on the movant’s side

of the case consent to the requested change.124 However, if the motion is predicated on the con-

venience of witnesses pursuant to C.R.C.P. 98(f)(2), consent of the parties is not necessary.125 If a

motion to change venue is granted, the response to the complaint must be filed within 10 days of

the case being docketed in the new venue, unless that court allows more time.126 If the motion is

denied, the responsive pleading is due within 10 days of the order, unless the court allows more

time, as well.127

C.R.C.P. 12(b) provides that every defense in law or fact shall be asserted in a responsive

pleading, except that certain defenses may be asserted by motion. Those defenses are (1) lack of

subject matter jurisdiction; (2) lack of personal jurisdiction; (3) insufficiency of process; (4) insuf-

§ 24.5 • AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES

§ 24.4.3 The Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Construction Law

24-12 (10/07)

ficiency of service of process; (5) failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted; and (6)

failure to join a party under C.R.C.P. 19. Assertion of defenses is subject to the provisions of

C.R.C.P. 11.

§ 24.5.1—Waivable Defenses

In determining what defenses to assert when an answer is filed, special consideration

should be given to potentially waivable defenses. C.R.C.P. 12(h) provides that three particular

defenses are waived if they are neither asserted in a Rule 12 motion, nor included in the answer to

the complaint: (a) lack of personal jurisdiction; (b) insufficiency of process; or (c) insufficiency of

service of process.128

§ 24.5.2—Statutes Of Limitation

If there is an adequate basis for asserting that any or all of the plaintiff’s claims are time-

barred, the statutes of limitations should be asserted as a defense. The key limitations statutes that

may apply in a construction case are as follows.

Actions Against Architects, Engineers, and Contractors

All actions against architects, contractors, builders, engineers, or inspectors performing or

furnishing the design, planning, supervision, inspection, construction or observation of any

improvement for defects in their work must be brought within two years of the date such claim

arises.129 Such claims are deemed to have arisen when the claimant discovers or should have dis-

covered by the exercise of reasonable diligence the “physical manifestations of a defect in the

improvement which ultimately causes the injury.”130 However, no action may be brought more

than six years after substantial completion, unless the claim arises during the fifth or sixth year

after substantial completion, in which case the action may be brought within two years of the date

upon which the claim arises.131

C.R.S. § 13-80-104(1)(b)(II) deals specially with claims for indemnity or contribution,

and specifies that when such claims are based on the claimant’s liability to a third party, they may

be asserted either in conjunction with the original claim, pursuant to C.R.C.P. 13 and/or 14, or

within 90 days after the claims arise.132 The Colorado Supreme Court has interpreted C.R.S.

§ 13-80-104(1)(b)(II) to be a statute of limitations provision that allows an indemnity claim at any

time prior to ninety days after the original construction litigation terminates, not a ripeness provi-

sion that precludes an indemnity action prior to termination of the original claim.133

Contract Actions

Most claims in the construction context will be covered by the two-year limitations period

applicable to claims against architects, engineers, and contractors. Other claims, such as a claim

against an owner for nonpayment, will be subject to different limitations periods. C.R.S. § 13-80-

101(1)(a), for example, provides that causes of action for breach of contract are subject to a three-

year limitation period. A cause of action for breach of any express or implied contract is deemed

to have accrued on the date the breach is discovered or should have been discovered by the exer-

cise of reasonable diligence.134

Procedural Aspects of Construction Litigation § 24.5.2

(10/07) 24-13

Tort Actions

C.R.S. § 13-80-102(1)(a) provides that tort actions (other than claims within the scope of

C.R.S. § 13-80-104), including actions for negligence, must be commenced with two years after

the cause of action accrues. Similar to contract actions, such tort actions are deemed to have

accrued when the loss caused by the tortious or negligent conduct is discovered or should have

been discovered by the exercise of reasonable diligence.135

Mechanics’ Lien Act

A mechanics’ lien claimant must bring a foreclosure action within six months of one of

three dates, whichever occurs last: (1) the date the claimant last performed work on the project;

(2) the date the last materials were furnished; or (3) the date of completion of the building or

improvement.136

For an extensive analysis of the requirements of Colorado’s mechanics’ lien statutes, see

Chapter 19.

Colorado Public Works Act

Colorado’s Public Works Act requires that any person entering into a contract for more

than $50,000 with any county, municipality, or school district for the construction of any public

building or the completion of any public works (or repairs thereof) must post a bond conditioned

that such contractor shall timely make all payments that are lawfully due to its subcontractors and

suppliers.137 All subcontractors, materialmen, and suppliers of such a contractor have the right to

bring action against both the contractor and its surety for the amounts due under their subcon-

tracts.138 The action must be commenced within six months after the completion of the work.139

In addition, the Public Works Act also provides that a subcontractor on a public works

project may file with the public entity a verified statement of the amounts it is due and unpaid

until the final settlement.140 The subcontractor may file an action against either the contractor or

the surety within 90 days of the final settlement.141

At least one Colorado court has held that the failure to meet the statutory time limitation

set forth in the Colorado Public Works Act does not bar a subcontractor from asserting common

law claims against the contractor and/or surety.142

Timing

The statutes all agree that the statute of limitations period does not begin until the plaintiff

knew or should have known about the injury. Questions arise, however, when the injury manifests

slowly over time. Stiff v. BilDen Homes, Inc.143 dealt with this issue. In Stiff, the engineer present-

ed the builder with two foundation construction alternatives to deal with expansive soils.144 The

builder, with the owner’s knowledge, chose the slab-on-grade alternative that allowed minimal

floor movement over the more expensive alternative that eliminated floor movement.145 Upon

occupancy in 1994, the owner observed substantial floor movement but an independent engineer

certified, in 1996 and again in 1998, that the foundation movement was acceptable per the

design.146 Finally, the owner noticed in September of 1999 that the walls were moving away from

§ 24.5.2 The Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Construction Law

24-14 (10/07)

each other and noticed in June of 2000 that the furniture in the basement sat at an angle.147 The

owner filed suit in February 2001.148

The issue at trial was the point at which the statute of limitations began to toll where the

defect grows over time.149 In Stiff, the Colorado Court of Appeals analyzed the issue under

both150 C.R.S. § 13-80-108(1) and C.R.S. § 13-80-104(1)(b)(I) and found that the owner discov-

ered the physical manifestation of the defect only when the defect grew worse than the owner

should have reasonably expected.151

§ 24.5.3—Failure To Exhaust Administrative Remedies

If a claimant fails to exhaust available administrative remedies, the court lacks subject-

matter jurisdiction to hear the claim. Practitioners should evaluate whether a claim asserted is sub-

ject to an administrative review process that has not been exhausted.

One example where such a defense may arise is if a contractor has a dispute with the State

of Colorado. If such a dispute arises, the contractor is first required to attempt to resolve the dispute

with the head of the state’s purchasing agency or its designee.152 If the effort fails, or no determina-

tion is issued within 20 days after the effort is made, the contractor may either appeal to the Execu-

tive Director, or commence a court action.153 If the contractor has not exhausted the administrative

processes before proceeding to court, a defense of failure to exhaust administrative remedies should

be asserted, and a motion to dismiss for lack of subject matter jurisdiction should be filed.

See generally § 4.15.2 and § 5.17 in this book.

C.R.S. § 13-20-602(1)(a) provides that “[i]n every action for damages or indemnity based

upon the alleged professional negligence of . . . a licensed professional,” the plaintiff or his or her

attorney must file a certificate of review within 60 days after service of the complaint. If a certifi-

cate of review is untimely filed, the trial court must determine whether there is just cause to

excuse the late filing.154 In making that determination, the court must consider (1) whether the

neglect was excusable; (2) whether the underlying claim has merit; and (3) whether permitting the

late filing would be equitable, including whether it would result in prejudice to the non-moving

party.155 The certificate of review must specify that the plaintiff’s counsel has consulted with a

person who has expertise in the area of the negligent conduct, that the reviewing expert has

reviewed the “known facts,” and that based on that review, the reviewing expert has determined

that the claim does not lack substantial justification.156 Allegations in a complaint cannot serve as

a substitute for the certificate of review.157

Both architects158 and engineers159 must be licensed in the state of Colorado. Electrical160

and plumbing161 contractors are subject to state licensing requirements, as well, and other contrac-

§ 24.6 • CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS IN

PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE CASES

Procedural Aspects of Construction Litigation § 24.6

(10/07) 24-15

tors may be subject to local licensing ordinances. Thus, a certificate of review would be necessary

in any case asserting a negligence claim against any of these entities. Additionally, a certificate of

review applies to any case “based upon” the alleged professional negligence of a licensed profes-

sional.162 Accordingly, if a plaintiff asserts a breach of contract claim based in part on the alleged

failure to abide by applicable professional standards of conduct, a certificate of review would be

necessary.163 Finally, the certificate of review is required not just in actions against licensed pro-

fessionals individually, but also in all actions against a company or firm that employs a licensed

professional that are based upon professional negligence.164

The statute is inconsistent in specifying whether a certificate of review is necessary in

every case involving professional negligence. On the one hand, C.R.S. § 13-20-602(1)(a) states

that the certification is required in “every action” involving alleged professional negligence. On

the other, C.R.S. § 13-20-602(2) provides that if a certificate is not filed but the defending profes-

sional believes an expert is necessary to prove the claim of professional negligence, the defense

may move for an order requiring that such a certificate be filed. The Colorado Supreme Court has

held that if a plaintiff feels that expert testimony is not required to prove the professional negli-

gence claim, no certificate of review needs to be filed.165 Ultimately, the need for a certificate is

up to the trial court’s discretion.166

In any event, plaintiffs who choose not to file a certificate of review in a professional neg-

ligence case do so at their substantial peril, because the statute specifies that the failure to file a

certificate when one is required shall result in the dismissal of the claim.167 Claims based on pro-

fessional negligence that do not require expert testimony would seem to be rare. If filing pres-

sures, such as the applicable statutes of limitation, make it difficult to file the necessary certifica-

tion on a timely basis, it would be advisable to seek an extension of time to file the certificate168

rather than ignore the requirement and count on the court determining that expert testimony is

unnecessary or a defendant moving for either a certificate to be filed or dismissal of the case.

§ 24.7.1—Notice Requirements When An Express Warranty Does Not Apply

C.R.S. §§ 13-20-801 through -807 outline the procedural requirements and recovery limi-

tations169 in construction defect litigation. With this statute, the legislature intended to allow con-

tractors to repair defects before property owners turned to the courts for help. To this end, the

statute provides that the property owner shall notify the construction professional of the claim, at

least 75 five days170 prior to commencement of the action.171 Upon receiving notice, the construc-

tion professional shall, within 30 days of the notice, inspect the alleged defect.172 Within 30

days173 of the inspection, the contractor may, in writing, offer to settle the claim by payment or

fix174 the alleged defects.175 If the claimant does not accept the offer to settle within 15 days, the

offer is deemed to have been rejected.176 If the claimant accepts the offer to remedy, the work

must be complete according to the timetable, subject only to events beyond the construction pro-

§ 24.7 · PROCEDURAL ASPECTS OF THE CONSTRUCTION

DEFECT ACT

§ 24.6 The Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Construction Law

24-16 (10/07)

fessional’s control.177 Provision of notice under C.R.S. § 13-20-803.5, above, tolls the applicable

statute of limitations for 60 days.178

If the parties do not agree to settle the dispute, the court will schedule a construction

defect case for trial only after the claimant compiles and serves to the court (or arbitrator) and

construction professional a list of alleged construction defects.179 The claimant must file this sup-

plemental notice within 60 days of commencement of the action.180

§ 24.7.2—Type Of Action Restricted

A claimant may not assert a negligence action when the dispute arises from the construc-

tion professional’s simple failure to construct according to an applicable building code or industry

standard.181 A claimant may assert a negligence claim, however, for (1) actual damage to real

property, (2) actual loss of use of real property, (3) bodily injury or death, or (4) a risk of bodily

injury, death, or threats to the life, health, or safety of building occupants.182

In 1986, the Colorado Legislature implemented a comprehensive set of tort reform meas-

ures. As part of that effort, the legislature replaced the doctrine of joint and several liability with

several, pro rata liability. Under the new approach, as spelled out in Colorado’s pro rata liability

statute, C.R.S. § 13-21-111.5, generally a defendant is liable only for the percentage of plaintiff’s

harm that the jury or court apportions to it, except where a conspiracy is proved.183

§ 24.8.1—Claims Subject To The Statute

Colorado’s pro rata statute applies only to an “action brought as a result of a death or an

injury to person or property . . . .”184 The statute is not limited to negligence actions, however.185

For example, the statute specifies that “no defendant shall be liable for an amount greater than

that represented by the degree or percentage of the negligence or fault attributable to such defen-

dant . . . .” (emphasis added).186 There appears to be no basis for limiting the application of the

statute to negligence or tort actions, and indeed, the statute has not been so limited.187 Particularly

in the construction litigation context, where there is considerable overlap of contract and negli-

gence claims, practitioners should always take a close look at the potential applicability of the pro

rata statute.

The pro rata statute does not apply to punitive damages claims.188 The statute also does

not apply to parties “who consciously conspire and deliberately pursue a common plan or design

to commit a tortious act.”189 Instead, such parties are subject to joint and several liability,

although they retain a right of contribution against co-conspirators.190 The amount of such joint

and several liability is limited to the percentage of fault attributed under the statute to the group

of conspirators.191

§ 24.8 • PRO RATA LIABILITY

Procedural Aspects of Construction Litigation § 24.8.1

(10/07) 24-17

§ 24.8.2—Designation Of Responsible Nonparties

The applicability of the pro rata statute is not limited to named parties in an action. The

negligence or fault of a nonparty may also be considered by the trier of fact if the defending party

gives notice within 90 days of the commencement of the action (or longer if the court determines

more time is necessary) that such nonparty was wholly or partially at fault for the plaintiff’s

harm.192 The notice must provide the designated nonparty’s name and last-known address, or at

least the best identification of the nonparty that is possible under the circumstances, coupled with

a brief statement of the basis for believing that the nonparty is at fault.193

Only parties who owe some legal duty to the plaintiff may be designated.194 Thus, if a

defendant designates a nonparty whose conduct may have contributed to the plaintiff’s harm, but

who owed no legal duty to the plaintiff or plaintiffs, a motion to strike the designation should be

filed, and the plaintiff should resist any effort to include such nonparty on the special verdict form.

A wide range of nonparties may be designated under the statute. For example, a govern-

mental entity that would otherwise be immune from liability under the doctrine of governmental

immunity may be designated.195 Employers who are otherwise immune from liability under

Colorado’s workers’ compensation statutes may also be designated.196 The statute’s reference to

providing “the best identification of such nonparty which is possible under the circumstances”

supports the designation of nonparties who cannot be specifically identified or located.197

Likewise, the statute would appear to allow designation of parties who have been discharged in

bankruptcy; parties who are not subject to the court’s jurisdiction; and parties whose liability is

barred by applicable statutes of limitation.198

The statute specifically provides that if a plaintiff settles with another defendant, the

remaining defendants may designate the settling defendant as a responsible nonparty.199 Although

the statute does not explicitly require notice of such a designation for it to be effective, Colorado

case law makes it clear that such notice should be given once the settling party is dismissed from

the case.200

§ 24.8.3—Allocation Of Responsibility

The allocation of responsibility among all parties and any properly designated nonparties

is done by the jury in the form of a special verdict or, where there is no jury, by the court in the

form of special findings.201 In jury trials in which contributory negligence or comparative fault is

at issue (see the discussion of these issues below), the court may not instruct the jury as to the

effect on allocation of fault among two or more defendants.202 On the other hand, the trial court

must instruct the jury as to the effect of its findings with respect to the percentage of negligence

or fault attributed to the plaintiff or plaintiffs, and the defendant or defendants.203

§ 24.8.4—Comparative Fault

C.R.S. § 13-21-111(1) provides that “contributory negligence shall not bar recovery in any

action by any person or his legal representative to recover damages for negligence resulting in

death or injury to person or property, if such negligence was not as great as the negligence of the

person against whom recovery is sought . . . .” Thus, in a simple negligence action involving a sin-

§ 24.8.2 The Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Construction Law

24-18 (10/07)

gle plaintiff and a single defendant, the plaintiff’s recovery would be barred only if the fact finder

determined that the plaintiff was 50 percent or more negligent.204 If the plaintiff’s negligence is

less than 50 percent when compared with the defendant’s negligence, the plaintiff’s recovery would

be diminished in proportion to the amount of negligence attributable to the plaintiff.

Case law construing the statute has clarified the application of the comparative negligence

principles in more complex cases. For example, in Mountain Mobile Mix, Inc. v. Gifford,205 the

Colorado Supreme Court explained that when a case involves multiple defendants, the plaintiff’s

negligence should be compared with the combined negligence of all defendants in determining

whether plaintiff’s recovery would be barred.206 In Inland/Riggle Oil Co. v. Painter,207 the court

further explained that not only should the negligence of all named defendants be combined for

purposes of the comparative negligence statute, but the negligence of all responsible nonparties

designated under C.R.S. § 13-21-111.5 should also be included in the computation.208 Thus, the

plaintiff’s recovery would be barred only when its negligence exceeds the combined negligence

attributed by the fact-finder to all named defendants and designated nonparties.

In 2007, the Colorado legislature amended C.R.S. § 13-21-111.5 to include a subsection

(6), which states:

[A]ny provision in a construction agreement that requires a person to indemnify,

insure or defend in litigation another person against liability for damage arising out

of death or bodily injury to persons or damage to property caused by the negligence

or fault of the indemnitee or any third party under the control or supervision of the

indemnitee is void as against public policy and unenforceable.209

The statute does not affect a provision of a construction contract that requires a person to indem-

nify another against liability for damage, but it may not require indemnification in an amount

greater than the degree or percentage of fault attributable to the indemnitor.210 It also does not

apply to contract clauses that require the indemnitor to purchase or carry insurance covering the

acts of the indemnitor (so long as the obligation to insure does not cover more than the indemni-

tor’s percentage of liability), clauses that require the indemnitor to name the indemnitee as an

additional insured, or to builder’s risk insurance.211 The revised statute took effect on July 1,

2007, and applies to all construction contracts entered into on or after that date.

This topic, including judicial involvement in the arbitration process, is exhaustively cov-

ered in Chapter 21, “Arbitration and Mediation of Construction Disputes.”

§ 24.9 • ARBITRATION OF CONSTRUCTION DISPUTES

Procedural Aspects of Construction Litigation § 24.9

(10/07) 24-19

§ 24.10.1—Notice Of Intent To Sue

C.R.S. § 24-10-109 requires that any person who claims to have been injured by a public

entity or by an employee of a public entity while acting within the course of such employment

must file a written notice of the injury within 180 days of the discovery of the injury. The notice

requirement applies only to tort claims, and does not apply to contract claims.212 Compliance with

this requirement is jurisdictional, and the failure to provide timely notice bars the claim.213 If the

claim is against the state or an employee of the state, the notice must be provided to the Attorney

General.214 If the claim is against any other governmental entity, the notice must be provided to

the governing body of that public entity.215 The notice must contain (1) the name and address of

the claimant and his or her attorney, if one has been engaged; (2) a concise statement of the factu-

al basis for the claim, including the date, time, place, and circumstances of the act, omission, or

event complained of; (3) the name and address of any public employee involved, if known; (4) a

concise statement of the nature and extent of the injury claimed to have been suffered; and (5) a

statement of the amount of money damages being requested.216

§ 24.10.2—Sovereign Immunity

Colorado’s Governmental Immunity Act is codified at C.R.S. §§ 24-10-101 through -120.

The legislative policy of the Act provides that one of the objectives of the Act is to avoid the

“excessive fiscal burdens” that Colorado taxpayers would have to bear if unlimited liability were

imposed on public entities and public employees.217 The Act provides that a “public entity shall

be immune from liability in all claims for injury which lie in tort or could lie in tort . . . .”218 The

immunity does not extend to contract actions.219 The Colorado Procurement Code specifically

waives sovereign immunity with respect to disputes concerning contracts between the state and a

contractor.220 Sovereign immunity is waived in certain other actions, as well, including actions for

injuries resulting from a “dangerous condition” of any highway that is a part of the state highway

system.221

It is not clear that private entities acting on behalf of the State can assert the immunity.

Immunity is extended to every public entity, which is defined as “the state . . . and every other

kind of district, agency, instrumentality or political subdivision thereof organized pursuant to

law . . . .”222 Neither “agency” nor “instrumentality” is defined in the Act. Under traditional rules

of statutory construction, undefined statutory terms are to be given their plain and ordinary mean-

ing.223 One court has defined “agency” as “the relation created by express or implied contract or

by law whereby one party delegates the transaction of some lawful business with more or less dis-

cretionary power to another . . . .”224 Similarly, “instrumentality” was defined as “something by

which an end is achieved; a means, medium, or agency . . . .”225 Presumably, if a private entity

can characterize its role as either an “agent” or an “instrumentality of the state,” it should be able

to argue that it is a “public entity” entitled to the protections of the Act.

Governmental immunity is an issue of subject-matter jurisdiction.226 There is a conflict in

the rules as to when such an argument should be raised. On the one hand, Rule 12(b)(1) of the

§ 24.10 • ACTIONS AGAINST GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES

§ 24.10 The Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Construction Law

24-20 (10/07)

Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure provides that if a defendant believes the court lacks subject-

matter jurisdiction, it may raise the issue in the form of a motion to dismiss. Rule 12(b) further

specifies that if such a motion is to be asserted, it must be asserted before the party’s answer to

the complaint is filed.

On the other hand, Rule 12(h) makes it clear that a concern about the existence of sub-

ject-matter jurisdiction may be brought before and considered by the trial court at any time.

Colorado case law consistently reinforces this point, establishing that the absence of subject-mat-

ter jurisdiction is not a waivable jurisdictional defect. Thus, even if the defense is not raised in the

context of a motion to dismiss under Rule 12, the courts should still be willing to entertain the

motion at any other time pursuant to C.R.C.P 12(h).

§ 24.11.1—Garnishment Proceeding

In Hoang v. Assurance Co. of America,227 several homeowners succeeded in their claims

for damage caused by expansive soils against the building of their homes. The homeowners then

attempted to garnish the insurance policies that covered the builder during the time the damage

occurred.228 Because one of the homeowners did not own the home during the policy period, the

court of appeals held that it could not have suffered damage, and that the insurance proceeds

could be garnished because the damage occurred during the policy period.229

§ 24.12.1—Miller Act Claims

Simply put, the Miller Act allows those who furnish services or materials to a federal

project to recover payment from the prime contractor under payment bonds.230 To maintain a

claim under the Miller Act, the subcontractor or materialman must provide notice within 90 days

to the contractor, stating with “substantial accuracy” the amount claimed and to whom the materi-

als or work was given.231 The claim must be filed no later than one year after the last date of work

or last date of material supply to the prime contractor.232 Subject matter jurisdiction in a Miller

Act claim is proper in federal district court under federal question jurisdiction, and venue is prop-

er in “any district in which the contract was to be performed.”233 However, it is now “quite set-

tled” that the venue provision in the Miller Act is not a jurisdictional requirement.234 Therefore, a

plaintiff cannot avoid the enforcement of an arbitration agreement it voluntarily entered into by

arguing that it is bound by the Miller Act’s venue requirement, and arbitration agreements will be

enforced in Miller Act claims.235

To protect a Miller Act claim under a subcontract containing an arbitration clause, the

subcontractor should file the lawsuit within the time restraints and then file a motion to stay the

§ 24.12 • FEDERAL CONSTRUCTION CLAIMS

§ 24.11 • MISCELLANEOUS PROCEDURAL ISSUES

Procedural Aspects of Construction Litigation § 24.12.1

(10/07) 24-21

proceeding pending the outcome of arbitration (possibly in conjunction with a motion to compel

arbitration). See Chapter 21 for further information on arbitration of mechanic’s lien and Miller

Act claims.

§ 24.12.2—Federal Contracts

This subject is outside the scope of this chapter, but practitioners should be aware that

unique federal regulations govern contracts with the federal government.236

Because the typical construction project employs a number of different parties and claims,

knowledge of cross claim, counterclaim, and third party practice is essential to the construction

practitioner. Because of their similarity, this section will refer to the federal and Colorado rules of

civil procedure interchangeably.237 This section does not pretend to cover all of the important dis-

tinctions present in the federal and state rules of procedure. For a more detailed explanation of the

Colorado rules, see Shelia K. Hess and Stephen A. Hess, Colorado Civil Rules Annotated, West’sColorado Practice Series (3d ed. 1998).

§ 24.13.1—Rule 13: Counterclaim And Cross-Claim

Rule 13 sets forth the rules by which additional claims are brought by a party already

named in a lawsuit. Most notably, Rule 13:

1) requires that parties bring all claims arising “out of the transaction or occurrence that is

the subject of the opposing party’s claim”;238

2) permits adverse parties to bring unrelated counterclaims; and

3) permits named parties to bring cross claims against coparties and joined parties.239

In Wood v. Jensen,240 the plaintiff homeowners attempted to recover from the contractor

under a single contract in two separate lawsuits. The court, in dismissing the contractor’s second

claim, held that all counterclaims arising out of one construction project governed by one contract

are compulsory.241

As noted supra § 24.11, litigation under the Miller Act presents unique procedural issues.

The Supreme Court has recognized this uniqueness in Miller Act litigation by waiving the proce-

dural requirement of compulsory counterclaims in certain situations.242

§ 24.13.2—Rule 14: Third Party Practice

Rule 14 allows defendants (and plaintiffs when defending counterclaims) to bring parties

into the litigation who are or may be responsible for all or part of the claim asserted against the

defendant. Colorado courts require only (1) the existence of a pre-existing legal relationship

between the defendant and the third-party defendant, or (2) that the third party defendant owes a

common law duty to protect the defendant to maintain a third party claim.243

§ 24.13 · COUNTERCLAIMS, CROSS CLAIMS, AND THIRD PARTY

PRACTICE IN CONSTRUCTION LAW

§ 24.12.1 The Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Construction Law

24-22 (10/07)

Naiman v. Flickinger exemplifies the classic third-party claim situation. Flickinger, an

architect, hired Riley Engineering Corp. (Riley), a mechanical engineering firm, and Sol Flax and

Assoc. (Sol), an electrical engineering firm, to produce plans for the mechanical and electrical

systems of an industrial complex.244 The contract with Riley was oral. Upon completion of the

mechanical and electrical plans, Flickinger simply inserted Riley and Sol’s plans into the final

design package. Naiman, the owner of the complex, sued Flickinger over, among other things,

negligent preparation of the mechanical and electrical plans. Flickinger simultaneously answered

the claim and asserted a third-party claim, denying all allegations but blaming Riley and Sol if the

court found the plans to be negligently prepared. The court held that an oral contract for engineer-

ing services between two parties constitutes a legal relationship.245

1. BRW, Inc. v. Dufficy & Sons, Inc., 99 P.3d 66 (Colo. 2004).

2. Town of Alma v. AZCO Construction, Inc., 10 P.3d 1256, 1264 (Colo. 2000).

3. Town of Alma, 10 P.3d at 1264.

4. See Town of Alma, 10 P.3d at 1262.

5. BRW, 99 P.3d at 72.

6. For a more thorough discussion of owners’ claims against architects or engineers, see § 7.5.1,

infra.7. See City of Westminster v. Centric-Jones Constructors, 100 P.3d 472, (Colo. App. 2003) (tort

action between contractually bound owner and engineer maintainable only when an independent duty of

care exists). See also Town of Alma v. AZCO Construction, Inc., 10 P.3d 1256, 1264 (Colo. 2000) (parties

under contract only owe the duty outlined in the contract and only may recover under the contract unless an

independent duty of care exists).

8. Town of Alma, 10 P.3d at 1264.

9. Sears, Roebuck & Co. v. Enco Assocs., 372 N.E.2d 555, 558 (1977).

10. Paxton v. Alameda County, 259 P.2d 934, 938 (Cal. Dist. Ct. App. 1953).

11. See Appendix A, AIA Doc. B-141, ¶ 1.2.3 (1997).

12. See, e.g., Perlmutter v. Flickinger, 520 P.2d 596 (Colo. App. 1974), and Doyle v. Linn, 547 P.2d

257 (Colo. App. 1975), but see Town of Alma, 10 P.3d at 1264.

13. Brushton-Moira Cent. School Dist. v. Alliance Wall Corp., 195 A.D.2d 801, 802, 600 N.Y.S.2d

511, 512 (1993).

14. Corcoran v. Sanner, 854 P.2d 1367, 1379 (Colo. App. 1993), quoting United Blood Svcs. v.Quintana, 827 P.2d 509, 519 (Colo. 1992).

15. Corcoran v. Sanner, 854 P.2d 1376, 1379 (Colo. App. 1993).

16. C.R.S. § 13-20-602.

17. See Town of Alma, 10 P.3d at 1264; see also Cosmopolitan Homes, Inc. v. Weller, 663 P.2d

1041, 1043 (Colo. 1983) (homebuilder owes homeowner an independent duty of care); Lembke Plumbingand Heating v. Hayutin, 148 Colo. 334, 366 P.2d 673 (1961) (parties may recover in tort when the contract

fails to establish duty of care); Metropolitan Gas Repair Service, Inc. v. Kulik, 621 P.2d 313 (Colo. 1980)

(gas repairperson owes an independent duty of care to inspect boiler for safety problems).

18. Cosmopolitan Homes, Inc. v. Weller, 663 P.2d 1041, 1043 (Colo. 1983); Lembke Plumbing andHeating v. Hayutin, 148 Colo. 334, 366 P.2d 673 (1961).

19. CJI-Civ. 30:28A (CLE ed. 2005).

20. For a more thorough discussion of potential claims against owners, see § 7.4, infra.

21. Corcoran v. Sanner, 854 P.2d 1376, 1380 (Colo. App. 1993).

22. United States v. Spearin, 248 U.S. 132 (1918).

NOTES

Procedural Aspects of Construction Litigation Notes

(10/07) 24-23

23. See generally Chapter 19, “Mechanics’ Liens.”

24. DCB Constr. Co. v. Central City Dev. Co., 965 P.2d 115 (Colo. 1998).

25. Common provisions found in prime contracts are discussed in § 10.2, infra.26. See § 10.2.2, infra.27. See § 10.2.6, infra.

28. Denny Constr., Inc. v. City & County of Denver, 2007 Colo. App. LEXIS 274 (Colo. App. Feb.

22, 2007). A claim for breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing does not need to be

pleaded separately from a breach of contract claim as long as the complaint gives fair notice of the claim.

29. See § 10.3, infra.

30. See § 10.4.2, infra.31. See §§ 10.4.3 and 10.4.4, infra.

32. See §§ 8.2 and 8.3, infra.33. For a thorough discussion of the expanding nature of such claims, see §§ 8.2.1 and 8.2.4, infra.

34. City of Greenwood Village v. Petitioners for Proposed City of Centennial, 3 P.3d 427, 436

(Colo. 2000).

35. Colo. Gen. Assembly v. Lamm, 700 P.2d 508 (Colo. 1985).

36. Wimberly v. Ettenberg, 570 P.2d 535 (Colo. 1977). Because standing in Colorado is based on

the Colorado constitution and rules of judicial self-governance, Colorado law on standing is not identical to

federal standing law. However, there is enough similarity that Colorado courts frequently rely on federal

cases on standing. See., e.g., Maurer v. Young Life, 779 P.2d 1317, 1324 n. 10 (Colo. 1989). There are some

differences; for example, the injury in fact test under federal law requires that the injury be concrete and

particularized, and actual or imminent, whereas Colorado law is not so specific. City of Greenwood Village,

3 P.3d at 437 n. 8.

37. Wimberly v. Ettenberg, 570 P.2d 535, 539 (Colo. 1977)

38. Peters v. Smuggler-Durant Min. Corp., 910 P.2d 34, 38 (Colo. App. 1995), aff’d, 930 P.2d 575

(Colo. 1997).

39. Lamm, 700 P.2d at 516.

40. City of Greenwood Village, 3 P.3d at 436.

41. Lamm, 700 P.2d at 516.

42. City of Greenwood Village, 3 P.3d at 437.

43. Id.44. Cloverleaf Kennel Club, Inc. v. Colo. Racing Comm’n, 620 P.2d 1051, 1058 (Colo. 1980).

45. Berry Properties v. City of Commerce City, Adams County, 667 P.2d 247, 249 (Colo. App.

1983); Tenney v. Board of Assessment Appeals, 856 P.2d 89, 90 (Colo. App. 1993).

46. Olson v. City of Golden, 53 P.3d 747, 752 (Colo. App. 2002).

47. Maurer v. Young Life, 779 P.2d 1317, 1323-24 (Colo. 1989).

48. People v. French, 762 P.2d 1369, 1372 (Colo. 1988).

49. Augustin v. Barnes, 626 P.2d 625, 628 (Colo. 1981).

50. Id.; see also N.A.A.C.P. v. Alabama, 357 U.S. 449, 459 (1958).

51. Id.52. Id.; see also Craig v. Boren, 429 U.S. 190 (1976).

53. ABC Mobile Systems, Inc. v. Harvey, 701 P.2d 137, 139 (Colo. App. 1985).

54. Id.55. Id., quoting M/S Bremen v. Zapata Off-Shore Co., 407 U.S. 1 (1972).

56. Edge Telecom, Inc. v. Sterling Bank, 143 P.3d 1155, 1161 (Colo. App. 2006). It is not appropri-

ate to form the motion as one for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, failure to state a claim, summary judg-

ment, forum non conveniens, or change of venue. Id. at 1159-61.

57. Id. at 1161.

58. Huizar v. Allstate Insurance Co., 952 P.2d 342, 346 (Colo. 1998); Dominion Insurance Co. v.Hart, 498 P.2d 1138, 1140 (Colo. 1972).

59. Mountain Plains Constructors, Inc. v. Torrez, 785 P.2d 928, 930 (Colo. 1990).

60. Austin v. U. S. West, Inc., 926 P.2d 181, 183 (Colo. App. 1996).

Notes The Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Construction Law

24-24 (10/07)

61. Rains v. Foundation Health Systems Life & Health, 23 P.3d 1249, 1251 (Colo. App. 2001).

62. Ingold v. Aimco/Bluffs, L.L.C. Apartments, 159 P.3d 116, 125 (Colo. 2007).

63. C.R.S. § 13-21-111.5(6)(g).

64. Consumer contract for goods.

65. Consumer contract for services.

66. C.R.C.P. 12(h)(1).

67. C.R.C.P. 12(h)(1)(A); Board of County Comm’rs v. Dist. Court, 472 P.2d 128, 130 (Colo.

1970).

68. C.R.C.P. 12(h)(1)(B).

69. Nations Enter., Inc. v. Process Equipment Co., 579 P.2d 655, 657 (Colo. App. 1978) (because

motion was made more than one year after service and less than two months before trial, the defense was

waived).

70. Fagerberg v. Webb, 678 P.2d 544, 547-48 (Colo. App. 1983) (rev’d on other grounds, Webb v.Desert Seed Co., Inc., 718 P.2d 185 (Colo. 1986)).

71. White-Rodgers Co. v. District Court, 418 P.2d 527-29 (Colo. 1966); Budde v. Kentron Haaii,Ltd. 565 F.2d 1145, 1148 (10th Cir. 1977).

72. See Shaffer v. Heitner, 433 U.S. 186, 212 (1977) (“. . . all assertions of state court jurisdiction

must be evaluated according to the standards set forth in International Shoe and its progeny.”); C. Krendl,

Colorado Methods of Practice 507, n. 6 (1989).

73. Shon v. Dist. Court, 605 P.2d 472, 474 (Colo. 1980).

74. Texair Flyers, Inc. v. Dist. Court, 506 P.2d 367, 369 (Colo. 1973).

75. Panos Inv. Co. v. Dist. Court, 662 P.2d 180, 182 (Colo. 1983); Fleet Leasing, Inc. v. Dist.Court, 649 P.2d 1074, 1078 n. 5 (Colo. 1982).

76. Jenkins v. Glen & Helen Aircraft, Inc., 590 P.2d 983, 986 (Colo. App. 1979).

77. Schocket v. Classic Auto Sales, Inc., 817 P.2d 561 (Colo. App. 1991), aff’d, 832 P.2d 233

(Colo. 1992); Marquest Med. Prods., Inc. v. Daniel, McKee & Co., 791 P.2d 14, 15 (Colo. App. 1990).

78. Public Warranty Corp. v. Mullins, 757 P.2d 1140, 1141 (Colo. App. 1988); Waterval v. Dist.Court, 620 P.2d 5, 8 (Colo. 1980).

79. 326 U.S. 310 (1945); Safari Outfitters Inc., v. Superior Court, 448 P.2d 783 (Colo. 1968).

80. Burger King Corp. v. Rudzewicz, 471 U.S. 462, 472-73 (1985); Keefe v. Kirschenbaum &Kirschenbaum, P.C., 40 P.3d 1267, 1270 (Colo. 2002).

81. Hanson v. Denckla, 357 U.S. 235, 253 (1958); Scheuer v. Dist. Court, 684 P.2d 249, 251 (Colo.

1984).

82. Burger King Corp., 471 U.S. at 476.

83. Id. at 477.

84. Sawtelle v. Farrell, 70 F.3d 1381, 1388 (1st Cir. 1995) (quoting Donatelli v. Nat’l HockeyLeague, 89 F.2d 459, 468 n. 7 (1st Cir. 1990)).

85. Paine, Webber, Jackson & Curtis, Inc. v. Adams, 718 P.2d 508, 513 (Colo. 1986) (quoting In reMarriage of Stroud 631 P.2d 168, 170 (Colo. 1981)).

86. Id. at 513.

87. In re Water Rights of Columbine Ass’n, 993 P.2d 483, 488 (Colo. 2000).

88. C.R.C.P. 12(h)(3); Sanchez v. State, 730 P.2d 328, 331 (Colo. 1986).

89. Colo. Const. art. VI, 3 9; see also Telluride Co. v. Varley, 934 P.2d 888, 889 (Colo. App. 1997)

(noting general jurisdiction in State District Court).

90. Telluride Co., 934 P.2d at 889.

91. Tafflin v. Levitt, 493 U.S. 455 (1990). See also following subsection on Federal Question

Jurisdiction.

92. 28 U.S.C. § 1331.

93. Illinois v. City of Milwaukee, Wis., 406 U.S. 91, 99 (1972).

94. See, e.g., Tempo, Inc. v. City of Gladstone Hous. Comm’n, 635 F. Supp. 879, 882 (W.D. Mich.

1984).

95. 299 U.S. 109 (1936).

Procedural Aspects of Construction Litigation Notes

(10/07) 24-25

96. Id. at 112-13 (citations omitted).

97. Singleton Sheet Metal Works, Inc. v. The City of Pueblo, 727 F. Supp. 579, 582 (D. Colo. 1989).

98. 40 U.S.C. § 3133 (formerly § 2706(b)).

99. 28 U.S.C. § 1338.

100. 28 U.S.C. § 1346(b).

101. 28 U.S.C. § 1334.

102. 28 U.S.C. § 1332(a).

103. Wisconsin Dep’t of Corrections v. Schacht, 524 U.S. 381, 388 (1998); Oppenheim v. Sterling,

368 F.2d 516, 518 (10th Cir. 1966).

104. Crowley v. Glaze, 710 F.2d 676, 678 (10th Cir. 1983); Mid-Continent Pipe Line Co. v.Whiteley, 116 F.2d 871, 873 (10th Cir. 1940).

105. Penteco Corporation Limited v. Union Gas System, Inc., 929 F.2d 1519, 1521 (10th Cir. 1991);

Caterpillar Inc. v. Lewis, 519 U.S.61, 61 (1996).

106. Crowley, 710 F.2d at 678.

107. Wallace v. Healthone, 79 F. Supp.2d 1230, 1233 (D. Colo. 2000).

108. Amoco Rocmount Co. v. Anschutz Corp., 7 F.3d 909, 914-15 n. 2 (10th Cir. 1993).

109. Grynberg v. B.B.I. Assocs., 436 F. Supp. 564, 567-68 (D. Colo. 1977).

110. Morrison-Knudson Co., Inc. v. Rocky Mountain, Chapter, N.E.C.A., 236 F. Supp. 436, 437 (D.

Colo. 1964).

111. Allen v. City of Sterling, 230 P. 113 (Colo. 1924).

112. Twin Lakes Reservoir & Canal Co. v. Bond, 399 P.2d 793, 795 (Colo. 1965).

113. Gordon Inv. Co. v. Jones, 227 P.2d 336, 339 (Colo. 1951).

114. People v. Dist. Court, 179 P. 875, 876 (Colo. 1919).

115. Board of County Comm’rs v. Dist. Court, 632 P.2d 1017, 1020 (Colo. 1981).

116. Hastings v. Security Thrift and Mortgage Co., 357 P.2d 919, 921 (Colo. 1960).

117. Denver Bd. Of Water Comm’rs v. Board of County Comm’rs, 528 P.2d 1305, 1307 (Colo. 1974).

118. See, e.g., Cliff v. Gleason, 351 P.2d 394, 396 (Colo. 1960); Lamar Alfalfa Milling Co. v.Bishop, 250 P. 689, 690 (Colo. 1926).

119. Kirby v. Union Pac. Ry., 119 P. 1042, 1054 (Colo. 1911).

120. C.R.C.P. 12(a).

121. C.R.C.P. 98(e)(1).

122. Town of Grand Lake v. Dist. Court, 504 P.2d 666-67 (Colo. 1972).

123. C.R.C.P. 98(e)(1).

124. 7 Utes Corp. v. Dist. Court, 702 P.2d 262, 264-65 (Colo. 1985).

125. Tillery v. Dist. Court, 692 P.2d 1079, 1083 (Colo. 1984).

126. C.R.C.P. 98(e)(2).

127. Id.128. See also Dave Peterson Elec. Co. v. Beach Mtn. Builders, Inc., 2007 Colo. App. LEXIS 1298

(Colo. App. July 12, 2007) (defendant may assert defense of claim preclusion for first time in motion to

dismiss).

129. C.R.S. § 13-80-104(1)(a).

130. C.R.S. § 13-80-104(1)(b)(I).

131. C.R.S. §§ 13-80-104(1)(a) and -104(2).

132. C.R.S. § 13-80-104(1)(b)(II)(B).

133. See CLPF-Parkridge One, L.P. v. Harwell Investments, Inc., 105 P.3d 658, 660 (Colo. 2005).

134. C.R.S. § 13-80-108(6).

135. C.R.S. § 13-80-108(8).

136. C.R.S. § 38-22-110.

137. C.R.S. § 38-26-105(1).

138. Id.139. Id.140. C.R.S. § 38-26-107(1).

Notes The Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Construction Law

24-26 (10/07)

141. C.R.S. § 38-26-107(3); but see Continental Cas. Co. v. Rio Grande Fuel Co., 119 P.2d 618

(Colo. 1941) (90-day limitation in statute is permissive, not mandatory, and therefore creates a lien for 90

days on funds held by the contracting board, without barring an action on the bond if not brought within 90

days).

142. Montezuma Plumbing & Heating, Inc. v. Housing Auth. of Montezuma Co., 651 P.2d 426, 428

(Colo. App. 1982).

143. See Stiff v. BilDen Homes, Inc., 88 P.3d 639 (Colo. App. 2003).

144. See id., at 640.

145. See id.

146. See id.

147. See id.

148. See id.

149. See id., at 641.

150. The court analyzed the timing issue under both C.R.S. § 13-80-108(1) or C.R.S. § 13-80-

104(1)(b)(I) and found that, because both statutes begin the statute of limitations period when the claimant

discovers, or should have discovered by the exercise of reasonable diligence, the defect/injury. C.R.S. § 13-

80-108(1) requires also the discovery of the cause while C.R.S. § 13-80-104(1)(b)(I) does not, but for the

purposes of timing in a construction case, it is generally implied that the builder is the cause.

151. See Stiff, 88 P.3d at 641.

152. 1 C.C.R. 101-0, Art. 109.

153. C.R.S. § 24-109-107.

154. RMB Svcs., Inc. v. Truhlar, 151 P.3d 673, 676 (Colo. App. 2006).

155. Id.156. C.R.S. § 13-20-602(3)(a).

157. Alpine Bank v. Hubbell, 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 56282 (D. Colo. Aug. 10, 2006).

158. See C.R.S. § 12-4-107(1).

159. See C.R.S. § 12-25-101.

160. See C.R.S. § 12-23-106(5).

161. See C.R.S. § 12-58-105(1).

162. Baumgarten v. Coppage, 15 P.3d 304 (Colo. App. 2000).

163. See, e.g., Martinez v. Badis, 842 P.2d 245 (Colo. App. 1992), where the court found that the

certificate of review requirement was applicable to a claim against attorneys for breach of fiduciary duty

because it was necessary to prove the extent of the attorneys’ professional duties and their failure to perform

them satisfactorily.

164. C.R.S. § 13-20-602(1)(b).

165. Shelton v. Penrose/St. Francis Healthcare Sys., 984 P.2d 623, 624 (Colo. 1999).

166. Miller v. Rowtech, LLC, 3 P.3d 492, 494 (Colo. App. 2000).

167. C.R.S. § 13-20-602(4).

168. C.R.S. § 13-20-602(1)(a) provides that the 60-day deadline for filing the certificate may be

extended if necessary for good cause shown.

169. In short, “a claimant shall not recover more than actual damages in an action,” unless the

claimant can show that the construction professional violated the Colorado Consumer Protection Act, and,

(1) the contractor’s offer to settle is less than 85 percent of the actual damage, or (2) the construction pro-

fessional fails to complete the agreed-upon remedy or fails to respond to the notice (treble damages apply

here). In no event shall damages exceed $250,000, even if bodily injury occurs. See C.R.S. § 13-20-806.

See chapter 14 for a complete discussion of the Construction Defect Act’s substantive provisions.

170. In a commercial construction dispute, the owner must notify the construction professional at

least 90 days prior to commencing the action. C.R.S. § 13-20-803.5(1).

171. C.R.S. § 13-20-803.5(1).

172. C.R.S. § 13-20-803.5(2).

173. Forty-five days in a dispute involving commercial property.

Procedural Aspects of Construction Litigation Notes

(10/07) 24-27

174. A written offer to remedy the defect shall include the scope and findings of the inspection, a

description of the additional required work, and a timetable for completion. C.R.S. § 13-20-803.5(3).

175. C.R.S. § 13-20-803.5(3).

176. C.R.S. § 13-20-803.5(4).

177. C.R.S. § 13-20-803.5.

178. C.R.S. § 13-20-805.

179. C.R.S. § 13-20-803(1).

180. C.R.S. § 13-20-803(2).

181. C.R.S. § 13-20-804(1).

182. C.R.S. § 13-20-804(1)(a)-(d).

183. C.R.S. § 13-21-111.5(1).

184. Id.185. O’Quinn v. Wedco Tech., Inc., 746 F. Supp. 38, 39 (D. Colo. 1990).

186. Id.187. E.g., Loughridge v. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., 207 F. Supp.2d 1187, 1190 (D. Colo.

2002). For a complete discussion of this issue, and of the statute in general, see Robert E. Benson,

Application of the Pro Rata Liability, Comparative Negligence, and Contribution Statutes, 23 Colo. Law.

1717 (Aug. 1994).

188. Lira v. Davis, 832 P.2d 240, 242 (Colo. 1992).

189. C.R.S. § 13-21-111.5(4).

190. Id.191. Id.192. C.R.S. § 13-21-111.5(3).

193. C.R.S. § 13-21-111.5(3)(b).

194. Miller v. Byrne, 916 P.2d 566, 578 (Colo. App. 1995).

195. In re Air Crash Disaster at Stapleton Int’l Airport, 720 F. Supp. 1465-66 (D. Colo. 1989).

196. Inland/Riggle Oil Co. v. Painter, 925 P.2d 1083, 1086 (Colo. 1996).

197. Kurt G. Stiegelmeier, Designation of Immune, Nonliable and Unknown Parties, 22 Colo. Law.31, 33 (Jan. 1993).

198. See Benson, supra n. 187.

199. C.R.S. § 13-21-111.5(3)(b) specifically provides that the “[n]egligence or fault of a nonparty

may be considered if the claimant entered into a settlement agreement with the nonparty . . . .”

200. Montoya v. Grease Monkey Holding Corp., 883 P.2d 486, 489 (Colo. App. 1994), aff’d, 904

P.2d 468 (Colo. 1995).

201. C.R.S. § 13-21-111.5(2).

202. C.R.S. § 13-21-111.5(5).

203. Id.204. Mountain Mobile Mix, Inc. v. Gifford, 660 P.2d 883, 885 (Colo. 1983).

205. Id.

206. Id. at 883. See also, B.G.’s, Inc. v. Gross, 23 P.3d 691 (Colo. 2001).

207. Inland/Riggle Oil Co. v. Painter, 925 P.2d 1083 (Colo. 1996).

208. Id. at 1086.

209. C.R.S. § 13-21-111.5(6)(b).

210. C.R.S. § 13-21-111.5(6)(c).

211. C.R.S. §§ 13-21-111.5(6)(d)(I) and (II).

212. State Personnel Bd. v. Lloyd, 752 P.2d 559, 563 (Colo. 1988); Barrack v. City of Lafayette, 829

P.2d 424, 427 (Colo. App. 1991), rev’d on other grounds, 647 P.2d 136.

213. C.R.S. § 24-10-109(1); Water Dist. v. Bd. of Land Comm’rs, 968 P.2d 168, 171 (Colo. App.

1998).

214. C.R.S. § 24-10-109(3).

215. Id.216. C.R.S. § 24-10-109(2).

Notes The Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Construction Law

24-28 (10/07)

217. C.R.S. § 24-10-102.

218. C.R.S. § 24-10-106(1).

219. Spaur v. City of Greeley, 372 P.2d 730, 731 (Colo. App. 1962).

220. C.R.S. § 24-109-106(1).

221. C.R.S. § 24-10-106(1)(d)(I).

222. C.R.S. § 24-10-103(5).

223. Farina v. City and County of Denver, 940 P.2d 1004, 1007 (Colo. App. 1996).

224. King v. United States, 53 F. Supp.2d 1056, 1065-66 (D. Colo. 1999) (construing Colorado law

under the CGIA) (quoting from Black’s Law Dictionary 62 (6th ed. 1990)), rev’d in part on other grounds,

301 F.3d 1270 (10th Cir. 2002).

225. Id. at 1066 (quoting from Black’s Law Dictionary, 6th ed. 1990, p. 1159).

226. Walton v. State of Colorado, 968 P.2d 636, 643 (Colo. 1998).

227. Hoang v. Assurance Co. of America, 149 P.3d 798 (Colo. 2007).

228. Id.229. Id.230. See 7 Am. Jur. Trials § 279.

231. 40 U.S.C. § 3131 (c)(2) (2005). See also Cont’l Cas. Co. v. Allsop Lumber Co., 336 F.2d 445,

458 (8th Cir. 1964).

232. Id.

233. 40 U.S.C. § 3133 (b)(3) (2005).

234. United States ex rel. Capolino Sons, Inc. v. Electronic & Missile Facilities, Inc., 364 F.2d 705,

707-08 (2d Cir. 1966).

235. See, e.g., United States ex rel. Chicago Bridge & Iron Co. v. ETS-Hokin Corp., 397 F.2d 935

(9th Cir. 1968), abrogated on other grounds by Cortex Byrd Chips, Inc. v. Bill Harbert Constr. Co., 529

U.S. 193 (2000), and cases cited therein.

236. For a good starting point, refer to Ganther, James S., Representing the Federal Government

Contractor, 70 Fla. B.J. 58 (1996).

237. The Colorado and Federal rules of procedure are very similar. Colorado’s Rule 13 is slightly

more comprehensive than the corresponding federal rule. Colorado’s Rule 14 omits only the subsection on

admiralty claims.

238. See F.R.C.P. § 13(a); C.R.C.P. § 13(a). Note that § 13(f) allows parties to amend their pleadings

by leave of court to include compulsory counterclaims. Compulsory counterclaims not asserted in the action

are lost.

239. See F.R.C.P. § 13(h); C R.C.P. § 13(h). Joinder of parties is discussed in Rules 19 and 20.

240. Wood v. Jensen, 585 P.2d 309 (Colo. Ct. App. 1978)

241. See id. at 310.

242. See Southern Const. Co. v. Pikard, 371 U.S. 57 (1962) (holding the provision that a Miller Act

claim “shall be brought … in the United States District Court for any district in which the contract was to

be performed and executed and not elsewhere” trumps the F.R.C.P. § 13 requirement that claims arising out

of the same occurrence or transaction shall be joined).

243. See Naiman v. Flickinger, 605 P.2d 63, 65 (Colo. Ct. App. 1979).

244. Id. at 64.

245. Id. at 65.

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