Construction Law

Mitigate Damages and Reduce Claims With Project Diaries featured image

Mitigate Damages and Reduce Claims With Project Diaries

If you need to file or contest a damage or a claim, a project diary can be a great source. The diary is used to document work progress, site conditions, labor, and equipment usage, in the preparation of a claim. Our Tallahassee construction lawyers have provided excellent knowledge on project diaries and their use in mitigating damages and reducing claims

Label Project Diaries Correctly

Place the project and contract numbers on the front cover to indicate the contents of each project diary. Entries are to be made each day, dated, and kept in chronological order of occurrence. Make project diaries current for every construction contract and available for reference long after the project is complete.

Keep it Objective

A project diary must be kept current and all recorded information must be clear, detailed, and legible. Anyone reading the Project Diary, whether affiliated with the construction industry or not, should be able to comprehend work performed. The diaries and other reports are deemed public record and can be used in a litigation case. Avoid personal remarks about operations, personnel, or any organization. All entries should be clear and legible.

What Else Should it Include?

The diaries will become a vital part of records if the project is subject to audit, investigation, or litigation. All project diaries should be kept in bound field notebooks. If you want to use an electronic format, it must be approved.

Your project diary should also include information on the following:

  • Inefficient operations
  • Poorly maintained equipment
  • Major construction activity and any exceptional work performed
  • Summary of significant conversations, meetings, and conferences
  • Comments on construction safety hazards and corrective measures
  • Disagreements with work, including rejected work or materials and reasons
  • Delays, rejected work or accidents
  • Lane closures, traffic disruptions, suspended work, etc.

If you would like to speak a Tallahassee construction lawyer, please contact us at 850.213.1295, or submit our contact request form.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.