Hilger Hammond Secures Major Construction Lien Victory!
$1.19 Million Attorney-Fee Award in Kent County Business Court Litigation
April, 2026
– Case Summary
Hilger Hammond’s local general contractor client built a 12-story mixed use building in downtown Grand Rapids. The $27 million project was completed in 2017; however, the owner refused to pay $3.6 million alleging defects and other damages in excess of $10 million.
Following years of litigation and various partial payments along the way, the balance owed to the general contractor at trial was $386,380.29. Hilger Hammond was also seeking the recovery of attorney fees under the Michigan Construction Lien act, as it had timely and properly recorded a construction lien in 2017. The Court awarded 100% of the amount due and owing to Hilger Hammond’s client, while awarding the defendant-owner $0 in its counterclaim alleging defective work and damages over $10 million.
Trial Outcome
Following a nine-day bench trial, the court entered judgment in favor of Hilger Hammond’s general contractor Client, which was 100% of the amount sought at trial – $386,380.29. In a subsequent proceeding, the court also awarded the client an additional amount of $1,190,846.13 in attorney fees and costs.
In its written Opinion and Order, the court recognized both the complexity of the dispute and the quality of the legal work performed on the client’s behalf. The court described the matter as “an extremely complex construction project and extremely complex litigation,” noting that the case had been pending for more than eight years, involved extensive motion practice, 26 depositions, and a nine-day trial.
Court Order Regarding Attorney Fees
When ruling on the request for attorney fees and costs, the court noted the following:
“No one has seriously challenged the experience, reputation, or ability of the attorneys who performed the work for [general contractor].”
The court further found:
“Mr. Hammond is a premier construction lawyer in Grand Rapids, with an unmatched reputation in this field. His performance in this case has been both effective and exemplary.”
The court ultimately held that “[t]he fees charged are fair and appropriate.”
This is a noteworthy case under Michigan’s Construction Lien Act and a great win for an important client of Hilger Hammond.
Current Status
The owner has appealed this case and final resolution is yet to be determined. However, at this stage, Hilger Hammond is very pleased with the outcome of the case so far. Since this matter is on appeal, further updates may be forthcoming to this update.
$1,190,846.13
Awarded to Client
Hilger Hammond represents businesses, owners, developers, contractors, and other industry participants in complex construction and commercial disputes throughout Michigan and nationally.
