Hilger Hammond Secures Major Construction Lien Victory!
$1.19 Million Attorney-Fee Award in Kent County Business Court Litigation
March, 2026
– Case Details
Hilger Hammond recently obtained a phenomenal result in a complex construction lien litigation case in the Kent County Circuit Court Business Docket. 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 Summary
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 Findings
Ben Hammond and the client’s insurance counsel represented the plaintiff-contractor. The court made specific findings regarding the skill and expertise of plaintiff’s counsel:
“No one has seriously challenged the experience, reputation, or ability of the attorneys who performed the work for [plaintiff].”
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.
Final Result
Following a nine-day bench trial, the court entered judgment in favor of Hilger Hammond’s contractor client. In a subsequent proceeding, the court awarded the client a total of $1,190,846.13 in attorney fees and costs, including $977,163.07 attributable to Hilger Hammond’s work in the matter.
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.
$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.
