Lightfoot Secures Favorable Arbitration Award in Construction Lawsuit
June 10, 2025
A Lightfoot, Franklin & White LLC team led by partner E. Glenn Waldrop secured a highly favorable arbitration result for an Alabama construction company facing over $10 million in claims from one of its subcontractors. On May 30, 2025, the arbitration panel awarded the plaintiff just $471,929 — a small fraction of the total damages at stake for Lightfoot’s clients.
The case originated from a high-rise mixed-use hotel and condominium development for which Lightfoot's client served as the general contractor. The project broke ground shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, which ultimately presented supply chain and workforce challenges for all parties. A subcontractor on the project experienced losses exceeding $8 million on a $21 million subcontract scope of work. To recoup those losses, the subcontractor ultimately sued Lightfoot’s client, alleging the general contractor mismanaged the job and demanding over $10 million, including lost profits and markup.
The arbitration followed extensive mediation efforts, during which the plaintiff never reduced their demand below $7 million. The final award of just $471,929 was well below any settlement offered and represents a resounding win for the client.
“This was a hard-fought case involving complex issues and a determined adversary,” said Waldrop. “We’re proud of this result, which reflects the close collaboration between our client and the Lightfoot team throughout the process. That kind of partnership is what drives successful outcomes, and I’m extremely proud of everyone involved.”
In addition to Waldrop, the Lightfoot team included the firm’s Director of Litigation Technology, Sam McAllister, legal assistants Kay Brinkley and Kathryn Florey, paralegal Traci Abbett and e-discovery specialist Jessica Wehby.
One of the firm’s founding partners, Waldrop focuses his practice on business and commercial litigation. He works with clients across a variety of industry sectors, including construction, securities, insurance and finance. Waldrop handles matters brought by consumers and individuals alleging fraud, breach of contract or inadequate performance of insurance policies or financial products. He has broad experience defending both individual lawsuits and class actions, and also provides construction-related counsel to clients in that industry.
