Bond Claims, Litigation and Risk Management

Unlike insurers, surety companies issue bonds with the expectation of no losses. At Ernstrom & Dreste, we provide direct representation of sureties and partner with them toward that goal. Our experience with contract and surety bonds is extensive, and is bolstered by our expertise in construction law.

Our practice represents clients in all types of surety matters including:

Construction Contract Surety Bonds

  • Analysis and management of surety risks
  • Surety agreement negotiation, including financing of the principal and related agreements
  • Performance bond default and investigation, negotiation of completion arrangements and contracts such as tender and take over agreements
  • Bid, performance and payment bond claims and litigation on public and private projects
  • Subcontractor performance and payment bond claims and litigation
  • Issues related to placement and discharge of mechanic’s lien bonds
  • Indemnity, subrogation, and salvage, including enforcement of collateral obligations, litigation and post-litigation recovery
  • Co-surety obligations
  • Re-insurance cut-through obligations

Other Bonds

  • Appeal bonds, fringe benefit bonds, reclamation bonds, probate bonds, subdivision bonds, license and permit bonds, guardianship bonds, motor vehicle dealer bonds, other miscellaneous bonds

“Our surety practice affords me a rewarding career working closely and collaboratively with our valued clients and consultants to achieve great results. The key to our success is using our knowledge and experience in the construction industry to effectively assess and mitigate risk and loss for our surety clients.”

Todd Braggins, Managing Partner