Associate Attorney at Bailey Cavalieri LLC
Ohio Construction Lawyer
Nic Oehler is an Ohio attorney focused on construction law and disputes. He represents contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and owners in matters involving construction contracts, payment disputes, mechanic’s liens, and bond claims.

Nic works with clients to deliver practical, business-oriented legal solutions that protect payment rights, manage risk, and resolve disputes efficiently.

He currently practices as an associate at Bailey Cavalieri LLC and serves clients throughout the state.
Office Location:
10 West Broad Street
Suite 2100
Columbus, OH 43215
Contact Nic
Ohio Construction Law

Protecting your rights
at every stage of the project

Practical legal counsel for contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and homeowners across Ohio — from contract execution through final resolution.

Transactional services

Prevention
01

Contract drafting & review

Residential and commercial contracts structured to reduce risk and protect payment rights from day one.

02

Mechanic's lien compliance

Notice of Furnishing preparation, lien strategy, and full compliance with Ohio's statutory framework.

03

HCSSA compliance

Home improvement contracts aligned with the Ohio Home Construction Service Suppliers Act.

04

CSPA risk prevention

Contract language and policies to minimize exposure under Ohio consumer protection law.

05

Change orders & documentation

Systematic documentation practices that strengthen enforceability and reduce project disputes.

06

Delay & payment planning

Proactive legal planning for anticipated delays, disruptions, and payment protection strategies.

Construction litigation

Resolution
01

Lien enforcement & defense

Foreclosure actions, lien defense, and payment recovery through Ohio's courts.

02

Breach of contract

Representation in non-payment disputes, scope disagreements, and project abandonment claims.

03

Construction delay disputes

Claims involving schedule delays, project disruptions, and contested change orders.

04

Defective construction claims

Litigation involving workmanship failures, material defects, and building code violations.

05

HCSSA & CSPA claims

Defense and prosecution of statutory consumer and home construction disputes.

06

Contractor & homeowner representation

Full advocacy for both residential and commercial construction clients across all venues.

Ohio Construction Law Focused on Ohio construction — transactional and litigation counsel. Providing additional Business and Real Estate Services.
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All content on this website is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.

What Are Counterclaims?

What Are Counterclaims?

A counterclaim is a claim brought by a defendant against the plaintiff in the same lawsuit. Rather than simply defending against the allegations in the complaint, the defendant may assert that the plaintiff also caused harm and should be held legally responsible.

Counterclaims are commonly asserted in construction disputes. For example, a homeowner who is sued for nonpayment may file counterclaims alleging defective workmanship, project delays, breach of contract, or violations of Ohio's Home Construction Service Suppliers Act (HCSSA) or the Consumer Sales Practices Act (CSPA). Likewise, a contractor sued by a homeowner may assert counterclaims for unpaid invoices, breach of contract, or other damages arising from the project.

Counterclaims allow the court to resolve related disputes between the parties in a single case rather than requiring multiple lawsuits. This can promote efficiency and reduce the costs associated with separate litigation.

Some counterclaims are considered compulsory, meaning they arise out of the same transaction or occurrence that is the subject of the plaintiff's claims and generally must be asserted in the existing lawsuit. Other counterclaims are permissive and may be brought separately. See Ohio Civil Rule 13.

Because counterclaims can significantly affect the outcome and value of a case, defendants should carefully evaluate whether they have claims of their own when responding to a lawsuit. In some cases, a well-supported counterclaim may provide leverage for settlement or result in an independent recovery.