United Riggers & Erectors, Inc. v. Coast Iron & Steel Co.

*153 This case arises out of a payment dispute between a contractor, Coast Iron & Steel Co. (Coast), and its subcontractor, United Riggers & Erectors, Inc. (United). After the work on a project was finished, United sent a demand to Coast to pay for change orders and for damages that United claimed Coast caused by mismanaging the project. Coast refused to pay, and also delayed forwarding United's share of retention payments Coast had received from the owner of the project.

After a bench trial, the court found in favor of Coast. United appeals, contending that the trial court erred in finding that Coast was not liable for the extra payments, as well as for failing to assess penalties and attorney's fees against Coast for its delay in forwarding the retention payments.

FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS BELOW

In October 2010, Universal City Studios LLLP (Universal) contracted with Coast to provide "miscellaneous metals" work in the construction of a new ride at Universal Studios Hollywood based on the "Transformers" movie series. United in turn signed a purchase order that served as a subcontracting agreement with Coast.

The subcontract initially called for United to be paid $722,742, but the…