The construction industry’s embrace of AI and 3D printing isn’t just changing how buildings get built — it’s fundamentally reshaping how disputes get resolved, and who gets held liable when things go wrong.
In a detailed analysis published on Code on Trial, litigation finance veteran Nick Rowles-Davies examines how the convergence of generative AI and additive manufacturing is creating new legal exposure across the construction sector. The stakes are significant: 2025 was the first year generative AI became standard in complex construction disputes, enabling legal teams to process 100,000 emails in under a week. But that efficiency comes with new risk — courts have already sanctioned attorneys for AI-generated hallucinations in filings, and 39+ federal judges now require AI use disclosure.
On the substantive side, Rowles-Davies tracks how AI-driven design tools are shifting the standard of care for architects and engineers. Unverified reliance on AI outputs is emerging as a primary driver of professional indemnity claims — and software vendors’ warranty disclaimers mean liability is flowing back to the professionals. Meanwhile, 3D-printed construction failures (including a demolition in Iowa) and landmark IP disputes like Stratasys v. Bambu Lab are producing the first wave of case law in this space.
For legal practitioners and legal technology companies, this article is required reading.
Read the full analysis on Substack →
Stay updated on AI, LegalTech, and legal industry developments at lawtechnology.ai.