The South Carolina Supreme Court delivered a mixed ruling Tuesday in a multi-party construction dispute that tests the boundaries of the state's professional negligence standards and sanctions for frivolous lawsuits.

In *Charles Blanchard Construction Corp. v. 480 King Street, LLC*, the high court affirmed in part and reversed in part a 2024 court of appeals decision, marking the latest development in litigation that originated in Charleston County Circuit Court. Justice James authored the opinion for the court.

The case involves Charles Blanchard Construction Corp. as the original plaintiff against 480 King Street, LLC, which subsequently brought third-party claims against Glick/Boehm & Associates, Inc., an engineering firm. The complex procedural posture reflects the interconnected nature of modern construction projects, where multiple parties often bear responsibility for various aspects of development and design.

At the heart of the Supreme Court's review lies an interpretation of South Carolina's Frivolous Civil Proceedings Sanctions Act and its application to professional negligence claims in construction litigation. The court's decision provides important guidance for practitioners handling multi-party construction disputes and clarifies procedural requirements for professional negligence claims in the state.

The ruling demonstrates the ongoing evolution of construction law in South Carolina, particularly regarding the allocation of responsibility among various professionals involved in complex development projects. The decision is expected to influence future litigation strategy in similar multi-party construction disputes throughout the state.