Opinion ID: 1288968
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Delay caused by active interference

Text: A majority of courts also adopt an exception to a no-damage-for-delay clause in cases of direct, active, willful interference with the work of the contractor. 74 A.L.R.3d at 219-221, § 7(e). See also Newberry Square Development v. Southern Landmark, supra ; Owen Constr. Co. v. Iowa State Dept. of Transp., supra ; Green Plumbing & Heating Co. v. Turner Constr. Co., 500 F.Supp. 910 (E.D.Mich.1980) (applying Mich. law); Christiansen Bros., Inc. v. State, 90 Wash.2d 872, 586 P.2d 840 (1978). This Court has recognized that where performance of a contract by the vendor is prevented by the vendee, the vendee may not take advantage of the delay. [2] See Shannon v. Freeman, 117 S.C. 480, 109 S.E. 406 (1921). Such active interference effectually violates the implied obligation of fair dealing. Accordingly, we find this exception to be a logical extension of South Carolina law. [3]