Bankruptcy monitoring for subcontractors
Know before you pour the next slab or pull the next wire.
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A GC bankruptcy can leave you holding $200k in unpaid labor and materials
Subcontractors work on credit – labor and materials go in today, payment comes 30–90 days later. When a general contractor or project owner files bankruptcy, every dollar of work in progress becomes an unsecured claim against a depleted estate.
Worse, mechanic's lien deadlines are strict. Miss the window because you found out too late, and you lose even the secured claim. The automatic stay can also freeze a lien you've already filed. Speed is everything.
How CaseWarn helps
Early warning before the next draw
CaseWarn alerts you the morning after a GC or project owner files. Stop work before mobilizing for the next phase – before you commit another crew and another materials order.
Protect your lien rights
With early notice, you can file or perfect a mechanic's lien while the window is still open, rather than scrambling after you hear from the trustee.
Monitor multiple GCs across active projects
Most subs work with 5–20 GCs at any time. Add them all to CaseWarn and monitor every one – no extra work per project.
Real scenario
A framing subcontractor has $185,000 outstanding across three projects under the same GC. The GC files Chapter 11 on a Wednesday. CaseWarn alerts the sub Thursday morning – before the weekly crew mobilization. The sub stops work, perfects mechanic's liens on all three properties that week, and files a secured claim in the bankruptcy. Recovery: 80%. Without the alert, they'd have committed another $40,000 in labor.
What you get with CaseWarn
- Stop work before the next mobilization – not after the check bounces
- File mechanic's liens while the window is still open
- Monitor every GC and owner across all active projects simultaneously
- Distinguish Chapter 7 (liquidation) from Chapter 11 (reorganization) immediately
Plans from $9/mo
One company is always free – no credit card required.
How it works
Add your customers
Upload a CSV or add names one by one. No EINs or SSNs required.
We monitor daily
CaseWarn checks every US federal bankruptcy court every morning.
You get an email
Match found? We email you: name, chapter, court, case number.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mechanic's lien and how does it protect me?
A mechanic's lien is a legal claim against property you've improved, giving you a secured interest in the real estate if you aren't paid. In a contractor bankruptcy, a timely-filed lien converts you from an unsecured creditor to a secured one, dramatically improving your recovery. Deadlines vary by state – typically 30–90 days from your last date of work.
If a GC files bankruptcy, can I stop work immediately?
When a GC files Chapter 7 (liquidation), stopping work is prudent and expected. For Chapter 11 (reorganization), the debtor may want to continue the project – you can negotiate continuation with court-approved payment protections. CaseWarn's morning-after alert lets you decide before mobilizing the next crew.
What's the bar date and why does it matter?
The bar date is the court-set deadline to file a proof of claim. Miss it and your claim may be disallowed entirely – even if you're owed hundreds of thousands of dollars. Bar dates are typically 70–90 days from the filing. Early notice gives you the full window to document and file.
Does CaseWarn monitor Chapter 11 reorganizations as well as Chapter 7?
Yes. For subcontractors, this distinction is especially important: Chapter 7 means wind down immediately; Chapter 11 means reorganization, and you may be able to negotiate contract assumption with court protection. Every CaseWarn alert labels the chapter clearly.
See also
Protect your next job
Monitor every GC and project owner on your active list. One company is always free.
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