National Lumber Co. v. United Casualty & Surety Insurance

We are asked to decide an issue of statutory interpretation: whether a mechanic’s lien recorded pursuant to G. L. c. 254, § 4, includes contractual interest and reasonable attorney’s fees incurred in enforcing the lien. We conclude that it does not.3

1. Background. This is the second appeal in a case that began as an in rem proceeding to enforce a mechanic’s lien. The facts underlying the plaintiffs claim are set forth in our prior opinion, National Lumber Co. v. LeFrancois Constr. Corp., 430 Mass. 663, 664-665 (2000) (National Lumber I). We summarize only those undisputed facts that are…