Claims Retrospective—Transparency in Construction Observation Services Is the Best Policy
In Claims onRead moreEngineering services often include commenting on construction work, either while the work is ongoing or after it is completed. It is not unusual for engineers to comment on whether the work appears to be in general conformance with the contract documents or even if it appears to be structurally sound. Under certain circumstances, engineers may observe the construction work via photographs or video rather than…
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L.A.’s Self-Certification Pilot Program – Enter at Your Own Risk
In Claims onRead moreIn the wake of the wildfires that ravaged parts of Los Angeles earlier this year, the City of Los Angeles decided to implement a Self-Certification Pilot Program (the “Program” or the “Pilot Program”), allowing licensed architects and engineers to self-certify that their plans comply with the Los Angeles County Building Code, thereby eliminating the need for a full building plan check review. While the goal…
Understanding Loss Run Reports: What Are They and Why Are They Important?
In Risk Manager onRead moreWhen requesting a professional liability insurance quote for an upcoming renewal, you will most likely be asked for five years of “loss run reports.” If you are wondering what these documents are and why they matter, you are not alone. Many firms are surprised to learn just how important this information can be in determining their coverage options and rates.
Key Components to be Aware of When Requesting a Professional Liability Insurance Quote
In Risk Manager onRead moreInsurance provides options to safeguard our possessions, businesses, professional pursuits, and lives. These options are designed to protect us during times when we are at our most vulnerable. Unfortunately, failure to maintain continuous coverage remains among the most elected options. With professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions, lapsation of coverage could have catastrophic financial and legal implications.
Claims Retrospective – Combating Fraud Is an Unfortunate but Necessary Part of the Engineer’s Practice.
In Claims onRead moreClaims Retrospective – Combating Fraud Is an Unfortunate but Necessary Part of the Engineer’s Practice. In recent years, we have seen multiple instances involving the use of insureds’ seals/stamps and/or information and likeness without the insureds’ knowledge or permission. For example, insureds have reported that persons or entities have reproduced or copied their stamps and/or seals onto drawings and plans
Engineers Acting as Special Inspectors Should Be Knowledgeable about What Is Required from Them and Take Care to Provide What Is Required.
In Claims onRead moreDue to the claims-made nature of professional liability insurance policies, sole proprietors and insured firms and their employees should consider Extended Reporting Periods (ERPs) or tail coverage when individuals retire and/or firms cease doing business.
Claims Retrospective: Knowledge about Extended Reporting Periods, or Tail Coverage, Is Salient When Individuals Retire and/or Firms Cease Doing Business.
In Claims onRead moreDue to the claims-made nature of professional liability insurance policies, sole proprietors and insured firms and their employees should consider Extended Reporting Periods (ERPs) or tail coverage when individuals retire and/or firms cease doing business.
Recent Cases Illustrate How Legal Concepts and Lessons Can Be Applied to Land Surveyors.
In Claims onRead moreAlthough this newsletter tends to focus on engineers, this article examines some claims against and defenses by land surveyors in recent cases. While the exemplar cases in this article do not necessarily present unique concepts, they illustrate how certain legal concepts and lessons can be applied to surveyors.
Understanding the Risks of Coverage Lapses
In Risk Manager onRead moreInsurance provides options to safeguard our possessions, businesses, professional pursuits, and lives. These options are designed to protect us during times when we are at our most vulnerable. Unfortunately, failure to maintain continuous coverage remains among the most elected options. With professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions, lapsation of coverage could have catastrophic financial and legal implications.
Claims Retrospective: Working for Condominium Associations May Require a Unique Type of Vigilance.
In Claims onRead moreDesign professionals who agree to perform services for condominium associations may find themselves involved in odd claims. Over the past few years, we have seen some claims by condominium associations and their unit owners that are outside the ordinary claims for failure to meet the applicable standard of care.
