Risk advisory blog archive

The links below take you to various blog posts written by Victor US risk advisory consultants. They cover a broad range of topics, including contract negotiation, industry trends, legal precedents, advances in technology and practice, and many others.

Designing for extremes: Why water infrastructure engineers should adapt or risk legal exposure

05/19/2025

Water infrastructure engineers are beginning to shift their design practices to account for climate variability related to more intense rainfall, post-wildfire sediment flows, sea-level rise, and storm surges, to name a few.

Litigation or arbitration?

05/06/2025

Firms should carefully examine the pros and cons of selecting arbitration as their dispute resolution method.

New design-build documents and progressive design-build documents released

03/19/2025

AIA Contract Documents now publishes “Traditional” and “Progressive” versions of the design-build project delivery method, enabling design firms and their clients to better use both forms of design-build.

An update on construction materials prices

03/18/2025

Delve into some key themes and insights that shed light on the current state of construction material prices and the factors contributing to their volatility.

Navigating claims in times of market uncertainty

02/12/2025

For firms providing construction-related professional services, the economic effects of tariffs and labor shortages may increase the likelihood of both breach of contract and professional liability claims.

The gap between codes and projected severe weather conditions

01/10/2025

Among the most pressing challenges in today’s rapidly changing climate landscape is the growing disconnect between the future-forward data on rainfall and the codes and standards professionals rely on as a baseline.

Don’t let perfect be the enemy of progress: A federal court’s message to engineers on climate accountability

12/09/2024

The recent decision in Save the Colorado v. Semonite sends a clear signal to design professional firms about the growing expectations for their role in addressing environmental and climate concerns.

Hidden risks of warranties and representations

12/06/2024

Agreeing to a contractual warranty or representation can create gaps in your professional liability coverage.

Hidden contract risks: Why prevailing party clauses create coverage concerns

11/21/2024

Avoid prevailing party obligations as they can create coverage concerns under your firm’s professional liability policy.

2025 state legislative forecast: Impacts on the built environment

11/20/2024

At Victor, we closely monitor legislative developments to try and help our insureds navigate the shifting landscape, mitigate professional liability risks, and optimize business opportunities.

Cascading catastrophes: How one natural disaster can fuel another

10/22/2024

How are wildfires and flooding connected? Find out how the occurrence of one natural disaster can create a chain reaction of catastrophes.

Beating the heat: OSHA’s proposed rule to protect workers from extreme heat

09/12/2024

A proposed federal rule aims to protect outdoor and indoor workers from the dangers of extreme heat as record-breaking temperatures sweep the nation and increase the risks of excessive heat illnesses and injuries.