Answering “yes” to any of these questions could mean you an have a professional liability exposure.
Do you provide in-house design, with or without construction responsibility?
As a contractor, you are liable for the performance of any architects or engineers you employ. You can be held legally responsible for their negligence.
Do you subcontract design services to other parties?
You can also be held vicariously liable for the negligence of any architects or engineers you hire as subcontractors.
Do you participate in joint-venture projects with an architect or engineer?
When entering into a joint venture with a design firm, you can be held liable for the negligence of their architects and engineers.
Do you provide agency or at-risk construction management services?
When acting as a construction manager who facilitates projects or advises project owners, you can be held liable for your professional services.
Do you provide value engineering services?
When you make value engineering suggestions, you are offering your professional opinion and can be held legally liable for that advice.
Are you ever responsible for revisions to architectural or engineering designs?
If you revise design plans without having them approved and re-stamped by the architect or engineer, you may become liable for the design.
Do you ever assume indemnification responsibility for negligent design in contracts with your clients?
If someone is injured in a building, the owner is liable simply because they own the building. When you contractually agree to indemnify the owner for negligent design, you assume the responsibility for the owner’s liability.
To learn more, email design.us@victorinsurance.com or connect with your business development contact.