By Gregory N. Ziegler, Esq.
When a claim is made, counsel is retained by the professional liability insurance carrier to defend the claim. Defense counsel is experienced in defending design professionals and will work on behalf of the architect. Resolving a complaint requires a collaborative effort between the architect and attorney. The attorney’s role is twofold. First and most obviously, the attorney helps guide the architect through all legal matters associated with the case. Secondly, he or she presents the factual issues of the matter in a light that is most favorable to the architect. The architect can greatly assist the attorney in both these roles.
2023 Trends in Professional Liability Insurance
The AIA Trust together with the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) and the National Society for Professional Engineers (NSPE) work annually to conduct an insurance carrier review and interview of professional liability trends and risk management issues. The following are some highlights for 2023 as well as complimentary useful resources made available to you by the AIA Trust.
Avoiding fee disputes
Architecture firms should take the time to establish meaningful fee collection practices so that they can remain financially solvent. Avoiding fee disputes with clients helps maintain positive working relationships while safeguarding the ability to provide services on future projects, including those of existing clients. Timely collection of fees is essential since architecture firms do not…
