When architect negligence occurs on any construction project, it can cause severe financial and physical harm to all parties involved. Unfortunately for real estate developers, some design mistakes are only noticeable long after construction has finished. Still, most construction contractors, including architects, can be liable for negligence and breaches of contract, even after completing a project.
If you believe your project has been affected by the architect’s work, contact our construction litigation attorneys right away. We have the resources and expertise necessary to help real estate developers in Florida, Nevada, and California file a professional negligence claim against architects. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.
Architects are responsible for delivering a construction design that is suitable for the building’s intended purpose. To do so, architects engage in a wide range of responsibilities and tasks, including the following.
Whether it’s one incident or a series of incidents, negligence at any stage of a construction project has the ability to compromise or hinder the project’s entirety. Blueprint errors, along with errors in architectural plans and other planning documents often arise from insufficient research or checking procedures. Common examples of architecture negligence include the following.
Registered architects in Florida who are liable for professional negligence are subject to the disciplinary procedures outlined in Florida Statute §481, with a few exceptions. Some projects, including the following, do not require an architecture license and, as such, are not considered architect negligence.
In Florida, a two-year statute of limitations applies when deciding whether to file an architect negligence case. The time frame begins once the negligence is discovered or should have been discovered under due diligence.
Nevada Revised Statute §623 details expectations, requirements, and injunctive relief for situations of architect negligence. In many states, affected parties can file a claim for architect negligence under what is called the economic loss doctrine. However, the State of Nevada prohibits the use of the doctrine for the sole purpose of recovering economic losses. To file an economic loss doctrine case, the professional negligence action under question must have also led to personal injury and/or property damage.
Many states, including California, require a certificate of merit to file a suit against an architect. Generally, proof of negligence relies on evidence of a blatant lack of care, comprehensible by a layperson. The use of expert testimony typically establishes whether the required standard of care was followed and utilized by the architect. California law is similar to Nevada’s, as it generally doesn’t allow for recovery based on purely economic losses.
Not all cases of architect negligence are obvious. Many are subtle and affect the building after construction finishes. Whether issues arise immediately or months after the fact, they can create numerous structural and safety issues. If your California, Florida, or Nevada construction project has been affected by the negligence of the project architect, contact Pursiano Barry Bruce Demetriades Simon LLP. Our skilled construction litigation lawyers understand this subject area and how to help you recover for damages that occur. Contact us today to schedule a case consultation.
