Savvy real estate developers know that behind every successful construction project is a hardworking team of professionals. From architects and engineers to general contractors and designers, everyone involved must abide by a certain standard of care for the plan to go smoothly. Unfortunately, construction professionals do not always practice due prudence and caution, especially when they lack proper training and resources. A minor miscalculation in the blueprints or loose railing might be overlooked or remedied right away in small designs, but when the stakes are higher, a simple mistake could compromise the entirety of the project.
If your real estate project has been delayed or compromised by professional negligence, don’t hesitate to act. Contact a construction attorney with Pursiano Barry Bruce Demetriades Simon LLP to request a free case consultation.
Professional negligence occurs when a person with specialized knowledge or skill in a particular discipline fails to act with the same level of care that a reasonably-prudent person in their line of work would use when rendering services. This level of attention is referred to as a standard of care and its scope varies widely depending on the circumstances and the person’s line of work.
Under the law, professionals have a duty of care when offering services, meaning they must deliver their services on par with a standard of care. Any breaches to this duty may be subject to legal action from the client. Some of the most common types of professional negligence in construction include the following.
A significant portion of professional negligence cases in construction involves flawed building designs that are not up-to-code or safe for contractors and users. In such cases, the project’s architect is usually the most likely culprit. Even worse, some design flaws may not be apparent until years after construction has ended.
Professional negligence can occur in any area of a construction project — not just design. Inexperienced general contractors, in particular, are among the most common parties at fault for a project’s delay or poor quality. Similarly, management can be held liable for subpar employee performance, and financial specialists for serious risk oversight.
Engineers can take multiple roles in a construction project. Aside from co-developing blueprints and designs with architects, they may also report costs, purvey machinery, and assist in risk management. Because of their versatility on the job, engineers are also likely to commit significant errors, especially when improperly trained or inexperienced.
Construction defects are not the only likely outcome of professional negligence. Negligence on the part of a financial specialist can likewise cause issues, including costly financial losses, unreasonable delays, record misrepresentation and omissions, law-violation fines, and failures to adequately manage risk.
Given the large number of parties that can be involved in a construction project, it is not unusual for a professional negligence case to include several parties across a wide range of industries and professions. Negligent construction professionals may include accountants, financial advisers, solicitors, barristers, surveyors, and project managers.
When professionals act carelessly, not only do they fail to deliver on their services but they also jeopardize the success of a business. To ensure your rights and your business remains protected throughout your case, contact a construction litigation lawyer with Pursiano Barry Bruce Demetriades Simon LLP.
With years of experience handling construction-related disputes inside and outside the court, we can help you get a favorable ruling for you and your business.
