Commercial Liability Articles

Latest Articles

Design and Professional Liability

Engineers May Testify on Architect's Conduct

2024-11-08 | Kenneth A Slavens

The overlapping expertise of design professionals may permit a professional engineer to testify as to conduct of an architect. Ken Slavens relates the recent case and lessons learned.

Subcontractor Performance Risk

Closing the Loop—Collaboration in Sustainable Construction

2024-10-18 | Cheri Hanes

Cheri Hanes highlights the challenges, strategies, and benefits associated with working with a diverse range of stakeholders to foster a culture of innovation.

Design and Professional Liability

Design Professional Review of Submittals under the AIA Documents

2024-09-13 | Kenneth A Slavens

The design professional's review of shop drawings is a limited but crucial step in achieving a complete and safe project. Ken Slavens explains why.

Construction Liability Insurance

Construction Defect Trend Produces Coverage-Restricting Endorsements

2024-08-16 | Ann Hickman

Insurers are making significant changes to their policies in response to rising construction defect claims. IRMI Vice President Ann Hickman takes a look at these changes, including those affecting known loss, exterior insulation and finish systems, mold, earth movement, residential construction, additional insureds, and others.

Construction Liability Insurance

Are All EIFS Contractors Created Equal?

2024-08-16 | Ann Hickman

Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) remain a contentious issue, and there is an ongoing debate in the industry whether EIFS liability exposures can be underwritten or should simply remain excluded. IRMI Vice President Ann Hickman provides some insights into how an underwriter or an insurance representative may evaluate the risks faced by a contractor from EIFS.

Design and Professional Liability

Ambiguity Does Not Doom a Limitation of Liability Clause

2024-08-09 | Kenneth A Slavens

The limitation of liability clause is not subject to the same strict review as an exculpatory clause. Ken Slavens relates the case and lessons learned.

Subcontractor Performance Risk

Creating an Innovative Culture in a Construction Company

2024-08-02 | Cheri Hanes

Building (and funding) the right team is one facet. Cheri Hanes explains the process and its rewards.

Design and Professional Liability

Court Finds Necessary a Connection between Wrongful Conduct and Training

2024-07-12 | Kenneth A Slavens

Ken Slavens describes a 2024 case illustrating the importance of providing training to design employees and documenting compliance with professional standards.