Architect Malpractice Lawsuit Attorney

Architects and others that provide design services must exercises reasonable care and due diligence in the services they provide to their clients. Otherwise, there is no guarantee that a building or any other structure is secure and stable, or that the work involved is performed safely. In essence, a failure to devote the time, attention, and care that’s needed puts the project at risk of significant delays, interruptions, and monetary losses. Even worse, people working at the site or living / visiting the area are at risk of serious injuries and damage to their property.

Defining the role of an architect is essential to understanding what counts as architectural malpractice. These individuals provide a variety of services, which include:

• Pre-design / construction, investigation and consultation services
• Preliminary studies, planning, design, drawings, and specs
• Coordinating technical aspects of the work and consulting other experts
• Ensuing that plans are in compliance with government codes and regulations
• Providing technical assistance for bid documents and contacts between clients and construction firms, electricians, plumbers, etc.
• Periodic observation of construction and administration of the contract

So, now that you understand the architect’s role in a building project, let’s look at some common examples of practices that exemplify design professional malpractice:

• Mistakes in the architectural plans, blueprints, and other planning / construction documents due to insufficient research or lack of proper verification
• Failure to assign qualified professionals with the right experience and certifications
• Lack of supervising personnel that are involved in the project
• Disregarding the client’s instructions or concerns
• Failing to check that the project is in compliance with local statutes and regulations
• Not retaining third party consultants as needed
• Failure to supply adequate building plans in a timely manner
• Not honoring the terms and conditions of the written agreement they have with the client

Our law firm has decades of experience in breach of contract, improper design, intentional misconduct, and other cases involving malpractice by architects and engineers. Don’t hesitate to contact us and learn how we can help you in a case of professional misconduct by an architect.

In the section where we talked about an architect’s duties and responsibilities, we mentioned the need to supervise the construction of the building or structure. Keep in mind, however, that this is not the same thing as supervision of the construction process. That’s up to the owners / supervisors of the construction company and other contractors that are hired by the client, architect, or engineer.

It’s easy to mistake the scope of an architect’s liability for accidents and injuries. But section 5536.25(c) of California’s Business and Professions Code clearly states that “construction observation services does not mean the superintendence of construction processes, site conditions, operations, equipment, or personnel, or the maintenance of a safe place to work or any safety in, on, or about the site.” Instead, the architect is responsible for “periodic observation of completed work to determine general compliance with the plans, specifications, reports or other contract documents.”

Thus, problems that occur due to a failure to follow professional standards during a building project can be blamed on other entities aside from the architect and/or engineering firm. Of course, there are situations where both the architect and a contractor may be at fault, meaning that liability is split between these entities. A skilled design professional malpractice lawyer is essential to figuring out the degree of fault for each party and prevailing in a lawsuit

Malpractice by design professionals involves many complex legal issues, like liens, insurance coverage, and liability for accidents. With that in mind, it’s best to obtain representation from a law firm with experience in architect negligence lawsuits. Our legal team is dedicated to fighting for your rights and bringing you results from a compensation claim against the party at fault.

We understand how these incidents take a toll on your finances. That’s why legal fees are collected at the end of your case, after we have successfully recovered your payment from the defendant. In the event we fail to secure your settlement, you owe us absolutely nothing since we provide all clients with the Zero Fee Guarantee.

For a free case evaluation with a Los Angeles architect malpractice attorney, contact our office 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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