WHAT IS ENGINEERING MALPRACTICE?

Engineering malpractice occurs when engineers fail to meet the standard of care, meaning they fail to perform as another qualified professional would in the same or similar circumstances. Claims against engineers and architects, therefore, are typically brought on the basis of negligence.

To prove a negligence-based claim, the plaintiff must establish each of the following as true:

• The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care
• The defendant breached the duty of care
• The plaintiff was injured and suffered measurable damages
• The breach of the duty of care was the proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injury/damages

Proving an engineering malpractice case nearly always requires the expert testimony of industry professionals who can attest to the standards of care and whether or not they were breached. At Potts Law Firm, we have access to some of the industry’s leading experts and know how to utilize important evidence to persuasively argue our clients’ claims.

EXAMPLES OF ENGINEERING MALPRACTICE

Some examples of engineering malpractice and negligence include:

• Defective building design or planning
• Inadequate planning/research
• Failure to meet deadlines
• Breach of contract
• Failure to meet terms and conditions
• Improper or inadequate supervision or hiring of personnel
• Blueprint errors
• Assigning/hiring unqualified personnel
• Failure to retain consultants
• Breach of warranty
• Intentional misconduct
• Noncompliance with applicable laws, codes, and regulations

These and other negligent acts by engineers and architects can have devastating effects, both physical and financial in nature. At Potts Law Firm, our engineering malpractice attorneys understand just how serious these cases are, which is why they aggressively pursue justice and fair financial compensation for their clients.

THE EFFECTS OF ENGINEERING MALPRACTICE

Engineering and architectural malpractice can have many serious effects. In addition to significant property damage, poorly designed or engineered structures can lead to serious accidents, which may result in catastrophic injury or death.

Some of the possible effects of engineering errors and negligence include:

• Explosions
• Flooding
• Electrocutions
• Nuclear disasters
• Fires
• Structure collapses
• Oil spills
• Ground collapses

Because engineers are also responsible for designing various structures other than buildings, such as aircraft and motor vehicles, engineering malpractice can also lead to all types of aviation accidents, motor vehicle collisions, boating crashes, etc.

Victims of these and other disasters often sustain severe, life-changing injuries. Even when an engineering error does not lead to injury or death, victims can sustain considerable damage to their properties. As a result, engineering malpractice often results in significant physical, emotional, and financial damages.

Examples of damages in engineering malpractice claims include:

• Property damage
• Financial loss
• Wrongful death
• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering

At Potts Law Firm, we help our clients fight for full compensation for their damages. If you were harmed as a result of engineering malpractice or negligence, reach out to our firm right away to learn how we can help you fight for your right to a fair recovery.