Do Soil Testing Firms Have Additional Liability Exposures?

Posted on: April 16, 2015 by Huntersure

The best building practices in the world won’t make a structure durable or safe if the soil beneath it is unstable. Poor soil quality is a serious issue for builders today in all parts of the nation. If not recognized and addressed, poor soil quality or composition can lead to shifting and expanding beneath the building’s foundation, which can structural compromises the building. Landscaping and the building’s grading can also suffer, resulting in pooling waters and poor storm runoff leading to even greater complications. Before construction ever begins many contractors turn to soil testing firms to investigate and assess the soil quality for its ability to bear the weight of the building.

Soil testing firms and technicians play an integral role in the construction and land development process, and as such face a number of professional responsibilities and liability exposures. These services examine the soil’s chemical and geotechnical properties, in order to glean information about the strength, density, compaction, contamination, organics and sand content, and assess their impact on a project. Because soil testing technicians assess the suitability of the soil in order to provide project owners vital data for informed decision making and planning, the fate of a project will often rest partially on the findings of a soil test. The work is highly technical and precision is paramount. Should any complications arise during the testing or analysis, the technician and the firm could be held accountable for any resulting errors, damages or losses.

For example, should a technician fail to take the proper steps when obtaining or testing soil samples and in turn the samples and data were compromised, these technicians could be held responsible for any resulting errors and losses. Furthermore, a technician could interpenetrate their observations or data incorrectly and provide a flawed report. While it may seem unlikely, mistakes happen to even the most experienced professionals. Which is why securing quality professional liability insurance coverage is vital for testing and inspection services.

At Huntersure, we specialize in professional liability insurance solutions for a number of niche markets. Our staff understands the types of exposures that can result in errors and omission claims and can assist you in helping to mitigate your clients’ risks. By working with our staff, agents will benefit from the expertise needed to secure the appropriate policy coverage depending on the types of contracts and activities in which the insured is involved. To learn more about our operation and our professional liability insurance programs, contact us today.

Posted in: blog Technical Consultants

Tagged: Firms inspection Insurance Liability professional services Soil testing