Have you just moved into a new build home? Are there things wrong with the building itself? Things that might lead to – or have already led to – an accident on site? We wonder how liable architects are for their role in the creation of shoddy workmanship. In construction roles, it may be that the builders conducted work as instructed, or it may be that the work is sloppy because of the builders. As with all construction injury cases, liability depends on the architecture, the contracts arranged, and the stage of the building process. Let us delve deeper.
What are Architects Liable for in 3rd Party Constructions?
The architect is always in a unique position. They listen to the client’s description of what they want, then they negotiate a way to create that with the builders. They are the people who work out how we can have a star-gazing bedroom or an infinity pool on the roof. It is not an easy job at the best of times without approaching the subject of liability.
The architect acts as the owner’s agent in construction situations. This means they need a carefully plotted out list of what they are and are not responsible for. An airtight contract protects both parties and, if correct, will reduce liability on the architect’s behalf. As a generic guide, architects can use the American Institute of Architects’ contract as a template. This contract rightly favors the architect in liability cases. Construction contract administration is an important part of building work because it protects working professionals and their clients.
Problems Arising Outside Contracts
The issues we find with architect’s liability comes not from the details of the contract, but from operating outside of that contract. If your legal team can prove that the injured party was only injured because off-contract work was conducted, then the architect can be held responsible. You might think this is a rare occurrence, but off-contract work happens in every construction case.
Why? Builders skip things to get ahead. They want paid, and they do not see any money until the completion of the building work. Not only do builders want to rush through the site, so do the owners. They might interfere, ask to do things in the wrong order, and get in the way. If an architect cannot keep construction teams and owners in check, they could find themselves liable for breach of contract and partially to blame for any construction injuries. If you have been injured at work as a result of just such an occurrence, hire a work injury lawyer in Houston, TX and seek justice.
Areas Where Architects are Liable
If you have suffered injury during construction, the architect may be to blame if any of the following went wrong:
- Due diligence did not apply
- The documents are technically inaccurate (including designs)
- They have not considered workability of the design
- They do not have the correct risk assessments in place
- The design posed an obvious risk to human health
If any of the above apply to your injury, you might find the architect is at fault. Seek justice today by launching a personal injury claim.