Due to the recent events of Hurricane Harvey and potential landfall of Hurricane Irma, Dealey Renton & Associates (DRA) is issuing a special newsletter with assistance from our industry partner, XL Catlin. While relatively few DRA clients have experienced a direct loss from Hurricane Harvey, in the aftermath of a disaster, people turn to architects and engineers to provide much needed assistance.
When you lend a hand, please make sure to protect your staff and your firm. The law may not protect you from liability, even for services performed for such a worthy cause. Now is not the time to forgo sound risk management practices.
If your firm has experienced a loss and has not already filed a claim, please contact your DRA representative immediately or our main number at 1.800.545.3090.
Architects and engineers have been asked to provide services under difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions and often for little or no fee. XL Catlin provides some cautions to keep in mind following a disaster.
In emergencies, expediency matters. Agreements do not need to be comprehensive. Instead, firms might adapt the EJCDC or AIA short-form agreements. Firms prefer to use letter agreements for post-emergency situations; XL Catlin's Contract e-Guide provides guidance.
It is important to get a written contract, which not only specifies roles and responsibilities, but also provides liability waivers and indemnification in the event of any harm you might incur or claims by any third parties. XL Catlin provides a sample agreement for emergency services.
'To pay or not to pay' employees, that is the question when weather-related emergencies cause an office closure. Details are discussed by legal professionals from Proskauer Rose LLP.
To learn more about DRA, or to offer comments or suggestions contact: