Construction Liabilities and Professional Engineers

Professional engineers are liable for defective constructions due to faulty designs, plans, specifications as well as job site injuries. The recent spurt in litigation in construction industry compelled professional engineers as well as builders to ensure quality construction in order to reduce the possibility of liability. Construction related liability has reached a point where exorbitant claims have forced some insurers to distance themselves from construction industry. At the same time insurance premia have increased several folds. The risk of liability in India is limited at the moment. But the recent economic liberalization policies leading to the entry of multi-national construction firms into Indian markets, may affect engineering professionals seriously. Suggestions to minimize the possibility of liability are also included.