Content area
Full Text
Imagine that the scaffolding collapses on that 32story downtown high-rise office building. A worker and two bystanders are killed, and project delivery is set back six months. You are the A/E of record.
How you handle the event can either lessen the damage to reputations and pocketbooks or it can allow the matter to get out of hand and lead to costly, long-term lawsuits, reduced revenue, and broken relationships.
What to do about scenarios like this was the topic of a recent ACEC-sponsored seminar by three joint speakers: Arthur Nielsen of Erdman Anthony and Associates, Inc. (Mechanicsburg, Pa.; 717-766-1741) and Gunther Carrle and Bruce Lombardo, attorneys with Powell Trachtman Logan Carrle Bowman & Lombardo, P.C. (King of Prussia, Pa.; 610-354-9700).
What makes a catastrophic loss unique, say the speakers, are four characteristics:
1. Uncontrolled flow of incomplete and inaccurate information;
2. Rapid and continuous change of the accident scene;
3. Presence of third parties, including investigators; and
4. Urgent need for the A/E to help the owner/client allay further danger.
Even with good and prompt control, you may not succeed in avoiding litigation. But without good control, you can be sure that the consequences will be a serious drain on your resources, morale, and reputation.
The first commandment is to control the flow of information, says Nielsen. Add Carrie and Lombardo: "A catastrophic loss promotes a tremendous demand for information. The requests are directed to anyone who is available:...