10/2003 | Research Reveals a Truer Picture of Liability Claims |
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Two studies of New York and Illinois provide a gauge of what kinds of professional liability claims are being filed and at what frequency in those states. The findings, developed by Victor O. Schinnerer & Co., serve as factual background for AIA New York State and AIA Illinois, who requested them. Supporting the state-component lobbying efforts, the studies illustrate, among other things, the low incidence of claims in New York more than seven years after substantial completion and the dramatic drop in costly but unsubstantiated claims following the repeal in Illinois of a law allowing construction-worker lawsuits against architects. New York study results
“We think the study speaks to the need for an effective statute of repose in New York and for action to reduce the meritless claims brought against design professionals,” says Frank Musica, Assoc. AIA, risk management attorney for Schinnerer. Illinois study results
“Clearly,” Musica states, “the Illinois Structural Work Act provided very little in payments by insured firms to injured workers but caused major expenses to professional service firms, their insurers, and the public and private clients of the firms forced to defend themselves.” Copyright 2003 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved. Home Page |
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