Geotechnical Engineering Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance

We offer errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, also called professional liability insurance, to geotechnical engineers who work in all fields. Geotechnical engineering deals with various structures involving soil, rock, and water. Geotechnical engineers typically work on project involving foundations, retaining walls, slopes, dams, tunnels, landfills, and deep excavations.

Do geotechnical engineers need errors and omissions insurance?

Geotechnical engineering is a specialty which is expensive to insure due to the nature of the work and the costs involved to correct any potential error or omissions made by the engineer.

Geotechnical engineers face exposure to malpractice lawsuits based on alleged breach of contract and failure to exercise due care. If found as having been negligent, geotechnical engineers can be held responsible for significant damages. Lawsuits against geotechnical engineers can be based on issues such as error in design, construction defect, calculation error, and failure to follow standards or regulations.

Even if a lawsuit is not justified, geotechnical engineers still face costly legal fees. It is therefore vital that they carry the proper E&O insurance protection.

What coverage is provided to geotechnical engineers by errors and omissions insurance?

Errors and omissions insurance protects geotechnical engineers against claims made in connection with a negligent act, error or omission committed in the performance of professional services. The policy provides for the payment of damages that the insured becomes legally obligated to pay as a result of a covered claim as well as for claim expenses, including defense costs. Geotechnical engineers should be aware that errors and omissions insurance policies include multiple exclusions, such as:

• Failure to obtain or maintain any type of insurance
• Claim made by an insured against another insured
• Dishonest, fraudulent, criminal, malicious or intentional acts
• Liabilities assumed from another party
• Express warranties or guarantees
• Fines and penalties

Many other exclusions and limitations are included in errors and omissions insurance policies. Geotechnical engineers should carefully review their policy to ensure that adequate coverage is provided.