Some firms worry that their professional liability insurance might not cover them for drone usage. The Victor and CNA professional liability program provides coverage when professionals use drones as tools to perform their professional obligations. Firms using unmanned aerial vehicles, such as the drones often used to document new construction for evaluation by the design... Continue Reading →
Does the CNA professional liability policy cover punitive damages?
In many states, insurance coverage is not possible for damages that are not the result of a wrongful act. Punitive damages are damages awarded in addition to actual damages because the defendant, as determined by a court or jury, acted with recklessness, malice, or deceit. Such damages are meant to penalize the egregious actions of... Continue Reading →
What are subrogation rights, and why should you waive them?
Often in professional services agreements, clients ask firms to “waive subrogation rights.” It is important to understand what subrogation rights exist, and the reason for the waiver request, before waiving those rights.In AIA and EJCDC documents, a waiver of subrogation provision exists to reduce litigation over the cause of a loss covered by property insurance.... Continue Reading →
Expanding your work force to meet firm needs
Using independent contractors to perform discrete, well-defined tasks on your project is one way to tap into existing talent without adding employees to your payroll. Firms typically tap their existing networks; however, they are increasingly using online platforms that function as a marketplace for firms and freelancers to find each other and strike a mutually... Continue Reading →
Remember registration and insurance if you use drones
As expected, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that anyone who owns a consumer drone weighing between 0.55 pounds and 50 pounds must register it before February 19 or be fined up to $27,500 in civil penalties—or face jail time and $250,000 in criminal penalties. The new registration requirement is part of the FAA's... Continue Reading →
Schinnerer’s new policy facilitates practice expansion
In a February 11th webinar titled, “The New Professional Liability Policy: Changes to Help You Manage Your Professional Risk,” Kevin Collins described the new version of the CNA professional liability insurance policy for design professionals. The webinar can now be downloaded from risk management website. Two of the major enhancements to the policy mentioned by... Continue Reading →