PE stamping and liability
PE stamping and liability
(OP)
A friend of mine asked for my help (for free). He wanted me to figure out what needs to be done to remove the column in the basement. So I said, sure. Then he asked me draw a little sketch and prepare a little report for the building department. This is when I told him that I need to run his project through the company I work for since my work will be insured (of course he has to pay a fee). Did I do a right thing? Is there a document I can make him sign so I will be protected from any kind of liability so I dont have to run it through my company? I would love to help my buddy out but then I dont want to stamp anything since I dont have a personaly liability insurance.
Never, but never question engineer's judgement





RE: PE stamping and liability
David
RE: PE stamping and liability
Does it have to be sealed?? Many building departments do not require it OR believe it or not will check it for an "extra" fee. A HOT topic for another day!!!
RE: PE stamping and liability
RE: PE stamping and liability
I personally won't do "free" work on the side, even for friends. A fee must be paid (although it may be minimal) to cover insurance and the costs of producing the deliverables.
RE: PE stamping and liability
RE: PE stamping and liability
RE: PE stamping and liability
You are knowledgable, they are not, so you probably have a legal 'duty of care' regardless.
RE: PE stamping and liability
I agree with helping out a friend when you can, but not when they are asking you to risk your way of making a living in order that they can save a few bucks.
I wouldn't worry about making them upset by saying no. A real friend will understand your position and gladly pay the fee or you could give them some referrals to some one who charges lower rates.
The easiest way out of this would be to tell them that your firms insurance company will not insure for liability if you are sealing plans outside of the firm that they are insuring. Since the firm would not be receiving money, they can't put the firm name on it, therefore it's not covered.
A friend of mine got into a situation kind of like yours several years ago, and had to back pedal her way out of it. She too was just helping what she thought was a friend.
A former co-worker I knew was doing plans on the side, and asked one of the Engineers in our office to seal them for him and he would pay them a small fee on the side. The Engineer reported the co-worker to HR and he was terminated on the spot for even suggesting such a deal.
RE: PE stamping and liability
You will want to find out exactly what the rule is in your state. Running it through the company is a good idea but you can still be personally liable under certain circumstances.
RE: PE stamping and liability
Don Phillips
http://worthingtonengineering.com