Professional Liability Coverage

[JackTrades]

I am presently working as a contract employee for a small structural engineering firm and have been told that I am covered by their professional liability (E&O) insurance policy. I don’t believe that this is typical. While I understand that whether I'm covered or not would be determined by the contract verbiage, I would like to get some input from any of you with background or experience with this before I ask to see the policy.
Thanks in advance.

-Jack

 

[JedClampett]

Usually the company has insurance for their work product, no matter who provides it. If they employ a subcontractor, with a defined scope, they might need their own policies. But this would be spelled out in their subcontract agreement.
Can you imagine the logistical nightmare if contract employees needed to have their own seperate policies? The limits for each employee would be different, there would be a question of who did what and other book-keeping issues.

 

[IRstuff]

However, you should consult a knowledgeable lawyer about what might needed AFTER you leave the company.

TTFN
faq731-376

Need help writing a question or understanding a reply? forum1529

 

[Ron]

JackTrades....yes, it is likely that their insurance covers you; however, when a claim is filed and the insurer pays, they want their pound of flesh from someone. They insure the company for which you provide services and they will honor that, but they will also want to recover their loss by filing a suit against someone else (called subrogation) and the someone else is YOU. Cover yourself.

 

[beej67]

When I file for E&O coverage, I have to list the names of all the engineers that are covered. If I were you, I would ask to see a copy of their policy to ensure that your name is on the list.

Hydrology, Drainage Analysis, Flood Studies, and Complex Stormwater Litigation for Atlanta and the South East -

http://www.campbellcivil.com

 

[JackTrades]

Thank you all for the helpful advice. It seems that, as a minimum, I should have my lawyer review the owner's policy.