#108 - Case History - Out of Scope Assistance Causes Problem

GBA Case History Series – Case History #108 - Out of Scope Assistance Causes Problem

Summary

GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. This episode in the series explores Case History #108, where a GBA-Member Firm provided suggested changes to a sewer pipe design in order to keep construction moving forward on a five-story senior-living facility. Four years later, swelling clays caused the sewer line to back-up and the lower-level slab began showing heaving related distress. That good deed with other project related complications resulted in a $25 million claim that required an extensive defense of contract limitations of liability, standards of care, and project documentation.

Topics for discussion include:

• Project background [min. 2:10]
• What were the major issues and causes of issues on the project? [min 8:00]
• What was the claim by the client? [min. 9:00]
• What was limitation of liability on the project? [min. 10:40]
• What were findings? [min. 11:28]
• Beginning of interview with Joe Geo. [min. 13:27]
• Impacts to firm. [min. 18:10]
• How did daily field reports contribute to this issue? [min. 25:30]
• Discussion on Colorado law regarding residential work. [min. 27:15]
• What does firm do differently now because of this case regarding residential work? [min. 29:15]
• What happens when your insurance company gets involved? [min.30:57]
• Where can you get a copy of this case history? [min 32:22]
• Lessons learned. [min. 32:36]
• Big takeaway. [min. 44:40]

Lessons Learned:

• No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
• Prevent Recommendations from Becoming Requirements
• Do Not Unilaterally Deviate from the Scope of Services
• It Pays to Be Your Brother’s Keeper
• Documentation Can Be Your Best Defense
• Consider Limitation of Liability During Your Go/No-Go Analysis

Calls-to-action:

• Download Case History #108: https://www.geoprofessional.org/product/gba-case-history-no-108/
• Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/
• An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms.
• Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member.
• Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes
• Contact us at info@geoprofessional.org with any podcast-related questions or comments

Subscribe

• Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

• Tiffany Vorhies, NACE CIP-2 – Vice President/SME
• Carrie Foulk, PE, GE – Senior Geotechnical Engineer/BSK Associates
• Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/PBS Engineering and Environmental Inc.