#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 [email protected] 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.