Many victims of natural disasters—such as hurricanes, floods and earthquakes—turn to design professionals for assistance. Architects and engineers have been asked to provide services under difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions and often for little or no fee. When providing services during or following a disaster, keep these cautions in mind:
In an emergency, there is often a sense of urgency to the work and little time spent discussing particulars. Determine if there is a true emergency that involves an immediate threat to life or property. If it is truly an emergency situation, human decency dictates that you do what you can at that moment.
If, on the other hand, you’re asked to provide professional services in the aftermath of a disaster (when threats to life and property have diminished), have a discussion with your client regarding his/her needs. It’s important to learn all you can about the client’s expectations. Are the expectations unreasonable? Is the client asking for services you’re unqualified to provide? Don’t let your desire to help cloud your judgment regarding your staff’s capabilities, your firm’s capacity or a realistic schedule. Never promise more than you can deliver.
After a disaster, there’s often a natural tendency to shorten discussions and “just get down to business.” Nevertheless, it’s essential that at the very least, you and the client agree on what you are going to do. Establish a scope of services and make it as complete as possible given the circumstances. If you can, also indicate what services you will not be providing.
Remember, when you’re helping individuals who have suffered a big loss, they may not even be aware of what they need and don’t need. Take the time to help them understand their situation and the services you can provide. Spending a few minutes up front can clarify issues for both of you and help avoid future disputes.
If you provide services after a disaster, it’s important to get some kind of agreement in writing, even if you’re not accepting a fee. It does not have to be a lengthy document; on the contrary, a very simple agreement will often suffice.
Instruct your staff to keep careful notes (as good as the circumstances will allow) on all their disaster-site visits. Digital pictures and/or video are especially helpful in these situations, too. Field staff should document their observations and recommendations to your client in writing as soon as possible.
Design professionals are uniquely qualified to provide assistance after a disaster. Remember that if you agree to provide services (whether by written contract or orally), you have the duty to protect the health and safety of the public and to reasonably exercise your professional skill and knowledge under the circumstances. Emergency situations can create unusual circumstances. While you concentrate on what you can do to help, don’t neglect to protect yourself and your firm.
The information contained herein is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, seek the services of a competent attorney. Any descriptions of insurance provisions are general overviews only.
XL Catlin is the global brand used by XL Group Ltd’s insurance subsidiaries. In the US, the insurance companies of XL Group Ltd are: Catlin Indemnity Company, Catlin 色多多视频 Company, Inc., Catlin Specialty 色多多视频 Company, Greenwich 色多多视频 Company, Indian Harbor 色多多视频 Company, XL 色多多视频 America, Inc., XL 色多多视频 Company of New York, Inc., and XL Specialty 色多多视频 Company. In Canada, coverages are underwritten by XL Specialty 色多多视频 Company—Canadian Branch. Coverages may also be underwritten by Lloyd’s Syndicate #2003. Coverages underwritten by Lloyd’s Syndicate #2003 are placed on behalf of the member of Syndicate #2003 by Catlin Canada Inc. Lloyd’s ratings are independent of XL Catlin. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions. Information accurate as of March 2016.© 2016 X.L. America, Inc. All rights reserved.
