Design professionals face a unique and demanding liability landscape. Gallagher Sharp has deep experience defending architects, structural engineers, civil engineers, mechanical and electrical engineers, geotechnical engineers, and other design consultants against professional liability claims. Our lawyers understand the standard of care applicable to design professionals and are skilled at working with technical experts to evaluate design decisions in the context of project-specific conditions, client directives, and industry practice.
We defend against claims alleging design defects, errors and omissions in construction documents, inadequate specifications, failure to observe construction for conformance with the design, and negligent site evaluations. We also handle disputes arising from the coordination of design elements across multiple disciplines — a frequent source of claims on complex commercial and infrastructure projects. Our experience spans structural failures, code compliance disputes, inadequate site investigations, and coordination deficiencies between project stakeholders.
Our representation extends to claims brought by owners, contractors, and subcontractors, as well as third-party tort claims by injured parties who allege that design deficiencies contributed to a construction accident or property loss. We are experienced in navigating the economic loss rule, indemnification provisions, and additional insured obligations that frequently arise in design professional disputes.
