News & Insights

Practice Area: Architects and Engineers

Fraud Claims Asserted By Homeowner Against Engineer Dismissed For Lack Of Specificity

In Hinman v. ValleyCrest Landscape, Inc. and Aquatic Design & Engineering, Inc., No. 3:19-cv-551, 2020 WL 434161 (M.D. Tenn. Jan. 28, 2020), the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee granted Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss the fraud claims alleged against the engineer for lack of specificity in the pleading.   Plaintiff, the…
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New York Appellate Court Rules Owners Claim Against Architect Accrued Upon Completion Of The Project Rather Than When Damage Was Discovered

In Town of West Seneca v. Kideney Architects, P.C., 2020 WL 5867490 (N.Y. App. Oct 2, 2020), a New York appellate court held a project owner’s claim against the architect accrued, and the statute of limitations began, upon completion of the project, rather than discovery of the damage.  Town of West Seneca, the project owner,…
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Texas Court Of Appeals Reaffirms Strict Adherence To Certificate Of Merit Requirements In Case Involving Engineering Firm

Plaintiffs continue to struggle in compliance with Certificate of Merit requirements in Texas. In TRW Engineers, Inc. v. Hussion Street Buildings, LLC, 2020 WL 4457975 (Tex. Ct. App. August 4, 2020), the Texas Court of Appeals held that an engineer’s deposition testimony, which was read into the record by the plaintiff, did not obviate the…
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Texas Court Of Appeals Rules Certificates Of Merit Are Required If The Alleged Tortious Actions Originate, Stem Or Result From The Practice Of Engineering

In Whitaker v. R2M Engineering, LLC, 2020 WL 2786941 (Tex. Ct. App, May 28, 2020), the Texas Court of Appeals held that plaintiff’s alleged damages arose out of the provision of professional services by a licensed or registered professional, triggering the Certificate of Merit requirements. Texas Department of Transportation (“TDOT”) hired R2M Engineering, LLC (“R2M”)…
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Owner’s Negligence Suit Against Structural Engineer Untimely

In Preyde One, LLC v. Hoffman Consultants, LLC, 2020 WL 908943 (Mich. App. Feb. 25, 2020), a Michigan appellate court ruled that a project owner’s claim against a structural engineer was a malpractice claim, governed by the malpractice statute of limitations and untimely. Preyde One, LLC (“Owner”) sued Glasers Lumber (“Glasers”) for breach of contract for allegedly…
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Maryland Appellate Court Holds A Prior Agreement Was Within The Scope Of The Arbitration Provision In A Subsequent Agreement

In Gannett Fleming, Inc. v. Corman Construction, Inc., 2019 WL 6207616 (Md. App. Nov. 21, 2019), the Maryland Court of Special Appeals held that an arbitration provision contained in a subsequent agreement may still apply to work performed under a prior agreement that did not contain a similar arbitration provision. Gannett Fleming, Inc. (“Gannett”), an…
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New York Appellate Court Rules Negligence Claims Against Architect And Engineer Accrue When The Contract Terminates Rather Than When Damages Are Incurred

In WSA Group, PE.,PC v. DKI Engineering & Consulting USA PC, 2019 WL 7173322 (N.Y. App. Dec. 26, 2019), a New York appellate court held that the statute of limitations governing malpractice claims against architects and engineers in New York begins to accrue when the contract is complete and the professional relationship ends, rather than…
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