ARTICLE · 22 JUNE 2009

Liability By Design: archtects and design professionals and personal injury

Barry Nilsson

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Architects and design professionals have experienced an increased exposure to personal injury claims in the last five or so years, particularly in Queensland following the enactment of the Personal Injuries Proceedings Act 2002.

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Architects and design professionals have experienced an increased exposure to personal injury claims in the last five or so years, particularly in Queensland following the enactment of the Personal Injuries Proceedings Act 2002. Where persons suffer injury as a result of an alleged defect in a premises or structure the architect is commonly joined to the claim, even in cases where the architect has a rather limited involvement. Against this background a recent decision of the New South Wales Court of Appeal is welcome news to architects, design professionals and their insurers.

Drummond and Rosen Pty Limited v Easey & Or's [2009] NSWCA 74.

(Judgement – 16 April 2009)

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