We consider the potential claims that architects may be exposed
to in the current economic climate.
Over the first nine months of this year, 385 claims have been
issued in the Technology and Construction Court. This represents
over a 40 per cent increase in claims issued on a date-by-date
basis, compared to this time last year. A notable proportion of
these claims involve architects, either suing for unpaid fees, or
being sued for alleged negligence.
What is causing this surge in litigation? The current economic
climate is, of course, a major contributing factor. Along with
manufacturing, the construction industry has been hardest hit by
the recession. It has endured 17 months of continuous decline. The
sector is contracting at a worrying speed, with £20 billion
expected to be wiped off the industry this year.
