Source: Berkley Design Professional, https://www.berkleydp.com/

A surveyor was retained by a contractor to stake the corners of a new single-family house. The surveyor referred to a site plan and utility data that was out of date. An updated site plan, including revised building location and existing utility information, was issued by the architect and civil engineer and transmitted to the surveyor prior to construction. However, the surveyor failed to check his email for the updated documents and used an outdated prior plan for staking. The foundations were partially placed in the incorrect location requiring removal and replacement. Berkley Design Professional paid $45,000 on behalf of the policyholder and $20,000 in defense costs. The policyholder paid a $10,000 deductible.

Lessons learned:

Make sure that the most current design/construction document plans are used particularly prior to staking for construction sites and when there are pending design changes. Email and other correspondence should be checked for updates to plans prior to performing services.