GBA Releases Five More Case Histories: 56-60

GBA Publications Committee

Learn from others. Don’t repeat the mistakes of the past! GBA Case Histories are being used by our members for loss prevention discussions in support of professional development and mentoring. That is why GBA case histories are so valuable, and why GBA is updating them all, while adding new ones, too. We are more than halfway done as five more case histories have been re-issued.

CASE HISTORY NO. 56 (download)

After a field representative failed to note that organic material had been buried instead of taken off site, the Member Firm that employed him submitted a form noting that grading had proceeded according to plans. The grading subcontractor relied on an outdated site map, which resulted in unsuitable organic fill beneath 100 of 250 housing lots.

CASE HISTORY NO. 57 (download)

A Member Firm environmental consultant agreed to indemnify landowners whose wells were to be tested, because EPA said it would indemnify the consultant. The EPA’s agreement was not in writing, however. When a problem developed, EPA refused to help resulting in a $60,000 settlement.

CASE HISTORY NO. 58 (download)

Precautions that were needed to help ensure success of an innovative approach were explained orally to a client, but not documented. The project failed. Despite overwhelming evidence that the client and earthwork constructor failed to comply with specifications, the client blamed the Member Firm resulting in a $300,000 settlement by the Member Firm.

CASE HISTORY NO. 59 (download)

Project risk is inversely proportional to project size, complexity and fee. The GBA-Member Firm conducted a Phase I ESA for a small area of a shopping center site, optioned to another party. The prospective purchaser discovered a tiny amount of contamination in an area the consultant was not authorized to study, then backed out of the deal, forfeiting its deposit. The prospective purchaser sued the Member Firm.

CASE HISTORY NO. 60 (download)

What started out as a favor for a potentially big client, turned into a nightmare. To meet a short deadline, a GBA member located an underground tank on its own, obviating contract protection. About 50 gallons of oil leaked when an exploratory boring impacted the integrity of the tank resulting in more than a year of conflict and negotiation.

GBA Case Histories are FREE to all Members. Access all GBA’s Case Histories HERE