New Podcast Episode: Litigation for Collections – A Lose-Lose Scenario
The latest episode of the GBA Podcast’s Case History series explores a project that began with a routine geotechnical study and ended with a lawsuit, a settlement, and the loss of a valuable client relationship. As they discuss GBA Case History #13, “Litigation for Collections… A Lose-Lose Scenario,” hosts Elizabeth Brown, P.E. (JLT Consultants) and Abi Corbett (SME) examine how communication breakdowns, scope limitations, and business decisions can create risks that extend far beyond technical engineering.
The case begins with a 10-story office building, for which a GBA member firm submitted oral proposals for a geotechnical investigation. The owner selected the lower-cost option, and as the project evolved, key design changes occurred without additional geotechnical evaluation. What followed offers important lessons about proposal practices, client communications, documentation, and managing professional relationships.
As Corbett notes during the episode, “the technical work wasn’t really the biggest problem. It was everything floating around it.”
Listeners will gain practical insights into why written proposals matter, how scope decisions can influence risk exposure, and why geoprofessional consultants must actively manage client relationships throughout a project lifecycle. The discussion also highlights how collection actions can unexpectedly trigger professional liability claims and damage future business opportunities.
The episode concludes with a powerful reminder from Elizabeth Brown: “Don’t let short-term cost decisions or emotional reactions compromise your long-term success.”
For geoprofessionals seeking practical risk-management lessons drawn from real-world experiences, this episode offers valuable perspective.
Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.
About GBA Case Histories
GBA Case Histories examine real-world project and business situations that offer valuable lessons for geoprofessional consultants. These educational resources help firms strengthen risk management practices and make more informed business decisions.
About the GBA Podcast
The GBA Podcast delivers practical insights from geoprofessionals for geoprofessionals. Through conversations with industry leaders and subject matter experts, listeners gain actionable ideas to help manage risk, strengthen business practices, and improve project outcomes.