Stamping Drawings 1

[hines86]

I am a newly licensed engineer. Well I have had it for over a year and not personally stamped anything. Can I submit something with my seal on it without E&O or liability insurance? It is a small wood deck 17'x 30' design, that sits above the ground by 1' max. I am not concerned about liability - as I tend to be conservative. However, I don't know if there is a requirement from the state of New Jersey for insurance. Can anyone comment. Greatly appreciated.

 

[TLHS]

Insurance isn't just for people who engineer aggressively. It's because people make mistakes. You can be as conservative as you want on the assumptions and still screw up the load path in a detail, not account for unknown existing conditions, add two numbers wrong, not properly understand some construction technique, or miss a contractor screw up in a field review.

Regardless of whether your association requires it, it's prudent to carry it if you're going to practice. If you do small projects, your coverage shouldn't be ridiculously expensive.

As far as legal requirements, call your association and ask them. That's what they're there for. Even if people on here know the answer, you probably shouldn't trust random internet people on something this critical.

 

[MrHershey]

I'll take it one further. You don't even have to make a mistake to need the insurance. If you get sued, you can be out legal fees even if you're not found liable for damages. Just the cost of defending yourself can get pretty high and the courts don't always make the losing team pay for the winning team's attorney(s). I'd tend to get a small policy and sleep better unless this is for immediate family.

 

[DETstru]

I personally would not want to sign and submit anything without insurance. It's the peace of mind that I like. I don't know what the requirements are in your area. It's just a matter of if you're willing to accept the risk or not.

Regarding the deck: some municipalities don't require a permit for decks that meet certain criteria. There are size limitations, height limitations, and standard details that you're required to use. If you follow their rules you don't need a permit (or an engineer). I have no idea what the rules are for wherever your deck is though.

 

[JStephen]

Since you ask the question, it sounds like maybe you are moonlighting, ie, doing work outside your regular job. If so, check the rules on that as well. Generally permitted by state rules, but those rules may require your employer be notified or something like that. And in some cases, an individual also needs a "corporate" license or certificate of authority even if working as just an individual. There again, read your rules.

 

[jike]

Many employers do not take kindly to moonlighting as a suit can invoke their liability even if you were working independently.

 

[mike20793]

Agreed with everything above. Stay away from moonlighting; your employer will not be happy.