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By Edita Abrudeanu, Founder & Principal Broker — Professional Insurance Experts, LLC
The Fence That Started a Lawsuit: When Clients’ Feelings Become Your Liability
Sometimes you’re not wrong — but you’re still blamed
A surveyor once told me about a client who swore, “That fence has been there for 30 years — you’re telling me it’s not on my property?”
The surveyor had done everything right — monuments, GIS data, robotic total station, meticulous reporting.
The numbers didn’t lie.
But the homeowner didn’t want to hear it.
The truth didn’t matter.
Their feelings did.
And that’s where professional liability steps in.
01. When Clients Refuse to Believe Facts
In fields like surveying, architecture, and engineering, you can follow every standard — and still end up accused of being wrong.
Because clients don’t see data.
They see emotion, money, and ego.
When that disconnect happens, professionals often get blamed simply for delivering facts that someone doesn’t like.
That’s not negligence — that’s human nature.
But in a lawsuit, it feels the same.
02. What E&O Really Protects You From
E&O coverage isn’t just for mistakes.
It’s for alleged mistakes — including ones you didn’t make.
Here’s how it helps when emotions turn into claims:
- Covers defense costs to prove you were right (attorneys, experts, investigations)
- Pays for settlements if the dispute escalates
- Shields your firm even when a misunderstanding, not negligence, triggers the complaint
Without it, you’re paying thousands just to defend your reputation — even when you did everything perfectly.
03. The Real Risk: Miscommunication
The biggest driver of claims isn’t technical error — it’s unclear expectations.
Clients often assume your scope includes more than it does.
Example: You design a layout. They assume it includes construction oversight.
Months later, something goes wrong — and your name is on the lawsuit.
Clear contracts and communication help. But insurance makes sure one bad assumption doesn’t bankrupt you.
04. The Lesson
You can’t control how a client reacts.
You can only control how protected you are when they do.
Professional liability insurance isn’t a luxury — it’s your shield against perception, misunderstanding, and misplaced anger.
Because sometimes, doing everything right still isn’t enough.
Ready to Make Sure Your Coverage
Actually Protects You?
Let’s review your policy and uncover any gaps before they become problems.