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The technology field has unique insurance needs.

Just like companies in many other industries, tech firms face heightened financial risks during an economic downturn. Failure to follow good risk management practices and sidestepping prudent business procedures can leave a tech company with greater exposure to a professional liability lawsuit.

 

Financially stressed customers often drive these types of shortcuts as they become dependent upon technology solutions to improve operations, increase revenue, and/or reduce expenses. As margins shrink for these customers, the successful implementation of technology solutions becomes critical to their survival and the costs associated with such solutions are more heavily scrutinized. This not only raises the stakes for a tech firm to ensure the technology meets expectations but also to deliver the technology on time and within budget.

 

The additional pressure caused by financial conditions can lead customers and tech firms to rush projects through the process and make modifications on the run. This tends to compromise the normal quality and documentation practices that are established to ensure the successful implementation of deployed technology solutions. Matt Fox of AMR Insurance states, "Unfortunately, these pressures to implement technology solutions as quickly as possible often lead to escalating project costs and more importantly, failing to meet the customer's expectations. While the customer may drive the decision to hasten the development and implementation process, it is frequently the tech firm that becomes responsible for the problems that result. Especially during economically stressful times, these problems can reduce or possibly eliminate the benefit of the project to the customer and as a result, the customer pursues legal action against the tech firm for lost revenues, cost savings, as well as, a long laundry list of other incurred expenses."

 

To protect against these types of lawsuits "Good project management and documentation is essential," says Fox. Unless best practices are in place and followed, a software client and the developer can have a general idea about a project, what it should accomplish and what it should cost. But often, this general idea is not adequately documented and the client's expectations for the project are not aligned with what the tech firm is attempting to deliver. This divergence in expectations creates a lack of understanding of the project's functionality, time and cost. The result? Delays, customer disappointment with project capabilities, and/or disputed bills that can lead to a legal action against the tech firm.

 

This is just one of many risks faced by tech firms in today's challenging business environment. That's why tech firms should talk to their insurance agent to ensure they have the right coverage in place to respond to these and other unique exposures faced by the tech industry.

 

 

The information provided in these materials is intended to be general and advisory in nature. It shall not be considered legal advice. The Hartford assumes no responsibility for the control or correction of hazards or legal compliance with respect to your business practices, and the views and recommendations contained herein shall not constitute our undertaking, on your behalf or for the benefit of others, to determine or warrant that your business premises, locations or operations are safe or healthful, or are in compliance with any law, rule or regulation. Readers seeking resolution of specific safety, legal or business issues or concerns regarding this topic should consult their safety consultant, attorney or business advisors.

 

 

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