To whom is a surveyor liable in their professional work?

A surveyor's liability in their professional work extends to any parties with a foreseeable interest in the survey. This means that if the surveyor's work could reasonably affect others—such as future property owners, lenders, developers, or adjacent landowners—they may be held accountable for any harm that arises from negligence or errors in the survey. This principle is rooted in the duty to perform services with a standard of care that safeguards not only the client but also third parties who might rely on the survey's accuracy and integrity.

The broad scope of this liability is essential to maintain professionalism and accountability in surveying practices, as it ensures that surveyors conduct their work with the understanding that their findings impact various stakeholders. By recognizing this responsibility, surveyors are encouraged to uphold high standards, knowing their work can have implications beyond the immediate client and may influence future land use, property transactions, and more.

In contrast, limiting liability solely to the property owner, to disinterested third parties only, or to future owners does not encompass the full range of potential parties who may have a legitimate interest in the survey's outcome. Thus, these narrower interpretations do not reflect the comprehensive liability framework that governs surveying practices.