Construction Law
Examining the Legalities of Construction AI
The world of artificial intelligence (AI) can be simultaneously exciting and troubling. The idea of a machine gaining the autonomy to make logical decisions without any direct human input has vast potential, but it must also be introduced to industries at a gradual pace. The implications of AI will be magnified when introduced to high-risk industries, none more so than the construction industry, which continues to face the highest rate of work-related injuries and fatalities year in and year out.
According to Construction Connect, “Artificial intelligence is the use of technology to replace human thought.” In this article, a Jacksonville construction lawyer will examine the legalities of this cutting-edge technology and provide some legal insight into whether or not the marriage between construction and AI will be a beneficial one. For any construction-related legal concerns or questions you may have, consult a Jacksonville construction lawyer from Cotney Attorneys & Consultants. There’s nothing artificial about our team’s intelligence, but we will work like machines to ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients!
Who’s Liable?
How do you determine liability when the culprit doesn’t have an ID, a social security number, or even a pulse? This is one of the prominent questions barring AI from being introduced to the construction industry. Is it the fault of the person who greenlit the use of AI? Or the fault of the developer who created the AI? There are no clear answers for this right now, which means most contractors are going to avoid AI altogether until they can be certain that they’ll be safe when something goes awry.
Related: Lesser-Known Liability Risks
The AI’s Decisions
Overtime, AI collects data which is used to streamline workflows and improve safety. It can crunch millions of variables to see trends that are nearly imperceptible to humans. It can also be utilized to monitor the condition of equipment to predict the need for repairs. Creating a fluid maintenance schedule that considers more than the amount of time since the last inspection can help contractors maintain their fleets and avoid setbacks.
Related: How Technology Plays an Integral Role in Reducing Work-Related Risks
While all of this sounds revolutionary, the AI’s ability to make decisions is also a reason for concern. What will happen when the AI makes a bad decision? Or a dangerous decision? Or a decision that greatly affects profitability? Once again, it comes down to a question of who’s liable, and the answer may be more difficult to parse than contractors expect. Admittedly, we aren’t completely certain how these types of cases will turn out, but you can rest assured that we’ll be paying close attention in order to provide our clients with necessary legal defense when such an incident occurs.
If you would like to speak with a Jacksonville construction litigation attorney, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.