Lawyers consider $4M payout in lawsuits against Moncton engineer

The lawyer representing a former Moncton structural engineer says there may not be enough money to cover all of the lawsuits filed about her work. Multiple companies are suing Helen Terrio and her firm Match Engineering. The cases allege flawed building designs, some claiming millions of dollars of damages. In response, she's admitted deficiencies in designs. A recent court filing from her lawyer says she had insurance coverage totaling $4 million, but with the current and potential cases, it appears that the limits of the applicable insurance policies will be exceeded by the actions and potential claimants. Terrio's lawyer, James Boudreau, went to the court asking for guidance on next steps, suggesting the $4 million be transferred to the court for distribution to those suing. Lawyers involved in the cases took part in a call Wednesday with the judge. A lawyer representing a Dieppe building owner voiced concerns about the proposal, saying the insurer should also cover legal costs. The engineer's lawyer suggested bankruptcy could be another option. The judge directed the lawyer to draft a proposed order on the payment issue and for the sides to come back to court in mid-December. Most of the cases involve apartment buildings, many of them in southeastern New Brunswick. Another case involves an arena in Caraquet. Terrio was suspended by the province's engineering association in 2024. In September, she admitted that her incompetence put public safety at risk. She agreed to give up her engineering license and pay fines totaling $75,000.