This post is part 2 of a 4-part series entitled “The Vital Role of a Forensic Engineer (Engineering Expert) in Construction Defect Litigation.” Part 1 covered why you need an expert and their key qualifications. In this post (Part 2), we’ll dive into an engineer’s expert skills in investigations and analysis. Part 3 explores construction litigation support and testimony. Finally, in Part 4, we cover how to choose a forensic engineer (and offer an interview guide).
A Forensic Engineer’s Skills in Investigations and Analysis
When legal action is taken due to construction defects or defective designs, a structural engineer hired as a forensic expert must have the right skills in investigative work and analysis. The heart of their value lies in their industry understanding, forensic investigations, and pinpointing cause, fault, and remediation. The best experts excel not just in theory but in practical, investigative skills that dissect defects at their core.
In this post…
- What a forensic engineer must understand
- Detective work – inspections, testing, analysis
- Pinpointing cause, fault, and remediation
- Litigation-savvy skills, experience, and deep understanding of the field
Deep Industry Understanding
A forensic engineering expert immerses in the construction ecosystem, knowing how architects, contractors, and subcontractors interact. They understand “value engineering” shortcuts that cut costs but compromise quality. They also understand how supply chain issues can lead to inferior materials. In litigation, this insight reveals if a defect stems from systemic industry practices (e.g., rushing installations in boom markets) or isolated negligence. For property owners, this means reports that contextualize your issue, making it relatable for juries—e.g., explaining why a defective design ignored PA’s freeze-thaw cycles or Florida’s hurricane wind loads, leading to concrete spalling or roof failures.
Conducting Forensic Investigations
Forensic engineering is detective work: methodical site inspections, material testing, and data analysis to reconstruct failures. Experts use tools like ground-penetrating radar for hidden voids, moisture mapping for leaks, or load testing for structural integrity. We’ve conducted forensic probes on commercial roof defects, tracing water paths back to installation errors missed in initial plans. This level of detail uncovers latent defects before they worsen, providing timeline evidence crucial for statutes of limitations.
Pinpointing Cause, Fault, and Remediation
The expert’s pinnacle skill is attribution: identifying the root cause (e.g., design flaw vs. poor execution), assigning fault (e.g., architect’s oversight or contractor’s deviation), and outlining remediation. This involves failure analysis—why did the defect occur?—and liability mapping—who’s responsible? Remediation plans are practical: phased repairs with cost estimates, minimizing downtime for commercial owners or disruption for homeowners.
For example, in defective design cases, the construction defect expert might calculate how mis-sized beams caused deflection, fault the engineer, and recommend helical piers for fix—complete with budgets. This precision not only bolsters your claim but also aids negotiations, as detailed remediations show exact damages.
[Insert image here: An engineer using tools to inspect a cracked foundation wall. Alt text: “Structural engineer conducting forensic investigation on construction defect.”]
Experience Navigating the Legal System and Related Skills
Beyond technical prowess, a seasoned expert brings litigation-savvy skills that streamline your case. Experts with legal experience understand deadlines like statutes of limitations (e.g., 4-6 years from discovery in NJ, PA, and FL) and discovery timelines, ensuring reports are timely to avoid procedural dismissals. They focus only on pertinent issues, avoiding irrelevant tangents that dilute arguments—such as zeroing in on code-violating issues without veering into unrelated aesthetics.
Authoritative support for conclusions comes from citing peer-reviewed studies, industry guidelines, building codes, and manufacturer specifications, making findings unassailable. Accurate calculations are non-negotiable: using software for load modeling or simulations to prove why a beam failed under expected stresses, or some other scenario.
Deep knowledge of building codes (e.g., IBC, IRC) and industry standards (e.g., ASTM for materials) ensures compliance analysis, like flagging inadequate seismic bracing in designs. Finally, a construction claims expert witness can craft focused yet thorough reports—concise summaries with appendices for depth—that judges appreciate for clarity.
Penn Valley Engineers Offers Expert Skills
Penn Valley Engineering, LLC, has over two decades of experience serving residential and commercial property owners. Our forensic engineering work is skilled in attribution. We can help streamline your case. Understanding the expert’s role can make all the difference, and we’re here to answer your questions. Call our main office at (856) 872-3537 or complete our contact form to get started. Our skills turn an expert into a strategic partner, not just a technician.
Ready for more? Head to Part 3: Litigation Support and Testimony for insights on credible testimony and beyond.
Penn Valley Engineering is a structural engineering consulting firm dedicated to Total Client Satisfaction.