Forensic Structural Engineering Services
Your Trusted Resource for Structural Failure Investigations
Structural failures can arise from a mix of contributing factors—ranging from design flaws and construction mistakes to natural disasters, poor materials, lack of maintenance, or even deliberate misconduct. Our licensed structural engineers specialize in uncovering the causes of structural damage and providing defensible, evidence-based reports for clients in legal, real estate, and construction industries.
Our team supports lawyers, contractors, real estate professionals, insurers, and homeowners by delivering technical expertise, litigation support, and expert testimony where needed. Whether the issue involves structural collapse, material failure, or code violations, our forensic engineers provide clarity through careful investigation and engineering analysis.
What Are Forensic Engineering Services?
Forensic structural engineering focuses on identifying the root causes of structural issues—especially when legal action may be involved. The word “forensic” pertains to matters of the court, and our work often supports disputes, claims, and expert witness needs.
A forensic structural engineer investigates failed or compromised structures, assesses contributing factors, and offers design or remediation recommendations moving forward. Our engineers apply their technical knowledge across various structures, including residential buildings, commercial developments, bridges, and infrastructure systems.
Why Forensic Engineers Are Essential
Diagnosing Complex Structural Failures
When a structure fails—whether from environmental stress, poor workmanship, or flawed design—our engineers step in to determine exactly what went wrong. This analysis is vital for:
Preventing similar failures in future construction
Supporting litigation or insurance claims
Ensuring code compliance
Improving safety standards
Our forensic investigations utilize science, engineering principles, and field inspections to uncover failures that may have serious legal or financial consequences.
Legal Applications of Forensic Engineering
Expert Testimony & Defensible Reports
Our forensic engineers produce comprehensive, well-documented reports that play a critical role in resolving structural disputes. These reports outline our investigative methods, findings, and conclusions, and are often used as expert evidence in courtrooms or arbitration settings.
When needed, we also serve as expert witnesses, helping judges, juries, or attorneys understand technical details in clear and concise language. These insights can be pivotal in determining liability and guiding appropriate legal outcomes.
Technical Skill Meets Legal Expertise
Our engineers not only investigate but also understand how to frame their findings within the legal context. We translate complex structural data into actionable insights that align with legal standards and industry regulations.
Beyond identifying the cause of failure, we offer recommendations for remediation, compliance upgrades, and code improvements—contributing to both immediate resolution and long-term construction best practices.
Where Forensic Engineers Make a Difference
Forensic structural engineers are often called upon in situations such as:
Construction Failures – Investigating building collapses or structural distress due to design or execution flaws
Natural Disasters – Evaluating damage from hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, or storms
Insurance Disputes – Supporting claims with professional analysis and repair recommendations
Contract Litigation – Resolving disputes over construction errors, hidden defects, or non-compliance
Our Forensic Engineering Capabilities
We offer a wide range of forensic services across various sectors, including:
Structural evaluations for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings
Foundation analysis and repair design
Code violation investigations and legal consultation
Expert witness services for courts and insurance proceedings
Failure investigations and root cause analysis
Non-destructive testing for hidden defects
Accident reconstruction involving structural elements
Contract review and dispute resolution
Civil and environmental engineering evaluations (e.g., wastewater, erosion, EPA compliance)
Damage assessments for fire, flooding, or settlement issues
Retrofit and framing upgrades for aging or damaged structures
Our Step-by-Step Forensic Process
Initial Consultation
We begin by understanding the scope of the issue and gathering background information.
Site Investigation
Our engineers conduct detailed inspections, collect data, and document visible and hidden structural damage.
Engineering Analysis
We evaluate construction methods, materials, and design integrity to determine contributing causes.
Reporting and Testimony
Findings are compiled into clear, defensible reports that include repair recommendations, legal documentation, and, if needed, courtroom testimony.
Enhancing Codes & Standards Through Lessons Learned
Forensic engineers don’t just fix problems—they help shape the future of safe construction. By analyzing past failures, we provide insights that inform updates to local, national, and international building codes. These insights ensure that building practices continually evolve to prevent similar issues in the future.
When Should You Call a Forensic Engineer?
If you’re involved in a structural issue that may lead to legal action, an insurance dispute, or significant financial liability, it’s time to involve a forensic structural engineer. Whether you’re a homeowner, attorney, contractor, or insurer, our team provides the professional expertise you need to move forward with clarity and confidence.
From hidden defects to catastrophic failures, our forensic structural engineering services deliver trusted insights that protect people, property, and peace of mind. Contact us today to discuss your case.