Forensic Engineering & Failure Investigation in Miami, FL
We investigate structural damage, distress, water intrusion, construction defects, and building failures through detailed field investigation, document review, and engineering analysis. Our evaluations address origin and causation, assess the nature and extent of damage, and develop clear, well-supported technical conclusions based on the conditions and evidence available.
20+
YEARS INVESTIGATING
CATASTROPE
COMPLEX LOSS EXPERIENCE
PE
signed and sealed reports
16+
STATES LICENSED
OVERVIEW
Causation Based on Evidence, Analysis & Engineering Judgment
Forensic engineering requires distinguishing causation from correlation. We document observed conditions, evaluate the nature and extent of damage, review available design and construction records, and apply engineering analysis to assess the forces, conditions, and mechanisms associated with the reported damage. Our findings are developed from the available physical evidence and technical information rather than assumptions based solely on the timing of an event.
Our principal has extensive experience investigating complex property losses and catastrophic events while serving in senior engineering and leadership roles with national forensic consulting firms. That experience includes hurricane wind and water damage, structural distress and failures, concrete deterioration, roofing and building-envelope systems, construction defects, and other technically complex property claims and disputes. Each evaluation is approached with an emphasis on thorough documentation, sound engineering analysis, and clear, well-supported opinions.
Origin & Causation Analysis
Damage Assessment & Repair Recommendations
Field & Photographic Documentation
Technical Reporting & Litigation Support
Expert Witness
Milestone Inspections
Litigation support, forensic reports and courtroom testimony for insurers, attorneys and property owners.
Premises Liability
06
10-, 30- and 40-year recertifications, threshold inspections and structural condition assessments.
05
Slip, trip and fall evaluations and site-condition analysis for insurers and litigation counsel.
04
WHAT WE INVESTIGATE
Structural, Building Envelope & Construction-Related Conditions
01
Structural Damage & Failures
Partial and total collapses, excessive deflection, cracking of slabs, beams and walls, balcony and railing distress, framing deficiencies, and conditions associated with excessive or unintended loading.
02
Hurricane, Wind & Storm Damage
Evaluation of wind and storm-related damage, including uplift, structural and building-envelope conditions, load-path deficiencies, and differentiation between event-related damage and pre-existing conditions.
03
Roofing Systems
Evaluation of tile, shingle, metal, and low-slope roofing systems for damage, deterioration, attachment deficiencies, installation conditions, and compliance with applicable construction documents, codes, and manufacturer requirements.
04
Water Intrusion & Building Envelope
Investigation of water intrusion involving façades, windows, doors, stucco, exterior wall assemblies, flashings, and waterproofing systems, including evaluation of potential entry points and moisture migration pathways.
05
Concrete & Reinforcement Deterioration
Evaluation of concrete cracking, spalling, delamination, reinforcement corrosion, post-tensioning distress, and deterioration associated with environmental exposure, material conditions, and other potential mechanisms.
06
Construction Defects
Engineering evaluation of alleged construction defects involving workmanship, materials, design documents, code requirements, installation practices, and applicable standards of care in connection with claims, disputes, and litigation.
INVESTIGATION METHODOLOGY
A Systematic Approach to Forensic Engineering Evaluation
Step 1
Site Investigation
We inspect and document the available physical conditions, observed damage, distress, and relevant building components, with particular attention to preserving and recording evidence before conditions are altered by repairs or other work.
Step 2
Document & Information Review
Available construction drawings, specifications, permits, inspection records, photographs, maintenance and repair records, weather information, and other relevant documentation are reviewed to establish the history and technical context of the reported conditions.
Step 3
Engineering Analysis
Field observations and available documentation are evaluated using applicable engineering principles, calculations, codes, standards, and technical references to assess potential damage mechanisms and evaluate origin and causation.
Step 4
Findings & Engineering Report
Our findings, analyses, and engineering opinions are documented in a clear technical report supported by photographs, exhibits, calculations, and other relevant information as appropriate. Reports are signed and sealed by the responsible Professional Engineer when required or appropriate for the engagement.
2023 — 2026
2019 — 2023
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common Questions About Forensic Engineering
How quickly can you inspect after a loss or reported damage?
For South Florida assignments, we schedule inspections within days, and even sooner for emergency situations or imminent-collapse concerns. However, inspection scheduling depends on the nature of the reported conditions, location, site accessibility, and urgency of the matter. When conditions are time-sensitive, early documentation can be particularly important because repairs, cleanup, weather exposure, or continued use of the property may alter or remove relevant physical evidence.
Do you work for both insurance carriers and property owners?
Yes. We provide forensic engineering services for insurance carriers, adjusters, property owners, HOAs and condominium associations, contractors, attorneys, and other parties requiring technical evaluation of property damage or building conditions. Our engineering opinions are based on the available physical evidence, documentation, analysis, and applicable engineering principles, regardless of the retaining party.
Can you distinguish storm-related damage from long-term deterioration?
Evaluating causation and differentiating between event-related damage and pre-existing conditions is a fundamental part of forensic engineering. We evaluate observed damage patterns, available weather information, building materials and systems, prior repairs and maintenance, deterioration, environmental exposure, and other relevant conditions to determine which mechanisms are consistent with the available evidence.
Can your forensic findings be used in litigation?
Yes. When litigation support is part of the engagement, our forensic evaluations can include technical reports, review of opposing expert opinions, consultation with counsel, deposition preparation and testimony, and trial support. Our principal is available to serve as a consulting or testifying expert when appropriate for the matter.
Premises Liability
Slip, trip and fall evaluations and walking-surface analysis.
Related engineering services
Premises Liability
Slip, trip and fall and unsafe-condition evaluations.
Expert Witness
Deposition and trial testimony on forensic findings.
Milestone Inspections
Condition assessments for aging condominium structures.
Need to Determine the Cause of Structural or Property Damage?
Send us the property information, date of loss or reported event, and available photographs or documentation. We’ll review the circumstances and coordinate the appropriate forensic engineering investigation to evaluate origin, causation, and the extent of damage.
