Engineering Expertise That Brings Clarity—and Results
We specialize in handling complex cases like mechanical and structural failures, product liability, and accident reconstruction. We understand that engineering issues can be confusing, so we use clear communication to ensure our findings are easy to understand. Let us help you navigate these complexities with confidence and clarity.
Forensic Mechanical Engineering
Expert Analysis for Complex and Unusual Cases
We provide expert forensic analysis for accident reconstruction, machine failures, HVAC, premise and product liability, and other electrotechnical system failures. Using advanced tools like LiDAR, CAD, simulations, and photogrammetry, we deliver precise and reliable investigations.
Our combination of technology and industry expertise results in clear, defensible findings that simplify complex technical issues for stakeholders, supporting fair outcomes. Trust our team to turn complexity into clarity when it matters most.
Helping You Make Informed Decisions with Forensic Engineering Expertise
Applying engineering design principles and forensic methods to deliver accurate, actionable insights and reduced risk.
Mechanical Forensic Engineering Services
Mechanical Forensics
Identifying Failures in Mechanical Systems and Processes
Forensic mechanical analysis involves investigating mechanical components, equipment, and processes to identify the root causes of malfunctions or accidents. Our experienced mechanical forensic engineering team specializes in analyzing systems, equipment failures, and accident dynamics across industries like automotive, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and HVAC. We apply industry standards and proven methodologies to uncover root causes, backed by certifications from NAFE, ACTAR, SAE, and ASHRAE, ensuring professional credibility and technical excellence.
- Failure Analysis — Identifying defects, fatigue, wear, corrosion, thermal stresses, or misuse that caused equipment failure.
- System Performance Evaluation — Evaluating mechanical systems for efficiency, load capacity, and adherence to operational parameters.
- Process Analysis — Reviewing workflows, automation, and interactions between mechanical components to detect design flaws or operational hazards.
- Safety Assessments — Evaluating compliance with safety codes (OSHA, ANSI, ASME), assessing guarding systems, lockout/tagout procedures, and identifying hazards.
- Accident and Incident Reconstruction — Applying engineering principles, human factors, and data analysis to analyze mechanical failures, crashes, or injuries.
- Code and Standards Compliance — Ensuring systems comply with regulations and standards.
- Root Cause Determination — Combining mechanical, material, and operational analyses to offer expert opinions on failure causes and prevention.
Accident Reconstruction
Accident Reconstruction Report
Reconstructing the Past, Revealing the Facts
Accident reconstruction involves analyzing events before, during, and after an incident to identify causes and contributing factors. We utilize engineering principles, physics, and advanced technology to uncover insights related to mechanical failures, human factors, and environmental conditions. Our expertise covers various industries, ensuring accurate, data-driven conclusions for litigation, insurance claims, and risk mitigation.
Consumer Products & Equipment Accidents
- Product Liability & Defect Investigations — Assessing if design flaws, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings led to an accident.
- Appliance & Power Tool Failures — Examining malfunctions, misuse, and potential hazards.
- Recreational Vehicle & Equipment Accidents — Investigating failures in golf carts, ATVs, watercraft, and amusement rides.
- Machine Guarding & Safety Compliance — Assessing equipment and workplace safety to ensure OSHA compliance and prevent entanglements or amputations.
- Heavy Equipment & Machinery Incidents — Analyzing failures and malfunctions in cranes, bulldozers, harvesters, forklifts, swing stages, stump grinders, telehandlers, and other machinery.
- Industrial Processes — Industrial process analysis to identify incident causes, address equipment failures, and evaluate safety interlocks and fail-safes.
- Structural & Scaffolding Failures — Investigating collapses, stability issues, and load-bearing failures.
- Personal Vehicles — Analyzing the speed, impact forces, braking, and roadway conditions of trucks, cars, motorcycles, and bicycles.
- Commercial Vehicles — Examining driver behavior, vehicle performance, and mechanical issues in semi-trucks, buses, and fleet vehicle accidents.
- Agricultural Equipment — Assessing vehicle interactions and adherence to safety standards for tractors, harvesters, and other agricultural machinery.
- Construction Equipment — Evaluating the operation and compliance with safety standards for cranes, bulldozers, loaders, and other machinery.
Equipment and Machinery Analysis
Expert Insights into Equipment Failures
Analyze, Prevent, Protect.
Equipment and machinery analysis involves evaluating the design, operation, and failures of mechanical systems to assess their performance, safety, and compliance with industry standards. This process includes assessing wear and tear, identifying the root causes of failures, and providing recommendations for repairs, maintenance, or design improvements. The analysis may also include forensic investigations of accidents, product defects, and operational inefficiencies across various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and transportation.
- Failure Analysis — This involves examining issues such as component fatigue, wear, and material defects, as well as operational errors and maintenance problems.
- Maintenance and Operational Evaluations — Assessing the effectiveness of maintenance procedures and analyzing instances of operational misuse or abuse.
- System Performance Analysis — Efficiency and operational compliance while addressing installation or design deficiencies.
- Automotive Systems — Engines, brakes, transmissions, and related systems.
- Industrial Machinery — Press brakes, conveyors, and manufacturing equipment.
- Consumer Products — Appliances, tools, playground equipment, and household machinery.
- Agricultural Products — Tractors, combines, front-end loaders, field equipment
Building Systems & Construction Investigations
Comprehensive Building Systems Investigations
From Foundations to Roofs
Building systems and construction investigations evaluate the design, installation, and performance of structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in buildings. These investigations identify defects, code violations, and construction deficiencies affecting safety and durability. The analysis includes forensic evaluations of structural integrity, water intrusion, HVAC performance, and compliance with building codes.
- Mechanical Systems & Plumbing — Assessment of mechanical systems, plumbing, piping, pumps, and drainage systems for failures, inefficiencies, and code compliance.
- HVAC & Ventilation Failures — Investigation of HVAC performance issues, ventilation deficiencies, ductwork failures, refrigerant leaks, and airflow restrictions affecting occupant comfort and energy efficiency.
- Building Envelope & Weatherproofing — Evaluation of roofing, siding, cladding, and waterproofing systems for defects, water infiltration, wind resistance, and storm damage.
- Structural & System Integration — Analysis of building systems’ interaction with structural elements, focusing on load-bearing issues, vibrations, stress failures, and faulty installations.
- Code Compliance & Standards Review — Ensuring adherence to ASME, ASTM, ASHRAE, NFPA, IBC, and other relevant building codes and industry regulations to identify safety hazards, construction defects, and regulatory violations.
- Moisture Intrusion & Mold Risk — Investigation of leaks, condensation, and improper drainage that contribute to water damage, mold growth, and air quality concerns.
- Electrical & Fire Protection Systems — Evaluate electrical distribution, grounding, and fire suppression systems for performance deficiencies, fire risks, and compliance with NFPA and NEC standards.
- Energy Efficiency & Performance Audits — Analysis of system inefficiencies, insulation failures, and heat loss to optimize building performance and sustainability.
Storm and Environmental Damage
Assessing Damage
Key Insights for Property Owners and Insurers
- Mechanical Systems — Evaluation of plumbing, pumps, drainage systems, and mechanical equipment performance. Investigation of ventilation and ductwork failures, airflow inefficiencies, and mechanical system malfunctions.
- Structural Integration — Assessment of system compatibility with building structures, including load impacts, anchorage, and installation compliance. Investigation of HVAC system-induced vibrations, stress on structural elements, and long-term performance concerns.
- Code Compliance & Standards Review — Analysis of building systems for adherence to local, state, and national codes (e.g., IBC, IRC, ASHRAE, NFPA, IPC) and industry best practices. Identification of construction defects, improper installations, and safety violations.
- HVAC Performance & Failures — Investigation of heating, cooling, and ventilation system failures, including efficiency losses, airflow restrictions, condensation issues, and refrigerant leaks.
- Electrical & Fire Protection Systems — Evaluation of electrical distribution, grounding, and fire suppression systems to identify hazards, compliance issues, and performance deficiencies.
- Water Intrusion & Moisture Damage — Analysis of leaks, condensation, and water infiltration affecting building materials, air quality, and system performance.
Expert Witness Services
Legal and Insurance Cases
Shedding Light on the Facts
- Litigation Support — Providing expert analysis, deposition testimony, trial testimony, and mediation support.
- Reports and Opinions — Delivering clear, concise, and defensible findings.
- Case Review & Consultation — Offering thorough case evaluations to identify strengths, weaknesses, and key technical issues.
- Forensic Analysis & Investigations — Conducting in-depth investigations using advanced methodologies, including accident reconstruction, failure analysis, and structural assessments.
- Demonstrative Evidence & Visual Aids — Creating compelling visuals, animations, and 3D models to support expert testimony.
- Availability & Responsiveness — Offering flexible scheduling for consultations, site inspections, depositions, and court appearances.
- Pre-Trial & Trial Preparation — Assisting attorneys with technical case strategy, document review, and expert witness preparation.
Additional Investigative Services
Tailored Investigations
For Unique Cases or Specialized Equipment
- Expert Advisory Services — Advisory services for product design, safety evaluations, and risk assessments.
- Comprehensive Drone Inspection & Analysis for Structural Damage and Accident Reconstruction — Our advanced drone services offer high-resolution aerial assessments of structural damage to residential and commercial buildings. We inspect roof damage from hurricanes, floods, fires, and tornadoes, as well as identify wind and hail damage, construction defects, and building collapses. Drones also aid in accident reconstruction by capturing critical site data and monitoring traffic. Using thermography, we provide precise evaluations of storm damage for efficient forensic investigations.
- Slip, Trip, & Falls — Investigation of premises liability incidents to analyze conditions, factors, compliance, and hazards causing falls.
Our Team
Meet the Experts
John did an excellent job for us on our case. We were able to make a very advantageous settlement because of his efforts. He was very knowledgeable and professional. In addition to being an excellent engineer, he made a very good witness. We would use John again should the occasion arise and would recommend him to others.