Accident Investigation
It is important to investigate the accident scene as soon as possible after the accident. Photographs, measurements and witness statements are helpful to reconstruct the accident and to determine the cause of the accident. Weather conditions and site conditions also are important. If a product or component failure contributed to the accident, securing and preserving that evidence is helpful. Security cameras in adjacent buildings may have captured the accident as it happened.
Accident Reconstruction
In order to determine the cause(s) of the accident one must reconstruct the accident scene. To that end we consider documents, deposition testimony, photographs as well as other relevant facts. We have found the use of scale models to be extremely helpful to determine the cause(s) of the accident and to effortlessly explain how the accident happened. The scale model helps to demonstrate the violations of laws and standards in a very simple yet powerful way.
Analysis of Contracts, Plans & Specifications
In many accident investigations we have found violations of the contract, plans and/or specifications. It takes a special talent to examine the documents and find the violations.
Ascertain OSHA, CMR & Industry Standards
More often then not accidents happen because there are violations of state and/or federals laws as well as violation of industry standards. Identifying and stating violations are integral to the litigation.
Negligence and Product Liability
This is an area that is sometimes overlooked. Negligence can originate from contractual obligations that were ignored. Product liability can include products that were used as intended but fail nonetheless.
Failure Analysis
When reconstructing the accident, if it is determined a building component or product failed, we work with the appropriate testing laboratory to pinpoint and document the cause of the failure.
Consultation
Communications with the legal teams is essential. A strategy should be established. We can recommend what documents maybe revealing and recommend questions that maybe illuminating in deposition. Important details can be lost in discovery if not thorough.
Written Reports
Written reports are available for any requirements, including client, state court or federal court reports. The reports are extremely accurate and easily understood.
Expert Witness Testimony
Testifying is a skill. The ability to make the facts clear and testify with conviction is vital. Scale models can give support to testimony.