Construction Expert Witness
Since 1994 we have provided expert analysis and testimony for counsel and their clients in construction disputes across California.
Our opinions are built the same way our estimates are: from the documents, the quantities, and the physical facts, so that they hold up under examination.
Opinions built to survive cross examination
An expert opinion is only as strong as the work underneath it. We have seen well credentialed experts lose matters because their analysis rested on an assumption they could not defend, a methodology they could not name, or a calculation they had not personally performed.
We build from the record: contract documents, drawings, daily reports, schedule updates, correspondence, pay applications, photographs, and site observation. Where the record does not support an opinion, we say so, early, to the counsel who retained us.
Areas of testimony
- Earthwork and grading. Quantity analysis, cut and fill reconciliation, import and export, unsuitable material, and remedial grading disputes.
- Construction cost. Reasonableness of cost, estimate adequacy, change order pricing, cost to complete, and damages quantification.
- Scheduling and delay. Critical path analysis, concurrency, time extension entitlement, acceleration, and productivity loss.
- Construction management standard of care. Whether a construction manager, owner's representative, or program manager met the professional standard.
- Construction defect. Cause and origin, scope of repair, and repair cost, particularly on site, grading, and drainage related conditions.
- General engineering contracting practice. Customary means, methods, sequencing, and industry practice on civil and infrastructure work.
How we work with counsel
We prefer to be engaged early enough to shape document requests and deposition topics, because the questions that get asked in discovery determine what analysis is possible later. We provide preliminary assessments before formal reports so counsel can evaluate the strength of a position before it is committed to in writing.
Deliverables and testimony
We prepare expert reports meeting the disclosure requirements of the forum, provide deposition and trial testimony, prepare demonstrative exhibits that a trier of fact can actually follow, and perform rebuttal analysis of opposing expert reports.
Conflicts and independence
We run a conflict check before accepting any engagement. We do not adjust conclusions to fit a retention, and we tell counsel when the analysis does not support the position they hoped for. That is the only basis on which expert testimony has any value.
Forums
State and federal court, AAA and JAMS arbitration, judicial reference, public agency claim boards, mediation, and settlement conference.
Expert services
- Preliminary case assessment
- Document review and record analysis
- Site inspection and condition documentation
- Discovery and deposition topic support
- Quantity and cost analysis
- Schedule and delay analysis
- Standard of care evaluation
- Expert report preparation
- Rebuttal of opposing expert reports
- Demonstrative exhibit development
- Deposition testimony
- Arbitration and trial testimony
- Mediation and settlement support
What you receive
Every engagement is scoped in writing before it begins, so you know exactly what is being produced and when.
Preliminary assessment
An early, candid evaluation of the strength of a position based on the available record, delivered before formal report work begins.
Expert report
A written report meeting the forum's disclosure requirements, with methodology stated, calculations shown, and reliance materials identified.
Rebuttal report
Analysis of the opposing expert's methodology, assumptions, calculations, and conclusions, with specific defects identified.
Demonstrative exhibits
Schedules, quantity diagrams, cost summaries, and site graphics built to be understood by a judge, jury, or arbitration panel.
Deposition and trial testimony
Testimony supported by work we performed personally, with the underlying analysis available and reproducible.
Settlement support
Analysis and modeling to support mediation and settlement negotiation, including realistic ranges rather than advocacy positions.
Questions owners ask about this service
How early should we retain an expert?
As early as possible. Experts retained after discovery closes are limited to whatever record already exists. Experts engaged early can identify what documents matter, what site inspection is needed, and what deposition testimony will be necessary to support the eventual opinion.
Do you testify for both plaintiffs and defendants?
Yes, across owners, contractors, agencies, and insurers, subject to conflict clearance. Consistent methodology regardless of the retaining party is what makes an expert credible over time.
What if your analysis does not support our position?
We will tell you promptly and privately, before it is in a report. Counsel would rather learn that from their own expert in month two than from opposing counsel at deposition.
What are your rates and terms?
Expert work is billed hourly with a retainer, and rates differ for analysis, deposition, and trial testimony. We provide a full rate schedule and engagement terms on request.
Have you testified before?
Yes. The firm has provided expert analysis and testimony in construction matters since 1994, covering earthwork, construction cost, construction management standard of care, scheduling, and construction defect. A testimony history is available to retaining counsel on request.
Talk to us about Construction Expert Witness
Send us the project details and we will tell you what a defensible scope of work looks like and what it would cost. Initial consultations carry no fee.
Send us the project
Tell us the site, the scope, and the deadline. Initial consultations carry no fee and no obligation.