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Construction Experts


In construction defect cases, the standard of care and its breach must generally be shown through expert testimony. Lay testimony is sometimes sufficient where the defects are of common knowledge.



In construction cases and other cases involving licensed professionals, standard of care evidence in negligence matters generally must be provided by expert testimony, because the standard of care involved in construction is not an area that comes within the realm of common knowledge. Expert testimony regarding a standard of care is generally not required to establish a breach of contract rather than conduct beneath the standard of care. There are many experts involved, not only in the construction of a building, but also the investigation of any defects that surface after a building is complete. A person faced with liability for a defective structure or a potentially dangerous structure should consider involving various experts. Experts are able to establish the following:


• existence of defects in a structure;
• extent to which the defects pose a danger to property or occupants;
• procedures to eliminate the defects; and
• additional services or experts needed to more accurately evaluate the situation.



The Construction Consultant


A construction expert is a person with practical experience, rather than one whose knowledge comes from schooling alone. Such experts are considered to be the most effective in providing advice, and in convincing a jury of the correctness of their advice and stated conclusions.


The Structural Engineer


Structural Engineering is the science and art of designing and making, with economy and elegance, buildings, bridges, frameworks and other similar structures so that they can safely resist the forces to which they may be subjected.



The structural engineer can be either a defendant in a construction defect claim or suit or a key witness to establish the existence of a defect and render his or her opinion on the person or persons responsible for the defect.


The measure of reasonable care for an engineer undertaking engineering services is the degree of care, skill, and learning expected of a reasonably prudent engineer in the state acting in the same or similar circumstances.