Expert Witness

There are three important ways PEI assists in legal cases involving technical engineering and construction related matters:

1. Advice and consultation regarding technical issues,
2. Assistance in examining technical data and cross examining technical witnesses,
3. Expert testimony on the technical matters involved.

Each of these services can only be effective when offered by people who have the education and training, years of specific technical experience, and knowledge of the fact. This allows the attorney to make their best presentation possible.

Advice and Consultation

The basis of any effective presentation is investigation. PEI’s experts become so familiar with the facts of the case that nothing the opposition can propose will come as a surprise. Our investigation includes careful consideration of all aspects of the case through field inspection and documentation, review of calculations and written reports, examination of photographs and drawings, comparison of specifications and codes.

There are always two sides to every controversy. Our obligation to our clients is an objective approach that not only substantiates our client’s claims but also recognizes opposing facts. These opposing arguments are considered and rebuttals are prepared that strengthen our technical presentation.

Trial Assistance

We understand that with the exception of opposition experts, our technical information will be conveyed to attorneys, judges and jury’s who are typically laypeople with limited knowledge of technical issues. As with any technical field, presenting complex issues in a simplified manner is a form of teaching. When a teacher-student relationship is established, a simple foundation of knowledge and trust can be developed on which the complexities of the case can be built. This approach necessitates the comparison of technical principles with everyday occurrences. PEI is adept at this approach with a history of success in this area.

Expert Testimony

What makes an expert witness successful?

• A resolute calm demeanor that can only be derived from experience and knowledge,
• Professional attitude that exudes honesty and integrity,
• Clarity of facts that make complex issues understood,
• A thorough familiarization with every fact of the related issue.

All of the above! It’s this combination of ideal characteristics that PEI brings to a successful presentation.

Case Experience

	Bethany Baptist Church vs., Belcor Construction Claims analysis and expert testimony for lawsuit involving masonry and concrete construction of a Church related to cost of extras, uncompleted work and workmanship.
	University of Michigan vs. W. R. Grace Claims analysis and expert testimony concerning the quantity and cost of removal of spray-on-fireproofing a certain buildings on campus at the University of Michigan.
	OSHA vs. Testwell Craig Laboratories, Inc. OSHA related litigation involving asbestos abatement.
	Alcoa Aluminum vs. American Landmark Construction related litigation involving a 6-story, PCB contaminated reinforced concrete warehouse conversion.
	Valley & Plainfield Associates vs. Iris Construction Company Construction related litigation involving deficient concrete sidewalks and site-work at a shopping center in Gillette, N.J.
	Takenaka vs. Marsellis-Warner Construction related litigation involving deficient concrete and pavement work at new office complex.
	Hojnicki vs. Miller Construction Construction related litigation involving deficient concrete work at a single-family residence.
	New Gold Properties vs. City of Jersey City, NJ Expert witness and engineering consultant for historic 80,000 s.f. building for certification of unsafe building, foundation analysis and structural analysis.
	Care Development Company, LLC vs. Crow Foody Central, Ltd. Construction related litigation involving uncompleted earth work at a extended care facility.
	Mediterranean Towers vs. Rure Construction Co./O.S. Engineering, Construction related arbitration involving window installation in a high rise building.
	Paphian vs. CUH2A Trenton Office Building Construction claim consulting involving delay damages related to window installation and office building renovations
	Tower Real Estate Holdings vs. OCC & Associates, Inc., Construction claim consulting involving damages incurred during the course of construction of new surgery center relating to mechanical system problems and construction delays.
	Brian Trematore Plumbing & Heating vs. Plaza Construction Co., Construction claim consulting involving damages to underground plumbing as a result of soil failure.
	Harris House vs Amcon Construction Construction claim consulting involving extra fees for change order work, workmanship and LD’s for delayed time of completion on historic structure.
	Archer vs PJD Construction Expert advice and consultation for claim on workmanship, time delays and contractor negligence for care of the structure.