Forensic engineering & fire investigation
Engineering Litigation Support & Expert Witness Services
Objective, technically sound answers to the question every claim and case turns on: what actually happened, and why.
ESI provides forensic engineering litigation support and expert witness services to insurance adjusters and attorneys nationwide. Our licensed Professional Engineers determine the cause of fires, structural failures, construction defects, and product failures, then document their findings and testify to defensible, standards-based conclusions that hold up under scrutiny.
Talk to an engineer about your loss
An engineer, not a call center, reviews your case and responds within 24 hours.
Talk to an engineer(877) 559-4010
What is engineering litigation support?
Engineering litigation support is the use of a qualified engineer to investigate a failure, establish its cause, and communicate the findings for an insurance claim or legal case. It spans the full arc of a dispute: early cause-and-origin investigation, written technical reports, review of opposing experts, and sworn testimony at deposition and trial.
What a forensic engineering expert witness does
Our engineers do more than form an opinion. They build the record that supports it.
- 01
Investigate
The scene, evidence, and failed component, firsthand.
- 02
Determine cause
Using recognized standards, NFPA 921 for fire.
- 03
Document
Findings in clear, defensible written reports.
- 04
Review
Opposing experts' reports and methodology.
- 05
Testify
At deposition and trial, in terms a jury follows.
Four failure types, one firm
Whatever the loss, the engineer who inspects it is qualified to explain it, in a report and on the stand.
Fire origin & cause
Investigated to NFPA 921
Structural failures & collapse
Buildings, facades, and foundations
Construction defects
Design, materials, and workmanship
Product & electrical failure
Components, appliances, and equipment
When to bring in an engineering expert
Earlier is better. Involving an engineer before evidence is altered or discarded protects the investigation and your position.
- A fire, explosion, or electrical loss where cause is disputed
- A structural failure, collapse, or construction-defect claim
- A product or component failure alleged to have caused injury or damage
- An opposing expert report you need reviewed or rebutted
Adjusters and attorneys come back to ESI
Forensic engineering since 1991.
More than 35 years determining the cause of losses.
Investigations performed by licensed Professional Engineers.
The engineers who inspect and analyze the loss are the ones who testify to it.
Standards-based methods.
NFPA 921 for fire, plus recognized engineering methods that stand up to cross-examination.
One firm for losses across the country.
Where an assignment requires state licensure, it is handled by a Professional Engineer licensed in that state.
How an engagement works
- 1
Talk to an engineer
Tell us about the loss and we scope the investigation.
- 2
Investigation
Site inspection, evidence review, and cause determination.
- 3
Reporting
A clear, defensible written report of findings.
- 4
Testimony
Deposition and trial support when the case requires it.
Tell us what happened
Give us the essentials of the loss and the question in dispute. An engineer reviews every case that comes in.
- A free initial case review, with no obligation to retain
- Independent findings, not advocacy: we establish what the evidence shows
- Serving adjusters and attorneys nationwide since 1991
Submit your case
The more detail you share about the loss, the faster we can route your case to the right engineer.
Furnished on request
- A current CV for the assigned engineer
- Professional Engineer (PE) license numbers
- NAFI fire-investigation certifications
- Relevant prior testimony history
What is litigation support in forensic engineering?
It's the use of a qualified engineer to investigate a failure, determine its cause, document the findings, and testify when needed. It supports both insurance claims and litigation, from first inspection through trial.
What does a forensic engineering expert witness do?
A forensic engineering expert witness investigates a failure firsthand, determines its cause using recognized standards, writes a defensible report, and testifies to those conclusions at deposition and trial.
Do you work for plaintiffs or the defense?
Both. ESI is an independent firm. We establish what the evidence shows and document it to defensible standards rather than tailoring findings to the retaining party. That independence is what holds up under cross-examination.
Can you provide a CV and credentials before we retain you?
Yes. A current CV, Professional Engineer license numbers, NAFI certifications, and relevant prior testimony are furnished on request so you can vet the expert before engaging.
Do your engineers provide deposition and trial testimony?
Yes. Our licensed Professional Engineers support cases through written reports, opposing-expert review, deposition, and trial testimony.
Where does ESI provide expert witness services?
ESI serves insurance adjusters and attorneys across the country and has provided forensic engineering services since 1991. Where an assignment requires state licensure, it is performed by a Professional Engineer licensed in that state.
Related services & reading
Have a loss that needs answers?
Tell us what happened. An engineer, not a call center, will review your case.