Forensic Engineering
SOCOTEC delivers comprehensive forensic engineering services across the US, providing expert analysis, root-cause evaluation, and technical solutions for construction defects, structural failures, and catastrophic events.
When buildings, systems, or infrastructure fail, the consequences can be significant—financially, legally, and operationally. From construction defects and building envelope issues to catastrophic failures caused by fire, seims, explosions, impacts, or extreme weather, understanding what happened and why is essential.
At SOCOTEC, our forensic engineering consultants help owners, insurers, attorneys, developers, and public agencies move forward with clarity and confidence. By combining engineering science forensics with real-world construction and operational experience, we assist and deliver clear, defensible conclusions for clients nationwide.
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What is a Forensic Engineer?
Forensic engineering is the application of engineering science forensics to investigate failures, accidents, damages, or performance issues in structures, systems, and materials.
SOCOTEC’s forensic engineering consulting teams include professional engineers, mechanical engineers, structural engineers, geotechnical engineers, geologists, envelope consultants, and energy consultants. Our role as a forensic engineering company is not speculation—it is fact-based evaluation grounded in evidence collection, testing, and engineering judgment.
Early Engagement
When to Hire a Forensic Engineer?
You should consider engaging forensic engineering consultants for:
- Structural distress – Cracks, deflection, or settlement threaten building integrity
- Safety concerns – Potential hazards threaten building occupants or the public
- Energy performance shortfalls – Systems or structures underperform despite proper design intent
- Construction defects – Newly completed work shows premature failure
- Water intrusion – Despite repairs, leaks continue to damage property
- Catastrophic events – Collapse, seismic, fire, explosion, or storm damage require investigation
- Disputes – Contractors, designers, or insurers disagree on responsibility
- Insurance claims – Technical documentation must establish the cause and extent of damage
- Legal action – Litigation requires expert testimony and defensible evidence
- Due diligence – Property transactions need an independent assessment of existing conditions
Early engagement of forensic engineering services preserves evidence, prevents further damage, and strengthens your position in claims or disputes.
You should consider engaging forensic engineering consultants for:
- Structural distress – Cracks, deflection, or settlement threaten building integrity
- Safety concerns – Potential hazards threaten building occupants or the public
- Energy performance shortfalls – Systems or structures underperform despite proper design intent
- Construction defects – Newly completed work shows premature failure
- Water intrusion – Despite repairs, leaks continue to damage property
- Catastrophic events – Collapse, seismic, fire, explosion, or storm damage require investigation
- Disputes – Contractors, designers, or insurers disagree on responsibility
- Insurance claims – Technical documentation must establish the cause and extent of damage
- Legal action – Litigation requires expert testimony and defensible evidence
- Due diligence – Property transactions need an independent assessment of existing conditions
Early engagement of forensic engineering services preserves evidence, prevents further damage, and strengthens your position in claims or disputes.
Forensic Engineering & Testing Services
Dispute Resolution Support
Claims & Litigation
Our forensic expert testimony and technical reporting support mediation, arbitration, and litigation processes. We provide clear, defensible documentation that withstands scrutiny in legal proceedings.
Financial Forensics
Finance & Economic Damages
Beyond technical analysis, we quantify economic impacts, assess repair costs versus replacement options, and support insurance claims with detailed cost projections and loss assessments.
How SOCOTEC Supports Forensic Engineering
Demonstrated Technical Expertise
We bring together multidisciplinary forensic engineers with deep experience across structural, mechanical, geotechnical, and building systems. Our conclusions are grounded in engineering science, supported by field investigations, laboratory testing, and a strong understanding of how buildings and infrastructure perform over time.
Independence and Objectivity
As an independent third party, SOCOTEC delivers clear, fact-based opinions you can trust. Our forensic experts follow a rigorous, evidence-driven methodology to ensure findings remain objective, defensible, and aligned with professional and ethical standards.
Responsiveness and Nationwide Reach
With teams across the United States, we respond quickly when incidents occur. Our nationwide footprint allows us to provide consistent forensic engineering services while maintaining local knowledge and on-site presence, wherever your project is located.
Clear, Credible Communication
SOCOTEC translates complex technical findings into clear, well-documented reports. Our engineers communicate effectively with owners, insurers, attorneys, and project teams, ensuring conclusions are understood, actionable, and ready to support claims, dispute resolution, or litigation.
Need expert forensic engineering analysis for your building or infrastructure?
Speak with our Forensic Engineering Consultants.
FAQ - Forensic Engineer Consulting
