FAQs
Forensic Engineering & Litigation Support FAQs | Áreté Forensics
Welcome to the Áreté Forensics Frequently Asked Questions page. As a provider of mechanical, civil, and structural forensic engineering services based in Orlando, Florida, we deliver objective, technically rigorous analyses to support litigation, insurance, and risk management matters. Our work focuses on identifying failure mechanisms, applying governing codes and standards, and presenting defensible engineering opinions.
This page addresses common questions regarding our methodology, qualifications, and areas of expertise. For case-specific inquiries, please contact our team directly
General & Firm Information
What is forensic engineering, and how can it help my case?
Forensic engineering is the application of engineering principles to investigate failures, accidents, and defects for legal and insurance matters. The objective is to determine causation through systematic analysis of physical evidence, governing codes and standards, and accepted engineering methodologies.
Our role is to identify what occurred, explain why it occurred, and present clear, well-supported, and defensible opinions. These findings assist attorneys, insurers, and other stakeholders in evaluating liability, resolving disputes, and making informed decisions. Learn more About our philosophy and approach to truth-seeking.
What does the name "Áreté" mean?
Áreté (ἀρετή) is an ancient Greek concept meaning functional excellence, virtue, and fulfilling one’s purpose. At Áreté Forensics, we apply this philosophy by combining technical competence with deep professional integrity. Read more about the meaning of Áreté on our About page.
Who makes up the Áreté Forensics team?
Our team includes licensed mechanical, civil, and structural engineers with experience in industry, consulting, and academia. Two engineers are Diplomates of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE), and several have provided expert testimony in state and federal courts.
We evaluate HVAC and plumbing systems, machinery and equipment, accident reconstruction, and building systems, delivering clear and defensible engineering opinions in complex matters. Meet our experts on our Team page.
Where are you located, and who do you serve?
We are headquartered in Orlando, Florida, and support projects throughout the United States. Our clients include law firms, insurance carriers, and corporate entities that retain us to investigate engineering failures, determine causation, and provide expert witness services.
You can reach out to us via our Contact page to discuss your specific geographical needs.
Who typically hires your forensic engineering firm?
We are retained by attorneys (plaintiff and defense), insurance carriers and claims professionals, corporate risk managers, and private parties. Our services are used to investigate failures, assess damage and code compliance, determine causation, and provide defensible engineering opinions in support of litigation, insurance claims, and risk management decisions.
Do you provide recommondations to prevent future failures?
Yes. In addition to forensic investigations, we provide engineering services aimed at preventing recurrence of failures. Based on our analysis of failure mechanisms, site conditions, and applicable codes and standards, we develop recommendations to improve system performance, address deficiencies, and reduce risk.
These recommendations may include design modifications, repairs, maintenance practices, or operational changes, informed by our experience with a wide range of engineered systems
Litigation & Expert Witness Support
Do you provide expert witness testimony for trials?
Yes. Our engineers provide Expert Witness Services, including deposition and trial testimony. We present technical findings clearly and accurately, explaining complex engineering concepts, analyses, and conclusions in a manner that can be understood by attorneys, judges, and juries.
How do you ensure your expert opinions hold up in court?
We apply a systematic, evidence-based methodology grounded in accepted engineering principles and the laws of physics. Our analyses are based on documented facts, physical evidence, and evaluation of system performance under the relevant conditions.
We consider applicable codes, standards, and industry practices, and apply them consistently to the facts of the case. Our opinions are developed through reliable methods, supported by sufficient data, and documented in a manner that allows them to be tested, reviewed, and explained clearly in deposition and at trial
Engineering Specialties & Services
What is involved in an accident reconstruction?
Accident Reconstruction involves the systematic analysis of a collision to determine the sequence of events and contributing factors. Our process includes evaluation of physical evidence, vehicle damage, scene measurements, photographs, electronic data (e.g., event data recorders), and witness information.
We apply principles of physics and vehicle dynamics to analyze speeds, forces, and motion, and to assess how the incident occurred. Deliverables may include scaled diagrams, calculations, and computer-based simulations, depending on the scope and complexity of the case
Can you assist with cause and origin investigations?
Yes. We perform cause and origin investigations to identify the initiating event and contributing factors in mechanical failures, structural collapses, fires, and water-related losses. Our analyses are based on evaluation of physical evidence, site conditions, documentation, and applicable codes and standards.
We develop clear, well-supported, and defensible engineering opinions to assist in the evaluation of claims and litigation
What types of civil and structural engineering services do you offer?
Our Civil & Structural Engineering Services cover everything from evaluating all types of construction failures and structural integrity issues to analyzing load paths, material defects, compliance with building codes, construction accidents, site development issues, hydrology, hydraulics, water runoff, building envelope, water intrusion, issues with finish materials such as EIFS, stucco, tiles (roof and flooring), manufactured stone, natural stone, brick, and other exterior materials, pavers, concrete, and floor systems.
How do you handle construction defect cases?
Through detailed Construction Defect & Building Assessment, we inspect properties to identify design flaws, poor workmanship, code violations, and material failures, providing comprehensive reports for construction litigation and claims.
Do you analyze equipment and machinery failures?
Yes. We analyze equipment and machinery failures to determine the cause of malfunction or breakdown. Our evaluations consider design, manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and operational factors.
We examine physical evidence, operating conditions, and available documentation, and assess performance against applicable codes, standards, and industry practices. Our analyses result in clear, well-supported, and defensible engineering opinions.
What falls under your mechanical engineering services?
Our mechanical engineering services include the evaluation of HVAC systems, plumbing and piping systems, machinery, and construction equipment. We analyze system performance, material behavior, fluid flow, and thermal conditions to investigate failures, maintenance-related issues, and property damage.
Our work focuses on determining causation, assessing compliance with applicable codes and standards, and providing clear, well-supported, and defensible engineering opinions
Can you evaluate pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB) and related structures?
Yes, our structural engineers specialize in Metal Building & Structural Engineering PEMB. We are members of MBCEA and have two members in the MBCEA technical committee as well as serving on the board of directors for the Southeast US Region of MBCEA. We are affiliate members of MBMA and have decades of experience in designing and evaluating PEMBs. We investigate collapses, wind damage, and design deficiencies specific to pre-engineered and custom metal structures. We also design and analyze temporary bracing and shoring for PEMBs.
Do you perform OSHA and safety compliance evaluations?
We provide thorough OSHA & Safety Compliance Evaluations to determine if workplace accidents were the result of safety violations, lack of guarding, or failure to follow established industrial standards.
How do you approach premises liability investigations?
Our premises liability investigations involve evaluation of the built environment to determine whether conditions contributed to an incident. This includes analysis of walking surfaces, slip/trip hazards, lighting, drainage, stair and handrail design, and maintenance practices.
We assess conditions against applicable building codes, standards, and industry practices, and consider human factors such as visibility, perception, and expected use. Our analyses are based on site inspections, documentation, and physical evidence, resulting in clear, well-supported, and defensible engineering opinions
What is your process for product liability and failure analysis?
Our product liability and failure analysis process involves a systematic evaluation of a product to determine the cause of failure and any contributing factors. We examine physical evidence, design intent, materials, manufacturing processes, and available documentation, and perform testing as appropriate.
Our analyses consider potential defects in design, manufacturing, and warnings or instructions, and are evaluated against applicable standards and accepted engineering practices. The result is a clear, well-supported, and defensible engineering opinion regarding the product’s performance and role in the incident
Do you provide storm and catastrophe damage analysis?
Yes. Following severe weather events like hurricanes or tornadoes, we offer Storm & Catastrophe Damage Analysis to differentiate between wind, water, and pre-existing structural damage for complex insurance claims.
How do I know which of your specialties fits my case?
Our multidisciplinary team spans a wide range of fields. You can explore all of our offerings on our Specialties page, or simply reach out to us so we can match you with the right expert.
Do you offer preliminary case reviews or consultations?
Yes. We offer preliminary case reviews to assess scope, key technical issues, and whether our services are appropriate for the matter. This may include a high-level review of documents, photographs, and other available information.
Substantive analysis, opinions, and report preparation begin only after formal retention.
How do I submit an inquiry or request an expert?
You can easily submit case details, request a CV, or schedule a consultation by visiting our Contact page, calling us at (407) 434-1348, or emailing info@areteforensics.com.