Litigation & Expert Witness Services
J. Martin Pitts, PE provides engineering expert witness services for attorneys, property owners, insurers, contractors, associations, and other parties involved in construction and property-related disputes throughout the Gulf Coast.
With experience in structural engineering, building forensics, nondestructive testing, construction, and property condition assessment, Martin provides independent technical analysis of complex building and structural issues. His role is to evaluate the available evidence, explain the engineering issues clearly, and provide professional opinions supported by his investigation and engineering judgment.
Engineering Support for Litigation
Construction and property disputes often involve technical questions that require more than a review of photographs or documents. Therefore, a thorough engineering investigation may include site observations, testing, measurements, document review, structural analysis, and evaluation of the history of the property.
J. Martin Pitts PE LLC provides litigation support from the initial investigation through deposition or trial when required. In addition, Martin works with legal counsel to identify the engineering issues that may be important to a case and explain those issues in clear, understandable terms.
Services and Support Include:
Structural Engineering Expert Witness
Structural failures and building damage can involve several possible causes. For example, cracking may result from movement, settlement, deterioration, loading conditions, construction deficiencies, environmental exposure, or a combination of factors.
As a result, determining the cause and significance of observed damage requires a systematic evaluation of the available evidence.
Martin applies his structural engineering and building investigation experience to evaluate these conditions. When appropriate, the investigation may also incorporate measurements, testing, historical information, construction documents, photographs, and other available evidence.
Construction Defect & Property Damage Disputes
Construction disputes can involve questions about design, materials, workmanship, building performance, repairs, and compliance with project requirements.
In these matters, J. Martin Pitts PE LLC can evaluate the physical conditions of the property and review relevant technical information. In addition, field observations can be compared with plans, specifications, repair records, photographs, and other project documentation.
The goal is to develop engineering opinions based on the evidence rather than assumptions about what occurred.
Building Forensics & Nondestructive Testing
Some investigations require looking beyond conditions visible at the surface.
Therefore, Martin’s litigation work can be supported by the firm’s building forensic and nondestructive testing capabilities. Depending on the investigation, these methods may include ground penetrating radar (GPR), ultrasonic concrete testing, infrared thermography, moisture testing, concrete and corrosion assessments, drone inspections, and other field investigation methods.
These tools can provide additional information about existing or concealed conditions while supporting a broader engineering evaluation.
Storm Damage & Pre-Existing Conditions
Along the Gulf Coast, disputes following hurricanes and severe storms can involve questions about the cause, timing, and extent of property damage.
For example, an investigation may require distinguishing observed storm-related changes from deterioration, previous damage, construction conditions, or other factors that existed before an event.
Martin can evaluate available pre-loss and post-loss documentation, inspect current conditions, review relevant records, and perform engineering analysis when appropriate. As a result, attorneys and other parties receive a technical assessment based on the available physical and documentary evidence.
Clear Technical Reports
Complex engineering conclusions have limited value if they cannot be clearly communicated.
For that reason, J. Martin Pitts PE LLC places an emphasis on organized documentation and understandable technical reporting. Reports can document observed conditions, investigative methods, relevant evidence, engineering analysis, and professional opinions within the agreed scope of work.
In addition, technical findings can be communicated to attorneys, property owners, contractors, insurers, judges, juries, and other audiences who may not have an engineering background.
Deposition & Expert Witness Testimony
When a matter proceeds beyond investigation and reporting, Martin can provide deposition and expert witness testimony regarding engineering issues within his area of expertise.
His role as an expert is to explain the technical evidence and the basis for his professional engineering opinions. Therefore, testimony remains grounded in the investigation, available documentation, applicable engineering principles, and the specific facts of the matter.
Independent Engineering Analysis
An expert witness should provide an independent professional opinion based on the evidence.
J. Martin Pitts PE LLC approaches litigation matters with the same engineering process used in other investigations: document the conditions, evaluate the available information, perform the necessary analysis, and develop conclusions supported by the evidence.
Whether retained by a property owner, attorney, insurer, contractor, association, or another party, the engineering conclusions are based on the technical findings of the investigation.
Discuss a Litigation or Expert Witness Matter
J. Martin Pitts, PE provides engineering expert witness services and litigation support for matters involving structural conditions, construction disputes, building damage, storm damage, water intrusion, concrete deterioration, and other engineering concerns.
Contact J. Martin Pitts PE LLCCo to discuss the technical issues involved in a pending or potential matter and determine the appropriate scope of engineering services.
