Construction Expert Witness Services
Litigation Support for Complex Construction Disputes
Metzger Testing & Inspection provides construction expert witness services for attorneys, insurers, contractors, developers and property owners involved in technically complex construction litigation.
Construction disputes require more than theory — they demand practical field knowledge, deep code familiarity, and the ability to clearly explain technical findings through illustrations and captioned photographs in a courtroom setting. Our firm brings hands-on inspection and testing expertise directly into the litigation process.
We assist in both plaintiff and defense matters involving construction defects, contract disputes, structural failures, disaster damage claims, and compliance issues.
Why Construction Cases Require a Qualified Expert Witness
Construction litigation often involves overlapping technical disciplines — structural systems, soils, anchoring systems, building codes, inspection protocols, and accepted industry standards.
An experienced construction expert witness plays a critical role by:
- Determining whether construction complied with approved plans and applicable codes
- Identifying deviations from accepted industry practices
- Evaluating workmanship and material performance
- Distinguishing between design defects and installation errors
- Assessing the technical cause of failures or damage
- Assisting counsel in understanding complex construction documentation
Objective, technically grounded expert testimony can significantly influence liability findings, damage calculations, and settlement negotiations.
Construction Litigation & Case Applications
Metzger Testing & Inspection is retained in a wide range of construction-related disputes, including:
Construction Defect Claims
Evaluation of workmanship, material selection, installation practices, code compliance, and as-built conditions compared to approved plans.
Contract and Scope Disputes
Analysis of scope interpretation, change orders, inspection requirements, compliance obligations, and construction administration performance.
Delay and Scheduling Claims
Evaluation of inspection sequencing, code compliance timing, rework requirements, and performance deficiencies contributing to project delays.
Geotechnical and Site Condition Disputes
Assessment of soils preparation, compaction, bearing conditions, foundation support, and compliance with geotechnical recommendations.
Insurance and Surety Matters
Technical analysis supporting construction bond claims, property damage disputes, post-loss investigations, and coverage evaluations.
Post-Disaster Structural Evaluation
When structures are impacted by earthquake, flood, fire, or wind events, we assess the extent of damage and determine whether failures are attributable to pre-existing construction deficiencies or disaster-related forces.
Areas of Technical Expertise
Soils & Geotechnical Evaluation
- Soils inspection and field density testing
- Compaction verification
- Subgrade preparation review
- Bearing capacity assessment
- Foundation performance analysis
We evaluate settlement claims, expansive soil impacts, improper compaction, and foundation distress.
Concrete & Structural Systems
- Reinforced concrete inspection
- Prestressed concrete systems
- Precast concrete components
- Post-tensioned concrete systems
- Field concrete testing
- Structural masonry
We investigate cracking patterns, reinforcement placement deficiencies, curing problems, structural movement, and strength compliance issues.
Anchors, Fastening & Structural Connections
- Epoxy anchor installations
- Mechanical anchors
- In-place anchor test verification
- Torque (Torqx) testing
- Steel bolting and framing systems
- Welding inspection and evaluation
Proper anchorage is critical for life-safety and seismic performance. We analyze pull-out failures, insufficient embedment, improper torque application, adhesive failures, weld quality issues, and steel connection compliance.
Swimming Pools & Spa Construction
- New pool construction inspection
- Evaluation of existing pools and spas
- Structural shell and bond beam review
- Deck and interface movement analysis
- Code compliance evaluation
Pool-related disputes often involve complex interactions between soils, reinforced concrete, waterproofing systems, and drainage.
Accessibility & Life-Safety Systems
- Access compliance for disabled persons
- Fireproofing inspection
- Fire stopping systems
- Building code compliance analysis
We evaluate whether construction meets applicable state and local building regulations, including California building code requirements when applicable.
Credentials and Standards Knowledge
Metzger Testing & Inspection provides litigation support grounded in:
- Field inspection and forensic evaluation experience
- Familiarity with OSHA safety standards
- Working knowledge of ASTM testing standards
- ANSI performance requirements
- State and local building codes
- Approved construction plans and inspection protocols
Our evaluations compare actual site conditions to approved drawings, project specifications, and adopted code requirements.
Role of Expert Testimony in Construction Litigation
Effective expert testimony must do more than identify a problem — it must clearly connect facts, standards, and causation.
We assist litigation teams by:
- Identifying the technical cause of construction failures
- Determining whether workmanship, materials, or design contributed to the issue
- Explaining how construction practices align — or fail to align — with industry standards
- Translating technical findings into clear, understandable language for judges and juries
- Preparing defensible written reports suitable for deposition and trial
Our approach is methodical, fact-based, and independent.
Services Provided to Legal Counsel
- Case file and documentation review
- Plan and specification analysis
- Forensic site investigation
- Testing protocol development
- Photographic and technical documentation
- Expert report preparation
- Deposition testimony
- Trial testimony
Consultation is available for preliminary case evaluation prior to formal retention.
Why Attorneys Retain Metzger Testing & Inspection
- Extensive hands-on inspection experience
- Multi-discipline construction expertise
- Clear, structured reporting
- Professional deposition and trial presentation
- Objective, independent analysis
- Experience supporting California-based litigation
We understand the evidentiary standards required in construction litigation and prepare our findings accordingly.
Request Expert Consultation
If you are seeking a qualified construction expert witness for defect litigation, contract disputes, disaster evaluation, or insurance matters, contact Metzger Testing & Inspection to discuss your case.
We provide confidential initial case discussions and are available for retention upon request.