Within Pyle Consulting or affiliated to Pyle Consulting there are Chartered Engineers and Surveyors who have had extensive experience of undertaking the role of an Expert Witness.
Each individual has developed their experience by working within the construction and insurance industries for many years.
The range of problems dealt with incorporates all aspects of structural engineering and surveying. These include:-
- Structural collapse, accidental or fire damaged buildings
- Cracking and/or deterioration of the building structure and fabric
- Ground movement and/or subsidence/heave of foundations, ground slabs, retaining walls, external works and roads
- Water ingress, dampness to below ground structures/basements
- Problems with foul and surface water belowground drainage
- Ground pollution/contamination and environmental aspects
- Structural implications under the 'Party Wall etc Act'
- Contracts
It is preferable for an expert to be instructed as soon as possible in any potential dispute. Initial advice can be of considerable benefit in resolving the differences between parties at an early stage. Impartial and independent advice can give modified insight into a dispute. A skilled expert should provide an opinion as to the strengths of a potential case but also highlight the weaknesses.
Realism at an early stage can result in early resolution on best possible terms. Should the matter progress to litigation then from this point on the Experts duty is to the court. This is the law. The Expert prepares their evidence in their Expert Report. Should the dispute still not be settled then the Expert will give oral evidence in court.
When an expert is instructed to prepare an Expert Report it must be in accordance with section 35 of the Civil Procedure Rules.
It is important to understand that when an Expert is instructed, it is the individual who is instructed to act.