Construction Litigation Through the Lens of Engineering: Differing Site Conditions, Design Errors, and Construction Defects

Jeffrey Hunt, Ph.D., P.E., Principal Engineer at Exponent, and Saj Salam, Ph.D., P.E., Managing Engineer at Exponent, explore the intersection of engineering and construction law. They examine how technical issues influence construction litigation involving differing site conditions, design errors, construction defects, and unsatisfactory project performance. Participants will gain an overview of the forensic engineering investigation process, including determining failure mechanisms, identifying root and contributing causes, and developing engineering opinions supported by technical evidence. Through representative case studies, the program will illustrate the parties commonly involved in construction disputes, the engineering evidence relied upon during litigation, and the role of forensic engineers in assisting attorneys with evaluating claims, establishing causation, and supporting dispute resolution through mediation, arbitration, and trial. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.