Forensic engineering for the
cause, origin, and remediation
of property loss.

Independent investigations into structural failure, fire, water intrusion, storm damage, and building envelope performance. Evidence-based findings for insurance carriers, legal counsel, and property owners navigating complex loss claims.

Discipline
Property Forensics
Engagements
Residential / Large Loss / Complex
Deliverable
Expert Report
Testimony
Deposition / Trial
Section 01 — Practice Areas

Six disciplines.
One evidentiary standard.

Each engagement is scoped to the loss type, jurisdictional requirements, and the specific questions posed by the retaining party. Findings are documented in reports suitable for claim file, mediation, or trial.

01

Cause & Origin

Systematic determination of the physical cause and point of origin for property losses. Documented through on-site examination, evidence preservation, and laboratory analysis where required.

FireWaterMechanicalElectrical
02

Structural Failure

Engineering analysis of collapsed, distressed, or failed structural systems. Load path evaluation, material testing, and code-compliance review to establish causation and contributing factors.

CollapseDistressLoad PathCode Review
03

Fire Investigation

Post-fire structural and systems assessment. Burn pattern analysis, ignition source evaluation, and damage extent documentation for subrogation and coverage determinations.

IgnitionSpreadDamageSubrogation
04

Water & Storm

Wind, hail, and water intrusion damage assessment. Building envelope performance evaluation, flood damage documentation, and storm-related structural impact analysis.

WindHailFloodEnvelope
05

Roof Collapse

Investigation of premature roof failures including snow load events, drainage deficiencies, and material degradation. Structural adequacy review and failure sequence reconstruction.

Snow LoadDrainageFramingSequence
06

Building Envelope

Performance evaluation of exterior wall systems, fenestration, and weatherproofing assemblies. Moisture intrusion pathways, cladding failures, and warranty dispute support.

EnvelopeMoistureCladdingFenestration
Section 02 — Methodology

A five-phase process.
Documented at every step.

Every engagement follows a consistent investigative framework. The methodology is designed to produce findings that withstand scrutiny — by adjusters, opposing counsel, and the court.

Phase I

Intake & Scoping

Outside laboratory testing where required. Engineering calculations, code research, and comparison against manufacturer specifications and industry standards.

Phase II

Field Examination

Outside laboratory testing where required. Engineering calculations, code research, and comparison against manufacturer specifications and industry standards.

Phase III

Analysis & Testing

Outside laboratory testing where required. Engineering calculations, code research, and comparison against manufacturer specifications and industry standards.

Phase IV

Report & Findings

Outside laboratory testing where required. Engineering calculations, code research, and comparison against manufacturer specifications and industry standards.

Phase V

Expert Testimony

Outside laboratory testing where required. Engineering calculations, code research, and comparison against manufacturer specifications and industry standards.

Section 03 — Field Documentation

Evidence preserved.
Findings documented.

Forensic investigation begins at the loss scene. Field documentation establishes the factual record on which all subsequent analysis depends.

A forensic engineer documenting structural damage at a commercial property site
ROOF COLLAPSE

Documentation Standard

Photographic record

Systematic site photography capturing overall context, mid-range relationships, and close-up detail. Images are time-stamped, geo-tagged, and indexed to the report.

Evidence Handling

Chain of custody

Physical evidence is collected, labeled, and transferred per documented chain-of-custody procedures. Samples are submitted to accredited laboratories for analysis.

SECTION 04 — OUR CLIENTS

Forensic opinions are only as credible as the engineer behind them. Qualifications, methodology, and consistency of findings determine whether testimony withstands cross-examination.

Insurance Carriers

Cause and origin determination, coverage investigation support, subrogation evidence, and independent evaluation of complex or disputed losses.

Legal Counsel

Expert witness retention for construction defect, product liability, premises liability, and first-party property disputes. Reports and testimony.

Property Owners

Independent assessment of damage extent, repair scope, and causation for commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities.

Section 05 — Engagement

Submit an Assignment

Initial submissions are confidential and without obligation. Provide a brief description of the loss event and the questions requiring investigation. A budget proposal or fee structure will be provided for approval prior to the commencement of any work.

Intake Form
Contact Information
Direct Contact
Intake Line
Available on request
Email
admin@luminaryforensics.com
Response Window
Within 1 business day
Service Area

Multi-state practice. Field examinations conducted at loss sites across the continental United States. Remote consultation available for preliminary scoping.