EXPERT OPINIONS BASED ON 30+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

HG Cornerstone offers comprehensive construction expert witness services associated with insurance claims and civil litigation. We provide compelling, effective construction expert witness testimony based on 30+ years of hands-on, direct construction experience and field oversight.

Our Construction Expert Witness services include:

  • Complementary Initial Consultation
  • Expert Opinions
  • Expert Witness Testimony
  • Expert Engineer’s Reports
  • Site Investigations & Assessments
  • Engineering Evaluations & Assessments
  • Insurance Claims Evaluations
  • Damage Analysis & Quantification
  • Cause & Extent of Failure Analysis
  • Forensic Engineering Investigations
  • Forensic Evidence Examination
  • Physical Evidence Testing
  • Physical Injury Investigations
  • Accident Reconstruction
  • Construction Consulting
  • Client-Customized Services

We typically work on matters involving:

  • Catastrophic Property Damage
  • Construction Defects
  • Building Products Defects
  • Construction Materials Defects
  • Design Defects
  • Architect’s & Engineer’s Errors & Omissions (E&O)
  • Construction Contract Disputes
  • Construction Worker Safety
  • Premises Personal Injury
  • Environmental Contamination
  • Real Estate Matters

Construction & Insurance Expert Witness Services

Nationwide.

Based on 30+ Years of Construction & Engineering Practice.

Mr. Joel E. Breuer, PE, Expert Witness

Construction expert witness testimony and expert opinions are provided by Joel E. Breuer, PE, a professional civil engineer and construction engineer with over 30 years of engineering design, consulting and hands-on construction field experience. When you hire HG Cornerstone, you get Mr. Breuer.

OUR CLIENTS ARE VARIED

We work with clients in every facet of the construction, design, insurance, and surety industries including:

  • Law Firms & Litigators
  • Corporate In-House Counsel
  • Insurance Companies
  • Sureties
  • General Building Contractors
  • Subcontractors
  • Architects
  • Engineers
  • Construction Managers
  • Building Products Manufacturers
  • Equipment Manufacturers
  • Building Materials Manufacturers
  • Construction Products, Materials Suppliers
  • Construction Equipment Manufacturers & Vendors
  • Building Owners
  • Real Estate Investors
  • Commercial Landlords
  • Commercial Tenants
  • Property Developers
  • REITs
  • Business Owners
  • Municipalities
  • Government Agencies
  • Physically Injured Parties

We have a definite edge over others...

In litigation, where it counts, the best outcomes are reached by involving an expert who possesses both engineering design and hands-on construction field experience. HG Cornerstone is backed by over 30 years of hands-on construction practice, direct construction oversight, site safety responsibility, construction management, civil engineering, environmental engineering, and commercial real estate experience.

This is why our expert witness services include the most comprehensive and effective investigations and assessments available. HG Cornerstone consistently delivers sound, fact-based research and the most relevant information, evaluations, testing, expert opinions, conclusions, and compelling construction expert witness testimony possible. Take advantage of our vast experience and knowledge base.

 

When Experience Testifying is a Must...

HG Cornerstone has the critical expert witness oral testimony experience needed, stemming from a variety of situations. We confidently provide effective, understandable and compelling testimony.

We begin with the end goal in mind...

Our construction expert witness services begin with an initial case consultation. Then we tailor the scope of our services around the technical aspects of the case, the overarching theme of the case and the dollar-value in question.

Our approach starts with carefully defining the issues at hand to develop an agreed-upon strategy, a pre-established work scope, and clearly defined set of deliverables. In this way, we work in the most cost-effective manner possible, proceed with the end goal in mind.

We have a solid track record of positive, successful outcomes.

 

Expert Witness Areas of Specialty

Capitalize on our 30+ Years of Construction & Engineering Experience

The types of insurance claims and litigation that we can competently consult on are numerous. This is due to our extensive, combined construction and engineering experience, spanning over 30 years.

Our areas of specialty include:

Construction Litigation

  • Construction Expert Witness
  • Forensic Engineering
  • Construction Defects
  • Design Defects
  • Constructability Issues
  • Standards of Care
  • Improper Construction Monitoring
  • Poor Project Controls & Oversight
  • Construction-Related Damage
  • Construction Vibration Damage
  • Improper Construction Means & Methods
  • Improper Materials Selection
  • Improper Workmanship
  • Incomplete Work & Omissions
  • Non-Compliance with Plans & Specifications
  • Manufacturers Defects in Building Products
  • Manufacturers Defects in Materials
  • Manufacturers Defects in Equipment
  • Building Code Violations
  • Other Code(s) Violations
  • Permit Violations
  • Premature Failure of Building Components
  • Manufacturer’s Instructions Non-Compliance
  • Warrantee Issue
  • Damage Quantification & Cost Estimating

DESIGN PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY LITIGATION

  • Design Defects
  • Professional Malpractice Claims
  • Errors & Omissions (E&O)
  • Professional Negligence
  • Improper Plans & Specifications

INSURANCE LITIGATION & SUBROGATION

  • Casualty Claims
  • Catastrophic Property Damage Claims
  • Structural Failure
  • Seismic Movement
  • Geotechnical Issues
  • Slope Failures
  • Water Damage
  • Water Infiltration
  • Vapor Intrusion
  • Corrosion
  • Cracking
  • Concrete Damage
  • Plumbing & Control Valve Issues
  • Storm Damage
  • Wind Damage
  • Fire Damage
  • Snow & Ice Damage
  • Cosmetic Damage
  • Roof Failures
  • Vandalism
  • Odor & Indoor Air Quality Issue
  • Contractor Licensing Issues
  • Contractor Fraud  

CONSTRUCTION SITE ACCIDENT & INJURY CLAIMS

  • Onsite Work Injuries
  • Tools & Construction Equipment Accidents
  • Scaffolding & Ladder Accidents
  • Fall Protection
  • Confined Space
  • Chemical Exposure
  • OSHA Violations
  • Wrongful Death

Surety Litigation

  • License bond claims
  • Construction bond claims
  • Payment bond claims
  • Performance bond claims

CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT DISPUTES

  • Construction Contract Violations
  • General Contractor Liability
  • Subcontractor Liability
  • Manufacturer Liability
  • Supplier Liability
  • Standards of Care
  • Improper Workmanship
  • Work Scope Disputes
  • Constructability Issues
  • Change Orders
  • Schedule Disruptions or Delays
  • Loss of Labor Productivity
  • Differing Site Conditions
  • Unforeseen or Hidden Site Conditions
  • Mechanic’s Liens
  • OSHA Violations
  • Worker Health & Safety Issues

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION MATTERS

  • Real Estate Affected by Contamination
  • Buildings Damaged by Contamination
  • Improvements Damaged by Contamination
  • Construction Materials Damaged by Contamination
  • Environmental Trespass & Nuisance
  • Environmental Stigma

PREMISES ACCIDENT & INJURY CLAIMS

  • Slip, Trip & Fall
  • General Premises Liability
  • Physical Conditions of Premises 
  • Building, Safety & Sanitary Code Violations
  • ADA Violations
  • Wrongful Death

REAL ESTATE LITIGATION

  • Planning & Zoning Violations
  • Easement & Rights-of-Way Issues
  • Hidden or Undisclosed Defects
  • Environmental Contamination
  • Geotechnical Issues
  • Site Drainage Issues

HOUSING LITIGATION

  • Housing Code Violations
  • Building Code Violations
  • Sanitary Code Violations
  • HUD Compliance
  • Warrantee of Habitability Issues
  • ADA & Accessibility Compliance
  • Hazardous Materials & Toxic Mold

SPECIALIZED & COMPLEX LITIGATION

  • Client-Customized Services for Highly Complex or Unusual Situations

Construction Expert Witness Photo Gallery

These photographs show examples of just some of the situations we encounter:
Forensic Engineering Construction Expert Witness Pipe Corrosion
Galvanized water pipe corrosion
Forensic Engineering Construction Expert Witness Pipe Corrosion

Corrosion at pipe flange connection

Corroded and leaking galvanized water piping
Environmental contamination in soil, potential effects on building materials
Corroded cast iron sewer piping
Subsurface sewer pipe inspection & sampling
Corrosion at pipe to valve union
Failed plumbing fitting, catastrophic loss
Elastomeric plumbing fitting wear and tear, defects claimed
Plumbing fitting failures
Water pressure regulator issues, defects claimed
Construction Expert Witness Construction Defects Expert Witness Forensic Engineer Design Expert Witness Construction Products Expert Catastrophic Insurance Claims Surety Claims Forensics Accident and Injury Construction Expert Inspection Engineer Expert Witness Testimony Expert Testimony ACV
Allegedly failed domestic water ACV valve removed for inspection and testing, product defects claimed
Allegedly failed domestic water ACV valve in vault, catastrophic loss claimed
Construction Expert Witness Construction Defects Expert Witness Forensic Engineer Design Expert Witness Construction Products Expert Catastrophic Insurance Claims Surety Claims Forensics Accident and Injury Construction Expert Inspection Engineer Expert Witness Testimony Expert Testimony Gate Valve Failure
Allegedly failed domestic water gate valve at inspection and testing, catastrophic loss claimed
Construction Expert Witness Construction Defects Expert Witness Forensic Engineer Design Expert Witness Construction Products Expert Catastrophic Insurance Claims Surety Claims Forensics Accident and Injury Construction Expert Inspection Engineer Expert Witness Testimony Expert Testimony ACV
Allegedly failed domestic water pressure regulators and ACVs during inspection and testing, defects claimed
High-rise condominium tower water distribution and pressure issues, defects claimed
Improperly sloped commercial drain
Improperly installed and unsafe commercial floor drain
Poor workmanship involving commercial electrical wiring
Improper and unsafe commercial electrical wiring
Improper penetration for flexible electrical conduit made through fire-rated wall
Improper penetration for flexible electrical conduit and steel pipe made through fire-rated wall
Unsafe electrical breaker panel, apartment complex
Improper and unsafe electrical wiring, apartment complex
Improper penetration made through fire-rated ceiling of subterranean parking structure
Precast concrete building deterioration and structural issues
Construction Expert Witness Construction Defects Expert Witness Forensic Engineer Design Expert Witness Construction Products Expert Catastrophic Insurance Claims Surety Claims Forensics Accident and Injury Construction Expert Inspection Engineer Expert Witness Testimony Expert Testimony Construction Vibrations Ground Induced Vibrations
Construction vibration damage from heavy equipment, catastrophic loss claimed
Geotechnical issues, major slope failure at condominium complex
Geotechnical issues, major slope failure at condominium complex, major corrective work required
Improperly flashed structural post, resulting in catastrophic property damage
Wood rot from improperly flashed post, resulting in catastrophic property damage
Wood rot from improperly flashed post
Completely degraded Parallam support beam at concrete structural connection, dry rot from continuous water infiltration into beam pocket
Water damage to wood structure behind fascia, improper flashing
Improperly attached structural wood post
Improperly notched structural wood posts, resulting unsafe railing system
Rotted steel beam embedded into concrete foundation wall, exposed to prolonged water infiltration
Cracks in plaster due to ground movement, catastrophic loss claimed
Floor separation due to ground movement, catastrophic loss claimed
Structural wood beam rotted due to prolonged water contact
Corroded steel beams, coated with concrete, embedded into concrete block wall, exposed to prolonged water infiltration
Structural wood rot due to improper flashing and unsealed penetrations in framing above
Completely disintegrated structural steel beam, exposed to prolonged moisture conditions
Roof ponding caused by failing structural framing below
Roof ponding caused by failing structural framing below
Concrete foundation crack caused by ground movement, catastrophic loss claimed
Improper and unsafe commercial entry/exit door threshold
Improper and unsafe commercial interior flooring transition
Improper and unsafe commercial handrails leading to spa at fitness center
Improper and unworkmanlike exterior commercial joint sealant application
Construction Expert Witness Construction Defects Expert Witness Forensic Engineer Design Expert Witness Construction Products Expert Catastrophic Insurance Claims Surety Claims Forensics Accident and Injury Construction Expert Inspection Engineer Expert Witness Testimony Expert Testimony
Concrete cracking due to lack of proper joint spacing
Concrete cracking in foundation floor due to ground movement, catastrophic loss claimed
Improper sagging HVAC flex ducting, installed in unworkmanlike manner
Construction Expert Witness Construction Defects Expert Witness Forensic Engineer Design Expert Witness Construction Products Expert Catastrophic Insurance Claims Surety Claims Forensics Accident and Injury Construction Expert Inspection Engineer Expert Witness Testimony Expert Testimony HVAC
Leaking HVAC equipment, catastrophic insurance loss
Construction accident reconstruction involving scaffolding, worker injury claim
Ice dams, catastrophic insurance loss
Interior flooding, catastrophic insurance loss
Construction Expert Witness Construction Defects Expert Witness Forensic Engineer Design Expert Witness Construction Products Expert Catastrophic Insurance Claims Surety Claims Forensics Accident and Injury Construction Expert Inspection Engineer Expert Witness Testimony Expert Testimony
Interior flooding, catastrophic insurance loss
Improper roof flashing, catastrophic loss
Improper roof flashing, catastrophic loss
Improper masonry flashing, catastrophic loss
Construction Expert Witness Construction Defects Expert Witness Forensic Engineer Design Expert Witness Construction Products Expert Catastrophic Insurance Claims Surety Claims Forensics Accident and Injury Construction Expert Inspection Engineer Expert Witness Testimony Expert Testimony CMU Failure Block Wall Defects
Improper masonry wall assembly, catastrophic loss
Water infiltration rotting structural wood framing, catastrophic loss
Water infiltration rotting structural wood framing, catastrophic loss, major framing replacement required
Cracked structural wood beam
Main Contact Information

(866) 204-3440

[email protected]

East Coast

198 Tremont Street, No. 430, Boston, MA 02116

(617) 575-2300

[email protected]

West Coast

1024 Bayside Drive, No. 521, Newport Beach, CA 92660

(949) 432-3212

[email protected]