EXPERT WITNESS
The written document summarizing an expert’s opinions and basis.
What is an Expert Report?
This is the process of identifying the underlying cause of a failure or defect.
What is Root Cause Analysis?
This delivery method combines design and construction under one contract.
What is Design-Build?
This occurs when materials degrade due to environmental exposure over time.
What is Corrosion?
The process where opposing counsel questions an expert under oath before trial.
What is a Deposition?
A report specifically written to counter another expert’s opinions.
What is a Rebuttal Report?
This involves reconstructing events using incomplete or inconsistent data.
What is Forensic Reconstruction?
This contract role assumes risk while managing construction on behalf of the owner.
What is CM at Risk (CMAR)?
This requires linking technical causation directly to quantifiable monetary loss.
What is Damages Quantification?
This is the polite way to say you don’t remember something without speculating.
What is “I don’t recall”?
This is often the most important piece of evidence discovered late in a case.
What is a “Smoking Gun” Document?
This type of testing evaluates materials without causing damage.
What is Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)?
This is the longest path through a schedule that determines project duration.
What is the Critical Path?
This analysis evaluates how a structure responds to loads, stresses, and forces.
What is Structural Analysis?
This is the moment you realize the question is really about something you didn’t include in your report.
What is Scope Limitation (or Outside Scope)?
This occurs when both experts testify together and respond to each other’s opinions.
What is Hot-Tubbing (Concurrent Expert Evidence)?
This occurs when a system does not perform as intended despite proper installation.
What is Design Defect?
This daily document records site activities, labor, and conditions.
What is a Daily Report?
This type of soil behavior causes volume change due to moisture variation.
What are Expansive Soils?
This preparation method simulates aggressive questioning before testimony
What is a Mock Deposition?
The legal standard used to evaluate admissibility of expert testimony in federal courts.
What is the Daubert Standard?
This is the ultimate goal of forensic analysis in disputes.
What is Determining Cause and Responsibility?
This is a formal modification to the original contract scope or cost.
What is a Change Order?
This system separates interior from exterior environmental conditions.
What is the Building Envelope?
This tactic involves asking a yes/no question that requires a long explanation.
What is a Leading Question?