Construction Safety
When legal professionals come to us with a construction safety matter, they are often dealing with serious injuries or fatalities, faulty construction practices, or contractors failing to follow safety protocols. Legal professionals need to understand what occurred on the site. Was there a violation of safety standards? Did negligence or improper practices contribute to the accident? At our firm we specialize in forensic safety investigations for construction projects, and we are committed to providing clear, reliable answers to these questions. With our extensive experience in safety compliance, project management and accident investigation and reconstruction, we know how to get to the root of what happened, and more importantly, why it happened.
Legal professionals want to know what proper safety protocols were followed and if the site complied with OSHA regulations and other industry standards. Our experts dig into all aspects of the accident—examining site conditions, equipment, training records, and personal protective equipment (PPE) use. Our firm reviews the timeline of events, to analyze if the accident was preventable. Whether the accident was due to a fall, scaffold collapse, structural failure, or construction equipment related injury, we meticulously investigate all factors that contributed to the incident and provide a comprehensive analysis as to what occurred.
What sets us apart is our ability to present complex safety issues in a way that is easy for a judge, jury, moderator or arbitrator to understand. We are not just safety experts—we are experienced courtroom professionals. Our team has provided testimony in both civil and regulatory cases, offering clear, defensible opinions on whether or not safety procedures were present. Our expert reports and visual presentations break down technical details in simple terms, ensuring that all parties—regardless of their background—can grasp the key issues of the case.
Our firm collaborates closely with legal professionals to ensure that our experts' findings align with the overall strategy of the case. From the first consultation, we work with you to understand the specific legal questions at hand and tailor our analysis accordingly. We provide unbiased expertise that strengthens your case, whether you are representing a plaintiff or defending a contractor. When you work with us, you are getting a partner who can help you navigate the complexities of construction safety with integrity and precision.
A forensic architect provides an expert investigation of defects in the built environment, researches relevant building codes, building design and construction standards, and building design and construction contracts for matters in litigation.
Forensic architecture helps in legal cases by reconstructing and analyzing physical environments, to provide context. This can be used to support or challenge testimonies, verify events, or provide clarity in complex situations.
Forensic architecture is used in a wide range of cases, including environmental disasters, building collapses, slip, trip, and falls due to defective walking surfaces and defective construction. It is particularly useful in situations where physical evidence or witness testimonies need to be verified or clarified.
While traditional forensic science focuses on physical evidence, forensic architecture focuses on the spatial and environmental context of an incident. It uses architectural analysis, spatial relationships, and visual evidence to reconstruct events and provide a more comprehensive understanding of what happened.
Forensic architects often collaborate with other experts, including engineers and forensic scientists. They may work alongside teams of investigators to analyze physical evidence, interpret data, and present findings in a way that supports legal objectives.
Forensic analysis is more detailed and typically performed after a problem has occurred (e.g., structural failure), focusing on cause, liability, and often litigation.
- General contractors
- Subcontractors
- Architects and engineers
- Project managers or consultants
- Material suppliers
- Property owners or developers
Liability depends on contracts, negligence, code violations, or breach of duty.
- Structural failure or collapse
- Water intrusion or mold
- Code non-compliance
- Poor workmanship or material defects
- Delays and cost overruns
- Foundation and soil issues
- Safety or OSHA violations
- As-built drawings vs. design plans
- Inspection reports and punch lists
- Photographs, videos, drone footage
- Material test results
- Correspondence, emails, RFIs
- Building code references
Yes. Courts and arbitrators can apportion fault based on responsibility, contract terms, or contribution to the issue.
P.E. — President, Civil Engineer
Ronald J. Cohen, P.E., is a Civil Engineer with a Bachelor of Science degree and over forty years of engineering experience. Mr. Cohen joined the firm in 1994 and has served as its Vice President since 2003. Prior to joining Consulting Engineers & Scientists, Inc., Mr. Cohen was…
Civil Engineer
Harry J. Dales is a Civil Engineer with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and over 25 years of engineering experience. Mr. Dales has extensive experience in engineering and construction, including roadways, highways, parking lots, traffic controls…
AIA, NCARB — Vice President, Registered Architect
David M. Kenney, A.I.A., is a Registered Architect with a Bachelor of Architecture degree and over twenty-five years of architectural experience. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Kenney was founder and President of DM Kenney Architects with architectural and construction management…
