Common Disputes Requiring Structural Engineering Testimony

 

Structural engineers play a crucial role not only in designing and analyzing buildings and infrastructure but also in legal disputes involving construction defects, building failures, and code compliance. Their expert testimony is often essential in resolving conflicts where technical knowledge and engineering judgment are required to understand the root cause of structural issues. Below are some of the most common types of disputes where structural engineering testimony is critical.

 

1. Construction Defect Claims
One of the most frequent reasons for engaging a structural engineer in litigation is to investigate alleged construction defects. These might include:

Cracked foundations

Uneven floors

Misaligned framing

Water infiltration through structural components

In such cases, engineers assess whether the defect arose from poor design, substandard materials, or improper construction practices. Their findings help determine liability among contractors, designers, or material suppliers.

 

2. Building Collapse or Structural Failure
When a building or part of a structure collapses—whether during construction or after occupancy—an independent investigation is essential. Structural engineers analyze the site, review design documents, and evaluate whether the collapse was due to:

Design errors

Construction negligence

Material failure

Overloading or code violations

Their expert analysis often informs both civil litigation and insurance claims.

 

3. Code Compliance and Safety Violations
Municipalities enforce strict building codes to ensure public safety. When disputes arise over whether a structure meets code, structural engineers are called to:

Interpret and apply local and international building codes

Evaluate whether a design or built structure complies with code

Provide expert opinion on the severity and implications of any deviations

Such testimony is especially important in tenant-landlord disputes or lawsuits involving injuries in allegedly unsafe buildings.

 

4. Damage from Natural Disasters
After earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, or soil movement events, property owners may claim that structures failed due to faulty design or construction. Structural engineers assess whether the building performed as intended or if its failure was avoidable. Their findings are used to:

Support or refute insurance claims

Assign responsibility for inadequate structural provisions

Determine necessary repairs and retrofitting

 

5. Boundary and Adjoining Property Disputes
When new construction affects neighboring buildings—such as through excavation, foundation settlement, or lateral pressure—disputes can arise over damage and liability. Structural engineers help by:

Measuring and documenting structural impacts

Determining causation for cracks or movement in adjacent properties

Advising on remediation options

Their unbiased evaluations can be pivotal in court or mediation.

 

7. Structural Modifications and Renovations
Disputes often arise during renovations when existing structures are modified without proper engineering oversight. Common issues include:

Load-bearing walls removed without proper support

Overloaded additions or decks

Inadequate retrofitting of older buildings

A structural engineer’s testimony can clarify whether modifications were performed safely and in accordance with accepted practices.

 

Conclusion
Whether the issue involves a collapsed structure, a construction delay, or a cracked foundation, structural engineers provide the technical expertise necessary to understand the underlying causes of disputes. Their objective assessments and expert testimony are critical tools in litigation, helping courts and arbitrators make informed decisions based on scientific and engineering principles. As the complexity of modern construction grows, so too does the importance of structural engineers in resolving legal conflicts.