All you Need to Know about Construction Expert Witness

When it comes to the dispute-ridden construction industry, it may sometimes be necessary to involve a construction expert witness to help solve any issues between various parties, such as building delays, codes and compliance, construction costs, and construction defects, so you can file a construction claims. These expert witnesses possess an in-depth knowledge of the construction industry, and are called in to offer objective, qualified, documented evidence for facts in dispute avoidance as well as explain industry standards, procedures and terms to the trier of fact. Construction expert witnesses can consult and testify on multiple areas of construction, such as zoning, licensing, regulatory compliance, Bonds and insurance, financing, design evaluation, cost estimates, infrastructure projects, standards of care, work zone safety, and so on.

 If you have been implicated in a construction dispute, an expert construction witness will present the case to the court in a way to help them comprehend the issues at hand. Without grasping the complexities of various construction methodologies, productive litigation becomes challenging. The need for an expert witness becomes all the more tantamount in the event of an accident or a workplace injury. BY ascertaining the facts pertaining to the situation, they can testify to the standards of care and help determine who is liable for the issue in question. If you are looking to hire a construction expert witness Dubai within your field to testify, here are a few things you need to know:

What Should you look for in an Expert Witness?

If you are wondering who qualifies as an expert witness, it can be a professional having expertise in myriad areas of construction, while being able to break down complex and complicated concepts for everyone to grasp. Not to mention, they should be well-versed on the most up-and-coming methodologies, processes, and materials used, pertaining to the case at hand. The best expert witnesses are well-aware of what is involved in legal proceedings. Since their testimony will inevitably be questioned by the opposing side, they should be able to navigate cross-examinations with ease, without being manipulated by artful lawyers and attorneys. Also, expert witnesses should declare their independence from both the parties, their legal advisors and the Arbitral Tribunal. All expert witnesses need to be qualified by the court before a jury trial. The judge Often evaluates the qualifications of the expert prior to offering testimony, to help ensure that the expert’s knowledge, skill, and training are relevant to the case at hand. 

Generalists vs. Specialist Experts

Professionals such as engineers and architects are generalists in the field and often give testimony in relevant cases. On the other hand, specialists possess in-depth knowledge and expertise of particular areas, such as window-installation or roofing specialists. They have inevitably worked in the field for years and therefore know all about their relevant fields. While most people consider hiring a generalist to testify on most cases, a specialist can offer industry-specific knowledge regarding the case in question, since their opinions are based on day-to-day work. For instance, if the cause of a dispute is the improper installation of a door in a building, an architect can examine whether the work was done in compliance with the codes and industry standards, and serve as an expert on the case. However, if the case in question pertains to a manufacturing defect in the door, you will need a specialist who can identify the anomaly based on their practical experience. 

Look for Experience

If you are struggling to select an expert on your case, be sure to interview several candidates before reaching a decision. The most prudent way is to choose an expert who has done a wide variety of cases, spanning multiple disciplines, and possesses a deep understanding of complicated issues. Before selecting an expert, critically analyze their CVs and dig deep into their education and experience, and how they pertain to your case, as well as find out their testimony on prior cases. You don’t want to recommend an expert, only to discover later that they are inexperienced in the type of case at hand.