Clear, evidence-based findings to guide informed decisions, minimize risk, and support successful outcomes for legal, insurance, and restoration efforts

Salas O’Brien performs investigation and analysis of failures, damages, or defects in structures and materials. Our experts determine causation, whether due to natural events like storms, fires, and earthquakes, or human factors such as construction errors or design flaws. We assess the integrity of buildings and other structures, machinery, building systems, and infrastructure, providing detailed reports that are often used in insurance claims, legal disputes, and risk management. Our work helps clients understand the root causes and guides them in making informed decisions about repairs, replacements, and preventive measures.

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Insights

The Power of Forensics

Forensic engineering plays a pivotal role in enhancing safety and resilience within the built environment. Experts Justin Kestner, Don Williams, Ronny Lindsay, and Scott Leach delve into its impact, explaining what it entails and why it’s such a transformative field.

What we offer

Salas O’Brien delivers clear, evidence-based findings to guide informed decisions, minimize risk, and support successful outcomes for legal, insurance, and restoration efforts. With a reputation for precision and reliability, we are your trusted partner in resolving disputes and restoring confidence in the built environment.

Contact our forensics team

Forensic engineering & architecture

Our forensic engineering and architecture team is dedicated to investigating and analyzing failures in structural, mechanical, electrical, and architectural systems. From weather impacts and construction defects to material failures and design flaws, our experts identify the root cause, assess damage, and provide practical, actionable solutions for repairs.

With a large, multidisciplinary team of specialists across North America, we support clients with insurance claims, litigation, and risk management. Whether you need detailed failure analysis, expert testimony, or guidance on mitigating future risks, we deliver precise, reliable insights to help resolve disputes and restore functionality efficiently.

For liability claim coverage inquiries, contact us at [email protected].

Building consulting

At Salas O’Brien, we assess damage swiftly and precisely, charting the most effective course for recovery. Our team partners with a national network of clients, ensuring project details and repair scopes are agreed upon and grounded in facts.

We provide everything you need to move forward after a catastrophe—damage assessment, scope development, documentation, cost control, and expert coordination. Our reports are not just defensible; they’re a blueprint for success, delivering accurate costs, shorter timelines, and, most importantly, peace of mind.

For liability claim coverage inquiries, contact us at [email protected].

Fire origin & cause investigations

With expertise in subrogation, liability, and fraud, our team of certified, court-tested fire investigators is committed to delivering the most thorough and reliable forensic investigations of fires and explosions in the industry. From small-scale incidents like vehicle fires to large, complex events involving commercial properties, manufacturing facilities, multi-family housing, and heavy equipment, we handle cases of any size with precision and speed using industry-recognized scientific methods and standards.

We simplify your process by providing clear, comprehensive technical reports. When you need accurate results and responsive service, trust our team to deliver unmatched professionalism and insight.

For liability claim coverage inquiries, contact us at [email protected].

Forensic meteorology

We provide comprehensive forensic meteorology services to analyze weather conditions at specific locations and times. Our certified meteorologists use local data such as surface observations, radar, and storm reports to uncover critical details in cases where weather may be a contributing factor. From insurance disputes to personal injury cases and motor vehicle accidents, forensic meteorology offers valuable insight to support your claims. These services can be paired with engineering evaluations from our licensed engineers for a more thorough analysis.

For liability claim coverage inquiries, contact us at [email protected].

Forensic & material testing

Salas O’Brien provides turnkey studies to develop data for in-house projects—even long-term studies using data compiled over a period of years. Our engineers and technicians combine their extensive education and field and laboratory experience to develop tests that duplicate real-world operating environments or incident conditions.

For liability claim coverage inquiries, contact us at [email protected].

Construction disputes and litigation support

At Salas O’Brien, we bring together traditional construction expertise and forensic engineering to provide an independent, thorough assessment of construction disputes across all industry sectors. By combining quantum, scheduling, forensic engineering, and risk management, we streamline the dispute resolution process, delivering unbiased engineering litigation support to insurance and legal clients, as well as owners, developers, and contractors.

Our team has extensive experience in sectors including residential, commercial, heavy civil, industrial, environmental, energy, and mining, offering a wide range of engineering litigation support services to resolve construction disputes efficiently and fairly.

For liability claim coverage inquiries, contact us at [email protected].