Comprehensive solutions for construction disputes, engineering litigation support, and expert witness testimony

At Salas O’Brien, we bring together traditional construction expertise and forensic expertise to provide an independent, thorough assessment of construction disputes across all industry sectors. We streamline the dispute resolution process, delivering unbiased expert 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, education, and mining, offering a wide range of forensic litigation support services to resolve construction disputes.

Justin KestnerSenior Managing Principal, Salas O’Brien
At Salas O’Brien, we don’t just provide expert witness testimony—we bring real-world experience, technical depth, and a team that’s been in the field, not just behind a desk. Our consulting engineers know how to tackle tough investigations, write credible reports, and stand behind them with clear, confident testimony.
Justin KestnerSenior Managing Principal, Salas O’Brien

What we can offer

We offer a complete array of forensic consulting services, including the development of advanced and often groundbreaking solutions when conventional approaches can’t deliver quality results.

Contact our forensics team

Formal construction dispute resolution

Dispute resolution practices evolve over time to expedite payments and reduce court burdens. Our experts, with experience in global markets, have encountered every type of construction dispute resolution. We work alongside your team, simplifying complex construction disputes by identifying the facts and offering valuable resources to guide you toward a resolution. Our construction dispute resolution services include:

  • Expert witness testimony and reports (preparation & rebuttal)
  • Alternative dispute resolution
  • Arbitration
  • Adjudication
  • Mediation
  • Expert litigation support

Forensic engineering and architecture

In cases involving severe weather, structural collapse, construction defects, or accidents, our skilled engineers and architects lead in-depth forensic investigations. We determine root causes, quantify losses, and provide remediation recommendations. Our services cover:

  • Cause and extent of damage assessments
  • Engineering/architecture reports and drawings
  • Subrogation investigation
  • Remediation and quantification

Claims mitigation, planning & preparation

Whether avoiding, defending, or preparing a claim, our impartial experts offer clear guidance. Our comprehensive expert litigation support services include:

  • Delay claim preparation & defense
  • Disruption, acceleration, and prolongation claims
  • Quantum assessment and lost productivity analysis
  • Liquidated damages and defect liability claims
  • Change management, impact analysis, and cost entitlement
  • Business interruption assessment and force majeure support

Risk management & mitigation

Every project faces risks, and effectively managing these can make or break a project. With expertise in identifying and mitigating risks such as fluctuating material costs, supply chain disruptions, and productivity losses, our team provides actionable strategies to minimize negative impacts. Our risk management services include:

  • Third-party project oversight
  • Ongoing progress reports on time, cost, and status
  • Critical path analysis and schedule reviews
  • Claim strategy counsel and negotiation support
  • Reinstatement and schedule recovery