Restoration - Fire / Water / Mold Expert Witnesses

Clinton J. Ford, MS, ACA, CGC, CIAQM, CIE, CMR, CRMI, has over 30 years of Construction experience and has obtained both field experience and education in the following four distinct but often related disciplines of Construction, Environmental, Real Estate, and Insurance.

Mr. Ford served 25 years as a State Certified General Contractor working on projects ranging from $5,000 to $50,000,000 and has spent over 20 years providing construction consulting and expert witness services.

Mr. Ford holds many titles with decades of experience in the construction/environmental industries and was a former continuing Educations Sponsor for the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board.

Over the years, Mr. Ford has combined his extensive construction knowledge with cause and origin of water intrusion and environmental issues offering an exceptional understanding of Building Science and its relationship to contamination from biological agents such as Toxic Mold, Mycotoxins, Bacteria, and Endotoxin’s.

Litigation Support - Mr. Ford offers attorneys consulting and litigation support assistance in Building Construction and Environmental Claims that have resulted in property damage, personal injury, and/or wrongful death. He offers pre-litigation counseling, damage and loss estimating, forensic building construction investigation and analysis, pre-trial and trail consulting services and trial testimony. He individually tailors preparation for each case in order to provide the greatest benefit and impact in either a defensive of offensive posture.

Areas of Expertise:

Building Codes / Building Permits Building Construction Construction Accidents Construction Safety Construction Claims Building Contractor Termination Licensure Issues

Construction Cost Estimates / Analysis Water Leaks / Moisture Intrusion Contamination Environmental Damage Indoor Air Quality Mold & Fungal Causation Property Damage Assessment

View Clinton Ford's Consulting Profile.

Peter Petrovsky, PE, CE, ME , has provided services as a consultant and an expert witness in applied Civil and Mechanical Engineering Science, Building, Infrastructure, and Earthwork Contracting. His strength and experience is to successfully combine engineering and applied mechanics with the field experience and contracting skills. He packages civil, mechanical engineering, as well as, general, engineering, earthwork and paving and hazardous waste contracting into one package for the use of his clients. His services also include construction job site safety in fire prevention and personnel protection. 

Litigation Support - Mr. Petrovsky's shirtsleeve approach to problem solving gives him the ability to distill complex technical issues to a palatable presentation in the appropriate forum. Serving the legal industry for 25 years, he has been retained in over 600 plaintiff and defense cases, been deposed over 200 times, and given testimony approximately 100 times. Mr. Petrovsky's services include testing and analysis, trial preparation case analysis, deposition review and expert summary, evidence presentation, consulting, report writing, court exhibits, static and computer depictions, construction and engineering contract analysis, accident reconstruction, and interpretation of administrative regulations. He has assisted counsel on cases in California, New York, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Kentucky, and Nevada. 

Areas of Expertise:

• Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Design: Machine safety and guarding, Strength of materials, wood, metals, plastics
• Materials Issues and Failure Analysis: Mechanisms, components and machinery; Pressure testing, fatigue analysis
• Accident Investigations: Heavy equipment accidents, bulldozers, backhoes, excavators; Cranes, lifts, manipulators
• Air conditioning and Refrigeration: Thermography services and analysis
• Civil Engineering: Design of Buildings; Residential, industrial, commercial site plans; Land development, site preparation and paving, drilling and boring; Public and private roadways, sidewalks, ramps, parking lots, lighting; Septic systems, sewers, public sewer blockage and stoppage; Scaffolds & scaffolding erection and accidents; Retaining walls and retaining wall failure; Foundation failure / structural damage; Plumbing leaks, water intrusion, explosions; Earthquake Damage Assessment and Remediation; Construction Disputes / Insurance claims; Stucco defects and failures; Job site fire prevention industry standards

Jay R. Carow, AIA is a licensed Architect and has been a design principal in architectural and planning firms for nearly 40 years. For 12 years he taught Architectural Design and Construction, the majority at the Illinois Institute of Technology College of Architecture and Design and at universities overseas. He achieved the rank of full professor of architecture and founding dean of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in architecture, planning and building technology. Mr. Carow has licensing as an architect in the states of Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Wisconsin.

Jay Carow has provided expert witness services for over 20 years on more than sixty cases dealing with Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents and problems related to Design and Construction. His support efforts include extensive research, preparation of expert witness opinions, depositions and court appearances for both plaintiffs and defendants. His years of practice and teaching bring credibility to his testimony and the ability to present technical issues clearly and convincingly. He is supported by technical staff for assistance in research and preparation of exhibits.

Areas of Expertise:

Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents Architectural Errors and Omissions Technical and Material Defects Building Code and ADA Compliance

Construction Defects and Workman Safety Code Violations and Compliance Design, Planning and Functional Oversights Public Safety Violations

Midwest Regional Office 819 S. Wabash Ave., Suite 700 Chicago, IL 60605 Telephone: 312-814-9000

New York City and New England Office 712 South Britain Road Southbury, CT 06488 Telephone: 203-313-6581

View Jay R. Carow's Consulting Profile.

John G. Minor, President of Complete General Contractors, is a third-generation Contractor and licensed instructor certified by the North Carolina Department of Insurance. He is a recognized expert on the costs and applications necessary to repair buildings damaged by manufacturer, builder liability, water damage or intrusion, mold, or asbestos.

Mr. Minor has worked in construction and contracting dispute resolution throughout the Southeast for over 17 years. He has been involved in the successful discharge of 150+ million dollars as an expert witness in property claim lawsuits and disputes. He is retained by both the plaintiff and defense for a fair appraisal of the issues at hand.

Mr. Minor works with attorneys to generate a plan based on damages to property and in compliance with the provisions and spirit of the insurance policies in effect at the time of the loss. For personal injury cases, he works to establish the code requirements in place at times of the injury to find how they relate to the cause of action.

Areas of Expertise:

Loss Appraisals Construction Claims Construction Disputes Construction Safety Construction Damages

Fire Damage HVAC Issues Insurance - Property, Casualty Mold Asbestos

View John Minor's Consulting Profile.

Randall S. Stout, Founder of Construction Services and Investigations, Inc (aka CSI Inc.) provides Expert Witness services for Construction Defect, Personal Injury, and Reconstruction Litigation Projects.

Over the past 35 years, Mr. Stout has mastered his construction knowledge holding such positions as director of purchasing, director of special projects, and director of construction while working for several large construction development companies. He holds both a "General Engineering" "A" License and a General Contracting 'B" License with the California State Licensing Board. Mr. Stout is certified with the ICC as a "Combo Building Inspector" for building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. He is also interested in Green Building Concepts and is LEED GA Certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) with the United States Green Building Council. Mr. Stout has been trained to perform ASTM Concrete Slab Moisture Testing to identify interior flooring failures installed on concrete slabs.

Litigation Support - Mr. Stout assists small to medium-sized law firms, insurance, and property management companies in need of construction expertise in all phases of complex construction defect litigation, both residential and commercial. His "hands-on" construction experience allows him to bring a unique set of problem-solving skills during tough negotiations. Mr. Stout has testified and opined at joint expert meetings, expert presentations, mediations, arbitrations, criminal court, superior / civil court, bankruptcy court, and at Contractors State License Board Hearing (CSLB).

Cases and Projects:

• Construction Defect
• Personal Injury
• ADA Site Evaluations
• Tenant Landlord Disputes
• Real Estate Disclosure Disputes
• Concrete Moisture Suppression Systems / ASTM F 2170 Testing

Northern California Office CSI, Inc 101 Parkshore Drive Suite 100 Folsom, CA 95630 Office: 916-932-7146 Fax: 916-932-2001

Southern California Office CSI, Inc 17901 Von Karman Ave Suite 600 Irvine, CA 92614 Office: 949-556-8743 Fax: 949-556-8701

View Randall Stout's Consulting Profile.

John (Jack) P. Diehl, AIA NCARB LEED AP, has over 40 years of experience as an Architect. Mr. Diehl currently specializes in Forensic Architecture and Construction Defects. He is licensed to practice in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington.

Mr. Diehl is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), and the International Code Council (ICC). He is also a LEED AP Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional, Construction Document Technician, and General Contractor California, "B" License.

As President of The Diehl Group Architects, Inc., Mr. Diehl is:

• Responsible for field investigations, failure analysis, building code research, and development of repair solutions
• Performs technical investigations and research of suspected design and construction problems
• Verifies and compares as-built conditions, design parameters, building jurisdiction requirements and applicable industry standards of care
• Provides construction administration and quality control review for Type I and Type V building types
• Provides quality assurance, evaluation, and supervision of in-progress construction for major commercial and high rise structures for conformance to design, material, and workmanship standards

Litigation Support: Jack Diehl has provided trial preparation services and expert witness testimony in over two hundred (200) cases, residential or commercial, in support of construction defect litigation. He offers his expertise to counsel representing both Plaintiff and Defendant. His services include arbitration and mediation.

Areas of Expertise:

Forensic Architect Architectural Professional Liability Building Envelope Water Intrusion and Damage ADA Consulting Slip and Fall Building Code

Construction Defects Waterproofing Roofs Fenestration Construction Administration EIFS Consulting Construction Standards

View Jack Diehl's Consulting Profile.

David M. Bekus has over 35 years in the Construction Industry specializing in home design, construction, and remodeling. Mr. Bekus has been a project manager, overseeing all aspects of construction from conception and approvals to final sales for single homes and developments.

Mr. Bekus is licensed by the State of New Jersey as a building inspector (RCS, ICS, and HHS), a licensed home remodeler, and a licensed new home builder. He is also certified in Project Management, Cost Estimating, Construction Methods, Construction Site Safety, and is a EPA Lead Safe Certified Contractor.

Litigation Support - As a seasoned expert in the construction field, Mr. Bekus adheres to building code practices and high construction standards to provide reliable advice and credible expert witness testimony. His services include project evaluations, building code inspections, and clearly and precisely written reports. Mr. Bekus' expertise is available to counsel representing both Plaintiff and Defendant and has testified in NJ superior court Areas of Expertise:

Industry Standards Building Code Compliance, Specifications Contract and Plan Specifications New Construction Defects Roof Issues Water Issues

Framing Defects Siding Defects Concrete Defects Insurance Claims Poor Workmanship Home Owner Association Issues

View David Bekus' Consulting Profile.

Drebelbis Engineering is an Architectural and Engineering firm specializing in Forensic Engineering. Their combined background in architecture, engineering, and business make Drebelbis Engineering uniquely qualified to address the complexities found in forensic engineering assignments.

A Dallas-based company founded in 1996, their focus is structural, architectural and civil engineering as applied to buildings and site systems. They bring technical engineering knowledge, testimony, and remedy when construction fails to perform and when construction processes derail.

Principal, James R. Drebelbis, AIA, PE, is an Architect and Structural Engineer with over 40 years of experience in all phases of building construction and performance, project management, and producing documents for building construction (drawings, specifications, change orders).

Litigation Support - Mr. Drebelbis specializes in Forensic Engineering for attorneys and insurance companies. His understanding of building types and construction systems includes site construction and earth retaining structures as well as residential, commercial, manufacturing, and institutional buildings.

Mr. Drebelbis is retained for Cause and Origin of Structural Failures and disputes about construction performance that often emphasize the obvious (leaks, cracks, collapses). His expertise is available to attorneys representing both Plaintiff and Defendant. Services include engineering investigation, documentation, testimony, and preparation of Certificates of Merit.

Education/Licenses: - BS Arch. Engineering, MBA, Professional Engineer (Texas, Alabama, Kansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico), Architect (Texas)

Areas of Technical Experience and Expertise:

Construction Technology Building Codes Forensic Engineering Fire, Weather, Disaster Related Damage Roofing & Waterproofing Systems Water and Moisture Intrusion Stair Construction Performance of Building Materials Retaining Structures Application of Building Materials

Selection of Building Materials Structural Engineering Site and Building Drainage Foundation Design Soil Behavior Concrete Workmanship and Design Contract Documents Professional Ethics Slip, Trip, Fall Corrective Construction

Environmental Safety Management Corporation, Dr. Richard Lynch, Ph.D., CIH, CMC, CMRS, CHFM. Dr. Lynch, a former Professor of Industrial Hygiene, peer-reviewed published author and practicing consultant since 1992, provides defense and plaintiff litigation support for indoor air quality, mold contamination, chemical exposure, infection control and legionella in hospitals, offices, schools and residential dwellings. Dr. Lynch has published research related to mercury contamination in rubberized gym floors, mold contamination in buildings, irritation associated with blown cellulose insulation and other topics. Clients include law firms, insurance companies, manufacturing, health care, commercial, office, schools & residential facilities.

Expertise & Services:

• Certified Industrial Hygiene Consulting
• Indoor Air Quality & Sick Building Syndrome Assessments
• Mold Testing and Remediation Design/Verification
• Water & Sewage Damage Clean-up Specifications and Testing
• HVAC Assessment Services
• Healthcare Microbial & Chemical Testing & Infection Control Risk Assessments,
• Ergonomics Assessments
• Legionella and Healthcare Acquired Infection support
• OSHA Compliance
• Litigation Support & Expert Witness Services

As a Fellow of the American Industrial Hygiene Association, Lynch is expert at forensic hazard identification, measurement, noise assessments and control for chemical, biological and ergonomic hazards.

Brandon W. Erickson, PE, SE, principal of Erickson Structural Consulting Engineers, PC, has over 22 years of experience in Structural Engineering. Mr. Erickson received his B.S. in Civil Engineering from Brigham Young University and his M.S. in Structural Engineering from Stanford University. Mr. Erickson is licensed in Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, California, Idaho, Utah, Alaska, Montana, Arizona and Nevada. Mr. Erickson's main office is located in the Portland, Oregon metro area. Mr. Erickson also maintains a satellite office in Kihei, Hawaii, from which he provides services throughout the state of Hawaii. Litigation Support - Mr. Erickson provides litigation support services relevant to the structural design, construction, performance, failure, and remediation of buildings and similar structures. He is familiar with a variety of structural construction materials, including steel, concrete, wood, and masonry. His practice includes building structures and their foundations, remediation repair designs, construction means and methods, and seismic evaluations and upgrades. Retained as an expert for both Plaintiff and Defense, Mr. Erickson's services include comprehensive expert investigations, research, and forensic testing and analysis. His findings are summarized in well-documented, clear, and defendable reports. Mr. Erickson assists with mediation or arbitration, and provides expert testimony at deposition, mediation, or in court. Forensic Investigation Services:

• Perform Proximate Cause Investigations
• Assess Construction Defects
• Assess Design Errors
• Assess Materials Defects
• Develop Testing and Monitoring Systems
• Review Design and Construction Documents
• Determine Extent of Damage
• Prepare Schematic Remediation Designs Suitable for Scoping and Pricing
• Prepare Final Remediation Designs Suitable for Permitting, Bidding, and Construction
• Provide Assistance During the Remediation Phase

View Brandon Erickson's Consulting Profile.

Paul Gentosi, CFLC, FEWA has over 45 years of very diverse and extensive General Contracting experience from journeyman tradesman to upper-level management throughout Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. He has general contracting experience in varied disciplines including commercial, industrial and multi-family construction. Litigation Support - Mr. Gentosi and his team at Gentosi Construction Consulting & Litigation Support have been providing Construction Management expert witness services for over 10 years. They have been involved in three trials in Superior Court, five depositions, five mediations, and two arbitrations, and many cases that settled due to their expertise. With four decades of experience, they are in a strong position to provide services to attorneys representing plaintiff and defendant.

Areas of Expertise:

Construction Defect Contract Disputes Claims Building Code Interpretation

Standard of Care / Industry Standards Cost of Repair Water Intrusion Implementation of Repairs

View Gentosi Construction's Consulting Profile.

Prof. Makarand (Mark) Hastak, PhD, PE, CCP, CRIS, is the Professor and the Dernlan Family Head of Construction Engineering and Management as well as Professor of Civil Engineering at Purdue University. Dr. Hastak has been involved with the construction industry for the past 32 years providing his expertise through consulting, research, teaching, and service to the industry. He is a world renowned expert in the area of construction engineering and management including process improvement, disaster risk reduction, resilience and capacity building, infrastructure management, intelligent planning for the built environment, cost control, project management decision-making, risk management, and strategic planning. Dr. Hastak is a Professional Engineer (PE), a Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS), and a Certified Cost Professional (CCP). Prof. Hastak has worked on numerous projects sponsored by the Construction Industry Institute (CII), NSF, State DOTs, and City Agencies. He has authored over 200 publications on process improvement, project controls, capital rehabilitation planning, strategic planning, and decision-making. He has co-authored a widely used book on Infrastructure Planning, Engineering, and Economics (McGraw-Hill 2006 and 2015). Dr. Hastak served on the Education Board of the Association for Advancement of Cost Engineering (2004-2016). He was Editor for two AACE books, the Skills and Knowledge of Cost Engineering (6th Ed. 2015) and the CCP Certification Study Guide (2nd Ed. 2016). He was also the Editor-in-Chief of the ASCE Journal of Management in Engineering (2009-2016). Dr. Hastak has given over 40 keynotes and invited lectures around the world. As a prominent educator and consultant, he also engages in developing training material and workshops as well as regularly teaching professional courses for the A/E/C industry. His services include consultation, on-site investigation, data collection, assessment, and reporting. He has completed the 30-Hour OSHA Hazard Recognition Training for the Construction Industry 

Dr. Hastak Lectures at the 2015 International Conference on Building Resilience

Litigation Support - Dr. Hastak offers expert witness services to attorneys representing both plaintiff and defendant. He has served as an Expert Witness on six cases since 2017 and was deposed on two plus one evidence deposition. His services include case reviews, written reports, depositions, arbitrations, and trial testimony as needed. 

Areas of Expertise:

Construction Engineering Construction Management Cost Overruns Schedule Delays Construction Safety Modular Construction Patent Infringement

Factory Built Construction Infrastructure Planning Data Center Construction Project Risk Management Disaster Recovery / Disaster Mitigation Trade Secrets Misappropriation Contracts & Warranties

View Dr. Hastak's Consulting Profile.

Dennis E. Wilson has over forty years of experience in Land Planning, Civil Engineering, and Land Surveying. His company, Horizon Consulting Service, specializes in Entitlements, In-Fill Projects, Civil Engineering, and Land Planning and Design for commercial, industrial and residential properties. Mr. Wilson works on both private and governmental projects. As an Expert Witness, Mr. Wilson has participated in property line disputes, condemnation resolutions and land use issues. 

Professional Memberships:

• American Planning Association
• Past Chair of Land Use Committee, National Association of Home Builders
• Past Chair Land Use & Government Affairs, California Building Industry Association
• Past Chair of BIACC PAC
• Past Chair/Current Member on Land Use & Transportation Committee, Modesto Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Eric N. Brown, CIH, CSP, is a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), with both certifications in good standing with the issuing boards. Dr. Brown holds a Doctorate in Public Health with an Industrial Hygiene specialization from the University of California at Los Angeles, and a Master’s degree in Public Health with an Occupational Health specialization from the Medical College of Ohio. He has over 20 years of experience in:

• Health and Safety
• Industrial Hygiene
• Indoor Air Quality Exposure Assessments

Litigation Support - Dr. Brown has been a designated expert in hundreds of cases, been deposed dozens of times, and has testified successfully in both trials and arbitrations. His services are available to attorneys representing both plaintiff and defendant. 

Areas of Expertise:

Asbestos Bad Faith Construction Safety Environmental Ergonomics Hazardous Materials Human Factors Engineering

Industrial Hygiene & Mold Landlord / Tenant Lead Poisoning Occupational / Environmental Health OSHA Safety Wrongful Death

Scott Friesen, PE, is a licensed Professional Engineer in California, Florida, Arizona, Hawaii, Mississippi and two Canadian provinces (Alberta and Manitoba), and is LEED Accredited (CaGBC) and certified as an Energy Manager. Scott has more than 14 years of experience in Design and Construction of HVAC, Plumbing and Building Energy Conservation, System Design, Construction and Forensic Analysis. He has also performed commissioning, energy audits and was involved in marketing and business development.

Scott's responsibilities at Ivey include design and forensic analysis of HVAC, plumbing, fire protection and energy management systems. He performs site inspections, testing, research, product analysis, cost estimating and is responsible for writing reports and testifying in depositions, hearings and trials.

Scott is a member of Association of Professional Engineers, Geologist, Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA), American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) and Canadian Green Building Council (CaGBC).

Experience (partial listing):

• Approximately 75 HVAC, fire protection and plumbing design projects
• Approximately six design error and omission expert engagements
• Approximately 20 residential construction defect expert engagements
• Approximately 16 commercial construction defect expert engagements
• 10 LEED design projects
• 8 HVAC and plumbing commissioning projects