Forensic Engineering Services
The Richardson Engineering Group, Inc. provides professional consultation to our insurance clients as they settle complex damage and liability claims. Our forensic engineering expertise is founded upon our daily practice of comprehensive engineering disciplines. Our professionals are up-to-date on the latest technology, codes and design practices and have an in-depth understanding of the complex functions of commercial structures.

The Richardson Engineering Group, Inc. has a staff of seasoned forensic engineers that can skillfully analyze failures related to mechanical, electrical, structural systems as well as the origin and cause of fire. Our engineers are also well-versed in the study of failures associated with equipment, machinery, controls and safeguards. We also offer cost estimating, negotiations and construction observation services.

As an independent consultant, we have no affiliations with any manufacturer or contractor, so our evaluations and recommendations are unbiased and based on sound engineering principles.

Forensic Evaluations Include...

Automobile Accident Reconstruction
Insurance companies, trucking companies, independent claims adjusters, law firms and corporations all use our accident reconstruction services. In addition to professional scene survey and mapping, The Richardson Engineering Group, Inc. offers vector analysis of bodies in motion and calculations of sight lines and reaction time. We provide a written report, complete with photographs and expert testimony, to provide our engineering opinions as to the cause of an accident.
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Fire Origin and Cause
In addition to determining the origin and cause of fires, we can also provide specialized analysis when the mechanical or electrical system is the suspected cause. Our technical documentation includes estimates of repair cost, structural integrity analyses, evaluation of the extent of fire damage and expert testimony.
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Structural Failures
We analyze a wide range of structural failures including building collapse, concrete movement and cracking, retaining wall problems and post-fire structural analysis. Our comprehensive report incorporates on-site inspection details, photographs, background research and building code compliance reviews. We also evaluate existing building systems to determine feasibility of use, repair, replacement, maintenance requirements and costs.
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Roof Consultation
Insurance companies, independent adjusters, business owners, contractors and design clients have used our roof consulting services since 1979. We offer roof inspection, repair and maintenance estimates, design evaluation, new roof design, materials testing and analysis, and quality control.
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Electrical Failures
Electrical failures may cause fires, explosions or electrocutions and can result in severe property damage and/or personal injury. Our specialized expertise in electrical transformers and electrical code compliance allows us to provide an in-depth evaluation of such occurrences.
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Mechanical Failures
Mechanical failures can occur within HVAC systems, industrial equipment, plumbing and fire protection systems, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. Our on-site inspection and thorough analysis determines the cause of failure, whether or not the equipment is safe for further use and whether the failure is related to equipment defect or design.
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Product Liability
When products cause personal injury or property damage, detailed examination and testing often is needed to determine liability. Our analysis includes inspection, photography, review of relevant code or manufacturing standards, an analysis report and expert testimony.
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Building Code Compliance
Code research and in-depth knowledge of local and state building codes are daily job requirements for engineers. Our engineers' up-to-date code awareness - from both forensic and design perspectives - makes them especially alert to code violations.
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Mold and Moisture
Water infiltration may cause mold growth, staining, corrosion of metals, condensation and dripping, timber rot, damage to walls and insulation, and impaired indoor air quality. We identify the source of moisture and recommend steps to stop the moisture infiltration. We also identify possible deficiencies in ventilation and humidification systems and recommend corrective action.
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Lightning
Lightning strikes can inflict a wide range of damage to electrical systems and structures. Our electrical engineers have extensive experience in both the design of lightning protection systems and the investigation of lightning strikes, bringing a high level of expertise to this specialized service.
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Diagnosing Facility Problems
Early detection and anticipation of maintenance and operating issues can significantly extend the life cycle of buildings and enable facility managers to control costs. Periodic inspection programs are vital to assessing building systems and structures. Forensic engineers often uncover construction, design, and maintenance deficiencies that, if left uncorrected, can significantly increase maintenance costs and ultimately cause expensive equipment failures.

Mold and indoor air quality problems are also a major concern that may require an environmental consultant's investigation as a first step. Often, the cause is related to the HVAC system, building envelopes or construction methods. Our forensic engineers use their exceptional knowledge of internal air systems to determine the reason behind a building's poor air quality and provide a clear report on how to remedy the situation.
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Forensic Evaluations Include:
Automobile Accident Reconstruction
Fire Origin and Cause
Structural Failures
Roof Consultation
Electrical Failures
Mechanical Failures
Product Liability
Building Code Compliance
Mold and Moisture
Lightning
Diagnosing Facility Problems

A Few of Our Clients
Allstate Insurance
American Family Insurance
Barton Mutual Group
Bierman & Condray
Cincinatti Insurance
CNA Insurance
Crawford & Company
Frontier Adjusters
GAB Robins North America
Gallagher Bassett Services
Nixon & Company
Progressive Insurance
Saint Paul Travelers
State Farm Insurance
The Hartford
USAA Insurance
Zurich Insurance
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  Information ©2010 Richardson Engineering
The Richardson Engineering Group • 7227 Devonshire • St. Louis, MO 63119 • Phone: 314.644.2332 • Fax: 314-644-4866 • Email: treg@richardsoneng.com
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