EXPERT WITNESS IN THE ENGINEERING FIELD.
The importance of Forensic Engineering in the South African perspective.
Forensic Engineering is guided by technical training in the field of Engineering, investigation skills gained through extensive involvement in the investigation of criminal and civil cases, and specialised knowledge in the field of Engineering beyond that of the average person.
To understand all the legal aspects of the Engineering field, prior involvement and knowledge in the planning, design and construction of engineering projects, is of utmost importance,.
As Forensics Engineer, your role is to provide an objective, scientific based, informed opinion to assist the Court in the understanding of technical issues.
There is a steady increase in the number of civil claims in South Africa annually. Forensic Engineers play a vital role in both civil and criminal cases, in the engineering, maintenance and construction fields.
Types of investigations that we specialize in:
- Failures because of Construction Defects
- Structural Failures.
- Traffic related accidents, caused by all types of road surface failures. Lack of maintenance, lack of prescribed road signs and the lack of visibility of road markings.
- Ignorance by Municipal -, Provincial – and National Authorities in relation to their maintenance responsibility.
- Slip and fall accidents on stairs, ramps a pavement
- Non-compliance issues in relation to SANS 10400.
- Failure to comply with Construction Regulations.
Du Preez Forensic Engineer’s investigation methodology:
- Case Background:
Understand the legal context and technical issues.
Communicate with the legal team to grasp the case’s scope and objectives.
Research the technical issues related to the case and obtain all information required to prepare a professional opinion.
Issue preliminary opinion to the legal team in relation to the possible success of the matter, based on technical information availability.
Du Preez Forensics will not get involved in a matter with a poor probability of success, because of lack of scientific evidence.
- Document Review:
Examine all relevant documents issued, including contracts, photographs, previous reports, and any other pertinent materials.
- Site Inspection:
Conduct thorough inspections if applicable.
Take detailed notes, measurements and photographs, and gather physical evidence where necessary.
- Compile an opinion:
Compile a technical opinion based on all available credible information.
Ethical Conduct:
- Impartiality:
Always remain unbiased, regardless of the Client.
The primary duty is to explain the technical detail to the Court, who will make the ruling.
Remain an impartial friend of the court.
- Confidentiality:
Maintain confidentiality of all case-related information. Non-disclosure of any details without explicit permission.
- Conflict of Interest:
Disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
Ensure that our involvement in any matter does not compromise our impartiality or integrity.
Professional Conduct:
- Code of Ethics:
Adhere to the code of ethics set forth by professional bodies such as ECSA and SAICE.
- Professionalism:
Maintain a high standard of professionalism in all interactions and communications.
Client base:
- International Monetary Fund, Washington.
- World Bank, Washington.
- Approximately 40 attorney firms throughout South Africa.
- State Attorney’s Offices.
- Insurance Companies.
- Security Companies.
- Private individuals.
- Contact Us
- Email: dupreezforensic@gmail.com
- Monday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday
- 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
Engineering Answers from Evidence: Forensic Civil Expertise