Expert Witness Testimony in Building Code Cases
In cases where someone has been injured or killed, building codes may require some interpretation. This typically entails the hiring of an expert witness in building codes to assist with testimony and an understanding of this piece of evidence supporting the claim.
Building code violations occur when there is construction that may have resulted in structural damage, personal injury, or a defect that may have resulted in an incident. An expert who is capable of deciphering and comprehending these codes is required for these claims so that the judge or jury understands what certain numbers and letters mean and how they relate to the incident that resulted in the case in the courtroom. The expert is knowledgeable about these subjects and is capable of translating the codes into practical applications for real-world situations.
Numerous cases involving the building code that require an expert are the result of construction or structural defects. These can occur as a result of a flawed design plan, defective materials, insufficient resources, or when specific products used in the construction of the property are defective. This could result in injury to those inside the structure or damage to the structure or other erections. The codes applicable in these instances may necessitate the involvement of an expert to interpret and explain them to a judge or jury. This may, however, necessitate the hiring of a specialized expert witness with years of experience in building codes.
Building Code Cases: Factors to Consider
When construction and building cases arise, a variety of individuals are involved. One or more fact finders may be employed to ensure that the correct information is included. This is necessary to ascertain whether any building codes were violated. This means that a violation could occur as a result of a statutory violation of the codes, contractor or other construction worker negligence, professional negligence, or design issues with those tasked with drafting the building’s designs. Each of these individuals is hired to assist in the construction of a structure and to ensure the property is free of defects. However, any of these steps could fail.
To determine whether a violation of building codes occurred, an expert witness is typically required because he or she is capable of translating the codes and information into plain language. His or her testimony is taken into account when determining whether the violation resulted in injury or other complications. While not all of these cases require an expert witness, a good deal of them do require someone knowledgeable about building codes to help the court understand the issues at hand and how they affect everyone involved. While each state’s building codes vary, they all govern the design, construction, modification, and repair or demolition of various types of property.
The Expert Witness on Building Codes
Expert witnesses testify in court, and their testimony is typically given more weight than that of other witnesses. This is because they are considered relevant to the subject, have experience or knowledge in the field, and are capable of providing dependable information based on time-tested methods. For a building code expert, this entails explaining what specific provisions of the code mean and how they apply to the case at hand, translating the information into useful and decipherable details, and demonstrating how injuries or damage are attributable to a person or entity. These professionals have a way of presenting the facts to the judge or jury in such a way that the details provided can be understood without the assistance of additional sources.
The state in which the incident occurred may need to retain the services of a building code expert witness. This is because these codes are altered depending on the structure’s location. Certain states have distinct codes, and their interpretations may vary according to these factors. Certain characteristics of objects, buildings, materials, and other elements may be required in the courtroom to ensure they comply with the applicable codes. Typically, a violation of some kind is at the root of these concerns, and the expert may be hired to ascertain whether this is the case. With his or her assistance, it may be possible to resolve the issue, compensate the injured, or seek a resolution to the aggrieved’s complaint.
Real Estate Expert Witness Services by Craig Cherney, Esc.
Craig Cherney is a trusted client advisor and a sought after real estate expert witness who is hired by the nation’s top Real Estate Litigation Attorneys to help resolve their litigated real property matters. Craig has appeared as a testifying expert witness before judges and juries in California, Arizona, Nevada and other jurisdictions across the country. Craig Cherney, Esq. Expert Witness Real Estate. 480-399-2342.