Anyone in this field?
Anyone in this field?
(OP)
Just curious if anyone is in the field of forensics?
I have done some investigations pertaining to failures of products and whatnot in my industry (HVAC), but usually for the manufacturer or contractor for whom I worked- nothing legal or anything like that.
I am getting ready to go work for an HVAC design engineering firm. I would like to possibly see if they would like to delve into forensics- perhaps down the road.
If not, I would like to learn what I can so that perhaps, down the road I can break away and begin my own forensics practice. I just earned my PE license, which I hope will be helpful.
Thanks for any help.
Ed
I have done some investigations pertaining to failures of products and whatnot in my industry (HVAC), but usually for the manufacturer or contractor for whom I worked- nothing legal or anything like that.
I am getting ready to go work for an HVAC design engineering firm. I would like to possibly see if they would like to delve into forensics- perhaps down the road.
If not, I would like to learn what I can so that perhaps, down the road I can break away and begin my own forensics practice. I just earned my PE license, which I hope will be helpful.
Thanks for any help.
Ed





RE: Anyone in this field?
I'm in the structural arena and have done quite a few facility assessment studys which resulted in "fixes" to the buildings. Its something you generally flow into with experience. I'm not sure what sort of forensic opportunities there are in HVAC.
RE: Anyone in this field?
One of the big forensic firms in my area (Rimkus) is hiring and they mention HVAC equipment analysis as a desired work experience.
I'll look at Wiss JAnneu Elstner. Thanks for the link.
What I want to do is see what it will take to get my firm into that line of business (if they show the interest) or to get me into that line of business on my own.
Ed
RE: Anyone in this field?
I know a friend of mine (still structural - sorry - that's my field) that lived in Virginia, who started going around to attorneys and insurance companies, dropping off Statements of Qualification, and hoping for them to turn to him for future "expert witness", etc.
I'm not sure how well he fared, but that was his approach. My own experience has simply grown out of long term exposure to clients with old buildings, cracks, etc. that required my help. It forced me into lots of research to understand what I was doing. Most forensic engineers, I believe, tend to be older guys that have seen it all. Not that I'm that old.
RE: Anyone in this field?
I saw a link on another thread that to a site called SEAKs, I believe.
I suppose I'll look into that among other things. They talk about marketing, etc....
Ed
RE: Anyone in this field?
I am familiar with and have worked with (as co-consultant and on other side of fence from) both WJE and Rimkus.
I have done some product failure claim work, mostly related to hunting treestands. Often I have seen mechanical engineers on the other side of these cases. I've also worked as co-consultant with mechanical engineers on other product failure cases. I don't get into HVAC failures except when there's a structural implication (such as when a 3000 lb., improperly anchored package unit decides to become a missile during some our little hurricane events down here in the south).
It's a fun subspecialty (you get paid to learn stuff!), but you have to have a particular demeanor that the attorneys can feel comfortable with or you won't get repeat assignments. Most good attorneys want you to tell them the upside AND the downside so that they may strategize accordingly. I think we have an ethical obligation to do just that....not to be a client advocate, but to be an impartial, objective technical consultant. I have worked on cases where my opinion did not match the direction the client wanted the case to go. That's the way it goes....but you don't get invited to the party!
Be prepared for....how shall I put this kindly....contentious discussions! Opposing attorneys have a job to do and you're in the way of that progress, so be prepared to take a few daggers punching through the honey veneer.
There are several Forensic Societies you might check into if you have a significant interest. NSPE has one and there is an Academy of Forensic Scientists (with an engineering group within it). I don't recall the acronyms at the moment but you can find them fairly easily.
RE: Anyone in this field?
http://www.mcswain-eng.com/index.html
And here is where the money is.
http://www.icinvestigators.com/default.htm
RE: Anyone in this field?
Thank you for the insights. I will look into your suggestions and keep my eyes open along the way.
I will likely get into product failure analysis as well as other things, not just limited to HVAC, if I do get into it.
Ed
RE: Anyone in this field?
www.SlideRuleEra.net
RE: Anyone in this field?
I'll take a look!
ED
RE: Anyone in this field?
The work is generally from law firms and insurance companies, so contacts with lawyers and local claims associations are great. Once you get a few cases and a reputation it starts to expand from there.
The cases can range from the mundane to very interesting. I enjoy the work, but a few years back I had an opportunity to go back to industry for much more money - which helps a lot with a young family. Now that I am older, the autonomy of working in a smaller firm, more or less as an independent consultant, has much more appeal.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
RE: Anyone in this field?
Come to find out, my new company does list forensics as part of their offering. I will ask later to see what, if any of it, I can get into.
Ed
RE: Anyone in this field?
I've been in forensics for a few years. I mainly deal with failure analysis and transportation accident reconstruction, but have worked on a fire case here and there. Typically deal with law firms and insurance companies. Sounds like you're on the right track with your new company and recent PE license. Congratulations and good luck. It’s a great field to get into. Promoting justice and truth using engineering principles…can’t beat that.
Louis
www.trueforensics.com
RE: Anyone in this field?