Forensic Engineering
Definition
The application of engineering knowledge and scientific method to investigate failures, accidents, and technical disputes that require resolution in legal, insurance, or regulatory proceedings.
- Core method
- Engineering analysis applied to failures and accidents
- Contexts
- Legal, insurance and regulatory proceedings
- Typical subjects
- Structural collapses, equipment failures, vehicle crashes
- Output
- Expert opinion on cause and, often, liability
Common questions
How does forensic engineering differ from a routine failure investigation?+
A routine investigation aims to prevent recurrence internally, while forensic engineering is conducted with the expectation the findings will be tested in litigation or a regulatory hearing, so evidence preservation and methodology must meet legal admissibility standards.
What range of disciplines does forensic engineering draw on?+
It spans structural, mechanical, electrical, civil and materials engineering depending on the failure, meaning the expert assigned to a case is usually a specialist in the relevant sub-discipline rather than a generalist.
Related terms
- Cause vs Contributing Factor
- In failure analysis, the cause is the primary physical event or deficiency that initiated the failure. Contributing factors are conditions or actions...
- NAFE
- The National Academy of Forensic Engineers, a US organisation whose membership is restricted to licensed professional engineers with substantial forensic casework experience....
- Professional Engineer (PE / CEng)
- A licensed engineering credential required in many jurisdictions to offer opinions on engineering matters in court. In the US, state licensure as...
- Retaining Party
- The lawyer, insurer, or client who engages a forensic engineer for a specific matter. The engineer owes accurate and objective opinions (not...
- Spoilation
- The destruction, loss, or alteration of evidence in litigation, whether intentional or negligent. Courts may impose sanctions including adverse inference instructions when...