Forensic Engineering & Consulting Services in Portland, OR

When natural disasters or other catastrophes hit, prompt handling of claims and quick and accurate assessments from experts can enable owners and insurers to not only recover but to rebuild and strengthen themselves for the years to come.

Envista's dedicated experts and engineers have worked on thousands of catastrophe (CAT) losses over the last 15 years. Our experts are trained to respond quickly to disasters and follow proper protocol to ensure safety and efficiency when handling these complex claims.

Whether you require a civil or structural expert to evaluate damage to buildings, a mechanical or electrical engineer to evaluate destruction to equipment or electrical systems, or a geotechnical engineer to analyze geological contributions to a collapse, Envista's global team of engineering experts have decades of experience evaluating earthquake damage.

Without warning, Mother Nature's creative and controlling force can unleash extraordinary weather conditions, leaving behind extensive storm damage to homes or businesses. Envista consultants and engineers are intimately familiar with storm damage assessment and have worked on numerous large-scale catastrophe response events, year after year.

Understanding the cause and plotting the progression of a wildfire is essential in the fire investigation. How weather or terrain can affect the movement of the fire and if structures are built within high-risk areas and built with code-compliant material can all provide insight on how to conduct insurance claims investigations and will help determine potential liability or subrogation opportunities.

Because there are many factors that can affect the ignition and spread of these fires, it is vital to secure qualified and experienced wildfire investigative experts early to provide you with clear, complete, convincing, and conclusive data. Seeing the whole picture is what a client needs to make educated decisions.

Our construction experts are well-versed in all aspects of construction including defects, damages, civil engineering, litigation, compliance, contracting, and structural and geotechnical issues.

When buildings or large structures suffer an incident or loss surrounding a system malfunction, failure, infiltration, allegation of a structural defect, or other factors, it can be detrimental to business operations and cause extensive interruption dependent on the event experienced. At Envista, we create the appropriate multi-disciplinary team to provide a 360-degree assessment of the damage.

Unforeseen losses and accidents that occur on a construction site can have a direct impact on the project, from cause and extent of damage, to schedule, to delay, and even business interruption.

Envista has some of the most well-known and respected experts in the industry. We've testified and consulted on major, complex construction losses all over the world. Our consultants have been in the industry for decades and have diverse backgrounds, from contracting to costing and engineering. We put the right team together to advise you on everything from the extent of damage to remediation and restoration plans and repair or replace estimates. We also assist with construction management, reporting, and even vendor management to get the project back up and running again.

When a construction accident occurs, Envista understands the need to perform a prompt and thorough accident investigation, regardless of the severity or size of the loss, the extent of injuries or fatalities, or nuanced details. Time is often of the essence in evaluating the cause and origin of the accident, determining the liability and interested parties, and reviewing the potential for subrogation. We recognize that construction site accidents can lead to catastrophic property damage and result in growing legal exposure stemming from a personal injury due to unsafe job sites to fires, explosions, and building collapses.

Envista's construction experts are versed in the investigation of construction site accidents, near-misses, injuries, and fatalities. When a construction accident takes place, our team is regularly called in to investigate and provide clarity

Finding the right expert to evaluate the design of a defective construction project is critical to a successful resolution. Envista's experts have worked on construction projects across the globe, across all markets and industry sectors, including infrastructure, commercial, energy, marine, and residential. By evaluating and reviewing loss details, we assemble the best team with the right experts, based on the specifics of the matter at hand. No project is the same, and Envista approaches each case based on its own merits.

Whenever unforeseen or changed conditions, circumstances, or events occur on a construction project, there is an inherent effect on the construction moving forward and consequently, the duration and cost to complete the work. With their tangible field experience, Envista's experts understand the principles and processes that govern a construction project and appreciate the challenges and risks that can impact and prevent the efficient and effective progression of work.

Construction claims are complex and having the right technical expertise can make all the difference in your case. Following a complex construction accident, incident or loss, allegation of liability or defective construction, cost, or repair, Envista is equipped to provide forensic reporting and testimony on any issues related to existing or newly constructed properties, or properties under construction.

Envista's construction consultants and engineers have proven knowledge and capabilities in all areas of the construction process. Many experts are former designers, architects, engineers, builders, or contractors, which means they have the knowledge and skills you need, and they also understand the inner workings, the context, the codes, the design, and the materials of construction.

Envista’s Digital Forensics team utilizes sophisticated technology, once exclusively reserved for military and law enforcement, to unlock password-protected cellphones.

Our team historically used this technology to unlock cellphones involved in complex legal and insurance matters. However, we now also offer password-cracking, breaking, and bypassing technology to the public to assist those dealing with the loss of a loved one, business owners, and many others.  

Computer forensics consists of a computer forensics investigator examining evidence found on a computer hard drive and, in some instances, the examination of data on other hardware components within the computer, like the memory. The foundation of computer forensics is data recovery, and much of this sub-discipline revolves around that aspect. Our digital forensics experts come from law enforcement, military intelligence, and private companies. With this combined experience, both from a variety of backgrounds and thousands of computers examined, our experts can be trusted with your most complex and sensitive litigation matters.

Our experts are equipped with leading forensic imaging technology solutions that allow for rapid deployment and acquisition of the data in question. If there is a narrow window of time in which all relevant data must be acquired, we can provide as many experts as needed for an on-site collection. All of our experts who handle forensic collections possess numerous certifications in computer and mobile forensics, so you can be assured that the collections will be done in accordance with forensic best practices and will be defensible in court.

With fitness trackers, smart appliances, connected vehicles, and even entire smart cities, hyper-connectivity is the future. This future means that more data than ever will be collected concerning our habits, location, activities, health, and financial information. Virtues and vices will be stored electronically, and when that data is collected and stored, it can often be recovered using forensic tools and methodology.

Our IoT digital forensics experts are trained and experienced in analyzing various forms of IoT devices. They have been, and continue to be, ahead of the curve on technological developments, from cellular location to radio frequency verification surveying and in-vehicle infotainment forensics. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service to our clients, which can only be accomplished by being ready to face new sources of digital evidence head-on, with a passion for extensive research and training.

Not only do our devices record information about our location history, but they also record other kinds of location data. The sources of location information are no longer reserved for GPS units and phone records. Your mobile phone is recording your location activity so it can act as a personal assistant, predicting when you're about to leave for work and informing you that traffic will be heavy. Your digital camera includes geolocation coordinates in the metadata of the pictures you take. The infotainment system in your car can be recording where you go, even if you have no location set for navigation. And these examples are only scratching the surface.

Given the breadth of location evidence sources, and the depth of complexity for each individual source, our digital forensics division has a dedicated team of certified experts who specialize in location forensics.

Cellphones are used for everything from making calls and sending texts to transferring money and storing confidential documents. Cellphones store millions of data records in the form of emails, messages, pictures, location data, financial information, and thousands of others. Much of this data can be recovered even if it has been deleted. Our experts are certified and highly experienced in mobile device forensics. Coupled with access to state-of-the-art forensic hardware and software, our team possesses the technology and expertise to provide comprehensive consultation and analysis to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

In-Vehicle Infotainment Forensics provides novel investigatory capabilities by extracting and analyzing digital data not only stored within the IVI system itself but also synchronized from external devices like smartphones. For attorneys seeking to build a robust legal case, understanding the extent and types of cell phone data that can be recovered from these systems can significantly augment their evidentiary arsenal. Given the complex and multifaceted nature of modern legal disputes and criminal investigations, the role of IVI forensics as a critical element of digital forensic practice, especially with the increasing complexity of our vehicles, is becoming increasingly apparent.

Our experts have extensive experience, including expert testimony, regarding collecting, preserving, and analyzing digital video evidence. Even when a DVR unit looked to be damaged beyond repair through fire or water damage, we have successfully recovered the digital video. Due to our comprehensive knowledge of forensic video data recovery processes and our specialized digital forensics expertise, our team has recovered video data in cases when others have failed.

Wearable technology can be beneficial for busy professionals by keeping them updated with notifications on the go, fitness enthusiasts by tracking their workouts, and even the elderly and infirm by notifying emergency services if the device detects an adverse medical event. However, for these devices to operate as intended, they have to collect data about the wearer, including their location, biometric data, social media, calendar, and more. Collecting the information sometimes must be done through cutting-edge or non-traditional methods within the digital forensic community. In these instances, it is paramount that the data collection be done by a professional in a way that complies with the best evidence rules and acceptable industry standards for digital forensics.

The Equipment Engineers and Business Interruption Consultants at Envista Forensics are industry leaders with more than 30 years of experience providing comprehensive post-loss assessments that enable claim expenses to be reduced and business interruption to be minimized. We have equipment engineers, rotating equipment engineers, industrial equipment experts, and more on staff to meet all our client's needs. Consider us your business interruption consultants.

Building systems consist of processes or systems that are critical to upholding successful operations of the building, which may include mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, elevators, or security systems.
If any of these systems are damaged or broken, it can wreak serious havoc on a building's performance and safety. Envista equipment loss consultants and engineers have expertise in assessing and analyzing various types of building systems post-loss.

Commercial equipment losses can be complex, and if they are not assessed quickly and thoroughly, they can put an organization's future at risk. Envista's experienced equipment loss consultants specialize in consultation around and investigation of commercial equipment losses.

These types of losses can present several challenges due to the age of equipment, technology obsolescence, high equipment repair or replacement costs, warranties, and large scale of operations. Envista's global forensic engineering team has the experience and sophisticated technology to deal with large-scale business interruptions claims due to complex commercial equipment loss.

Electronic systems can fail due to a wide range of factors including excess temperature, current or voltage, mechanical shock, stress, or impact. When electronics fail, the results can vary from personal inconvenience to the collapse of a business, or even putting human health and safety at risk.

Envista has decades of experience analyzing the cause and nature of electronic system failures. Our electronic equipment consulting experts have backgrounds in design, manufacturing, installation, programming, and integration and can assist with nearly any type of electronic system.

When large-scale machinery stops working, it can be catastrophic for a business and present a potential safety hazard. These incidents can include CNC fire or CNC failure, crane malfunction, HVAC lightning damage assessments, turbine fires, spindle crash or breakdown, milling equipment failure, lathe failures, excavator and tractor failures, or generator breakdowns. Heavy equipment was at the core of Envista's work when the company started 30 years ago. At the time, a lot of our consulting involved engineers determining and explaining the cause of large machinery failures. In the years that followed, we broadened our services and expertise to also include cost estimating, allowing our clients to get everything they need in one place. Our heavy equipment subject matter experts and engineers are specialized in what they do and can opine on the cause of failure and determine whether the cost presented is fair and valid.

HVAC and boiler systems are extremely complex, critical systems that require detailed investigation and analysis when a failure occurs. Failures of these systems can be expensive and will often cause significant business interruption and loss of productivity. Additionally, HVAC failures can be extremely dangerous and result in serious property damage or injury.

Envista's equipment loss consultants and engineers are specialized in investigating and assessing the root cause of HVAC and boiler failures. We work with adjusters, attorneys, manufacturers, vendors, and facilities to understand the failure and the causal factors, and potentially responsible parties contributing to the failure. HVAC and boiler systems are extremely complex, critical systems that require detailed investigation and analysis when a failure occurs. Failures of these systems can be expensive and will often cause significant business interruption and loss of productivity. Additionally, HVAC failures can be extremely dangerous and result in serious property damage or injury.

Industrial equipment losses are some of the most complex claims in the industry. Whether it is industry standard equipment or highly specialized, one-of-a-kind equipment, our engineers and consultants have the expertise and knowledge to guide you through your claim. From food and beverage, pharmaceutical, manufacturers, mining equipment, agriculture equipment, and more, our engineers have handled nearly any type of loss. Envista's experts have serviced the equipment loss industry for over 30 years, specializing in handling damage assessment in complex claims, as well as remote desk reviews, costing expertise, advising on repair vs. replacement options, reporting, litigation support, and more.

With the growth of the digital age, losses pertaining to information technology have grown exponentially in recent years. Whether it's a million-dollar fire in a data center, server damage, or contaminated laptops, Envista has the expertise to evaluate the damage, quantify contamination, determine a remediation plan, assess business impact, and provide expert witness testimony for incidents. Envista can provide a full range of services to not only assess your damaged equipment but also recover your data, determine the cause of the loss, and provide warranty reinstatement.

Having investigated thousands of fires over the years, Envista fire experts can help perform origin and cause investigations to determine where and how the fire truly started. Our CFI, CFEI, and CFVI certified professional fire investigators have been involved with local police departments, fire departments, the ATF, IAAI, and other organizations over the years to become some of the best fire origin and cause experts out there.

Envista fire investigators are certified by the NAFI (National Association of Fire Investigators) and IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) as CFI and CFEI, and our experts in fire forensics possess the experience necessary to identify arson. Since the results of fire-fighting efforts often destroy pertinent evidence that is essential in determining origin and cause, Envista fraud investigators use their strong foundation in fire science to determine if the fire was accidental or the result of fraud. In the case of fraud, our skilled experts work with law enforcement to begin an investigation.

According to Insurance Information Institute, there were 41 large ships lost and 2,815 marine incidents in 2019. Many of those incidents were fire-related. Marine fires are quite complex because they usually involve several vessels and it is difficult to stabilize the scene and preserve evidence.

With so many variances in types of fuel systems, electrical systems, piping, and equipment on board, marine fires are often quite complex. They can require an expert or team of experts that are knowledgeable about all types of marine vehicles and structures to properly and accurately determine the origin and cause of fires or explosions onboard a vessel. At Envista Forensics, our team has the unique experience to not only find the origin and cause of the fire but walk you through the investigation process and reporting our findings in a clear, concise manner.

Vehicle and heavy equipment fires can be very complex and challenging. With so many different systems, components, and fuel sources, you need an expert who can assess the damage and maneuver through the complexity of advanced machinery.

Our experts evaluate the loss following strict adherence to procedures in NFPA 921, looking at each individual piece of equipment involved to tell the origin and cause of the fire. We can tell whether the fire was a result of a defect, incorrect use, improper service or repair, absence of maintenance, or fraud. Envista's global experts can evaluate whether mechanical, equipment, or electrical failure caused a fire as well as if foul play, fraudulent behavior, or liability issues were involved.

Envista's multidisciplinary team of engineers and experts are experienced with analyzing all types of failures to civil infrastructure. Comprised of leading professionals across a range of disciplines, including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, materials, architecture, marine, and data infrastructure, our teams take a holistic, team-oriented approach to promptly and accurately determining the underlying cause of these complex incidents. Our expert findings are delivered in a clear and concise manner so that certainty is restored following any disaster.

Electrical system failures can have far-reaching effects and cause serious damage, resulting in fires, power outages, equipment failures, and injury. Regardless of size, our experienced engineers have analyzed failures ranging from minor service interruptions on just a few systems to large equipment failure investigations to an outage affecting an entire region of the country.

Whether fossil-fueled, hydro, nuclear, or renewable, energy production is a highly complex technical matter on which millions of individuals and businesses rely. Energy or utility losses can have serious consequences, including extensive business interruption costs, equipment and product damage, and catastrophic infrastructure damage.

Envista Forensics energy experts and engineers have in-depth knowledge of and experience in responding to failures involving control systems, boilers and pressure vessels, turbines, generators, transformers, switchgear, and many other components involved in energy production. We know that good planning and understanding are essential to mitigating and recovering from significant power losses.

Everything is made up of some kind of material, including what we see on the surface and microscopic surfaces we can't see with the naked eye. Following a failure, our experts examine the nuances of a material's composition. 

In order to analyze product-related failures, Envista's material failure experts have to understand the features and properties that differentiate materials like metals, concrete, plastics, wood, ceramics, etc. Each material requires specific scientific and analytical techniques that allow our experts to forensically determine the cause of failure.

Machinery is all around us. Our homes and workplaces are built by heavy equipment, we commute to work and school in vehicles, and the food we consume and products we use are almost all produced using machines. Given the complexity of most machines, accidents happen daily that destroy property, lead to injury or loss of human life, and interrupt business.

Envista Forensics uses a structured, scientific approach to investigate mechanical failures. Our experts determine what happened, what caused the failure, and what can be done about it. Our forensic engineers also identify what factors contributed to the loss and who might be responsible.

Structural engineering failures can be extremely complex and are often catastrophic. No matter the scale or scope of the incident, they always require answers. Envista's engineers devote their careers to solving challenging problems with structures. Our team has investigated failures in thousands of structures, from small buildings to complex infrastructure, determining the root cause of many types of incidents. With so many potential factors contributing to structural failures, you need an engineer or expert who understands the science and complex relationships between structural conditions, design, and construction.

Using engineering principles, forensic engineers investigate and analyze failures, accidents, or incidents involving systems, structures, or products. The goal is to determine the root cause, such as design flaws, material defects, or human error. Forensic engineers provide crucial insights for legal, insurance, and safety purposes through detailed analysis, testing, and event reconstruction.

Forensic engineers handle cases involving failures or accidents across various industries, such as structural failures (e.g., building or bridge collapses), product liability (defective machinery or products), automotive accidents (vehicle malfunctions), and fire or explosion investigations. They also investigate construction accidents, material failures, mechanical system breakdowns, aviation and maritime incidents, environmental hazards (e.g., oil spills), and electrical system failures. Their work typically involves analyzing physical evidence, conducting tests, and providing expert testimony to determine the root causes of failures and improve safety or design.

Forensic engineers investigate failures and accidents through a systematic process that includes an initial assessment of the incident, site inspection, and evidence collection. They analyze physical evidence, conduct root cause analysis, and may use simulations or consult with experts in specialized fields. Their findings are documented in detailed reports, often for legal or insurance purposes, and they may testify as expert witnesses. Throughout the investigation, they maintain objectivity to ensure their conclusions are based on sound evidence and scientific analysis.

Forensic engineers provide expert analysis and testimony in legal cases, helping to determine the causes of failures, accidents, or incidents. They analyze evidence, create detailed reports, and assess liability, often serving as expert witnesses in court. Their work aids in identifying design flaws, material defects, or human error, supporting insurance claims, and facilitating settlement negotiations. By reconstructing events and offering unbiased, technical expertise, forensic engineers play a crucial role in ensuring that legal decisions are based on accurate and thorough investigations.

Generally, forensic engineering investigations aim to be thorough yet efficient, as timely conclusions are important for legal, insurance, and safety-related matters. However, the complexity of the case often dictates the timeline, with more intricate investigations requiring more time to ensure accurate results.