Forensic engineer · Tampa, Florida
Anna Zimmerman, P.E.
Licensed Professional Engineer, State of Florida · Principal Engineer, Elemental Forensic Services
Damage is the result of something. Understanding that something requires more than simply looking at what is broken — it requires asking the right questions, examining the evidence, and connecting the pieces. Elemental Forensic Services exists to do exactly that.
We examine the available evidence, document conditions, analyze the circumstances surrounding a loss, and explain our findings clearly — in a professional written report when one is needed — so they can be understood by property owners, insurance professionals, attorneys, and other stakeholders.
Forensic engineering — the independent technical investigation of the causes of damage and failures in buildings — is the whole of the practice. Elemental Forensic Services is not a repair contractor, an insurance agency or a public adjuster; the work is to examine, document, explain and, when needed, testify.
Why “Elemental”
Every element leaves evidence.
Fire, air, water and earth — the four classical elements — are also the forces behind the property losses Elemental Forensic Services investigates. The Elemental mark is built from their traditional symbols, one triangle for each.
Whatever the element, the work is the same: examine the property, find out what physically happened and why, and explain it clearly. New or old, every building has its own history: how it was designed, built and maintained, and what it has been through. The investigation takes all of it into account.
Fire
Fire damage to building components
Air
Wind and hurricane damage, tornadoes and hail
Water
Storm surge, flooding and water intrusion
Earth
Cracking, settlement, foundation movement and suspected sinkhole activity
Credentials
The license below can be verified directly with the State of Florida.
- Florida P.E. License
- No. 104968Verify my license (opens in a new tab)Opens the State of Florida license search at myfloridalicense.com. Search by name or by license number 104968.
- Engineering Business Registry
- Registered · qualifying engineer: Anna Zimmerman, P.E.
- Based in
- Tampa, FL
- Service area
- Statewide Florida — available to travel anywhere in the state
- Languages
- Inquiries welcome in English, Spanish or Russian
- Firm
- Elemental Forensic Services LLC
How Anna works
Every investigation follows the same four-step method. The engineer you speak with is the engineer who examines the property, forms the opinions and, when a report is issued, signs it. If an assignment calls for specialized testing, equipment or expertise, qualified subconsultants or testing services may be engaged; this is discussed with you in advance and set out in the written agreement.
Observe
Existing conditions are examined as found, with no assumptions in place of evidence.
Investigate
The circumstances of the loss are evaluated against the available information and accepted engineering principles.
Document
Photographs, measurements and field notes turn observations into a defensible factual record.
Explain
Findings are explained in language non-engineers can follow and, when needed, set out in a written report, signed, dated and sealed.
Evidence first
Every conclusion in a report is tied to what was observed, tested or measured, and each report states the limits of the analysis as clearly as its conclusions.
Conflict check before engagement
Before any matter is accepted, a conflict-of-interest check is completed and any conflict is disclosed in writing. Please do not send case documents, privileged material or claim files until the check is complete. An engagement begins only upon a written agreement signed by both parties.
Independence
Independent & Objective
Elemental Forensic Services is retained for engineering analysis, not for a predetermined outcome. Findings are based on the physical evidence and accepted engineering principles, and are reported the same way regardless of who retains us. Conflicts of interest are disclosed in writing before an engagement begins.
Engineering opinions are formed only after examination of the available physical evidence and are stated to a reasonable degree of engineering certainty.
Statement of Qualifications
Anna’s Statement of Qualifications (CV) is available upon request.
To request it, please use the contact page.
Discuss a property loss
Describe the property, the type of loss and what you need. The first step is a conflict-of-interest check; an engagement begins only upon a written agreement signed by both parties.
Inquiries answered within 48 hours