Frequently asked questions about forensic engineering

Each investigation begins with an on-site examination of the property. Anna Zimmerman, P.E. observes and documents the existing conditions — photographs, measurements and notes on the physical evidence — and reviews the available information about the circumstances surrounding the loss. The findings are then evaluated against accepted engineering principles and explained to the client; when the assignment calls for one, they are set out in a clear, evidence-based written report. Anna conducts the investigation herself, and the opinions she signs are her own. If specialized testing, equipment or expertise is needed, qualified subconsultants or testing services may be engaged; this is discussed with you in advance and set out in the written agreement. How long the inspection takes depends on the size and complexity of the property and on the questions the assignment must answer; the expected scope is discussed before the visit.

The difference lies in who retains the engineer, not in the standard the work must meet. An insurance company may retain an engineer as part of its claim process; a property owner, attorney or other party may retain another engineer separately to examine the same physical evidence and form a separate opinion, often called a second opinion. Whoever retains Elemental Forensic Services, the work is independent engineering analysis, not a predetermined outcome: findings rest on the physical evidence and accepted engineering principles, and any final engineering report is signed, dated and sealed by a Florida-licensed Professional Engineer.

Yes, for any party. Anna Zimmerman, P.E. provides independent review of engineering reports prepared by other engineers or experts: as a desk review of the report, photographs and records, without a site visit, or with a re-inspection of the property when the questions call for one. The review assesses whether the report’s conclusions are supported by the physical evidence and accepted engineering methods. It may confirm those conclusions, differ from them or refine them, and it explains which, and why; it is not an appeal of anyone’s decision and does not promise a different answer. A desk review is limited to what the report, photographs and records show. A conflict-of-interest check comes first, and the scope of the review is agreed in writing before any work begins.

Any type of loss can be investigated, as long as the damage is visible or otherwise physically accessible for examination. At present, the practice accepts residential properties only. Examples include wind and hurricane damage; tornadoes and hail; storm surge and flooding, including inland and river flooding; water intrusion; roof damage; fire damage to building components; and cracking, settlement, foundation movement or suspected sinkhole activity. If you are unsure whether a loss calls for an engineering investigation, describe it briefly through the contact form and you will hear whether an engineering evaluation is appropriate.

A written engineering report is prepared when the assignment calls for one — for example, for litigation, because a carrier or an attorney requires one, or at the client’s request — and it bears the signature, date and seal of a Florida-licensed Professional Engineer. Consultation-only assignments are also accepted, and every assignment is documented either way: the findings, photographs and field notes are kept in the project file or delivered to the client, as the engagement requires, and any final engineering document delivered to the client is signed, dated and sealed. A report is typically organized in eight parts: executive summary; assignment and scope, including the documents reviewed; background; site observations; analysis and discussion; conclusions; limitations; and certification — followed by an appendix of numbered, captioned photographs. It sets out what was observed, what was tested or measured, the basis for each conclusion and the limits of the analysis, so that every opinion can be traced back to the evidence.

Reports are written to be understood by property owners, public adjusters, insurance professionals, attorneys and other stakeholders involved in a claim. The report is issued to the party that retained the engagement; findings are provided to that client and, at the client’s direction, to the client’s representatives. Technical terms are explained in plain language, and each conclusion is tied to the evidence behind it, so that readers without an engineering background can follow the reasoning.

Yes. When a claim becomes disputed or proceeds toward litigation, the findings and documentation developed during the investigation can support expert witness testimony, including expert opinions, deposition and trial testimony. Opinions are formed only after examination of the available physical evidence and are stated to a reasonable degree of engineering certainty. Anna Zimmerman, P.E. is retained for her independent professional analysis, not for a predetermined conclusion. Availability, scope and qualification to testify are determined case by case, after a conflict-of-interest check.

Both. Engagements are accepted from property owners, insurance carriers and adjusters, public adjusters, and attorneys representing any party — policyholders or insurers, plaintiffs or defendants. The standard is the same whoever retains Elemental Forensic Services: findings are based on the physical evidence and accepted engineering principles, and are reported the same way. Before any matter is accepted, a conflict-of-interest check is completed and any conflict is disclosed in writing. For that reason, please do not send case documents until the check is complete.

No. Anna Zimmerman, P.E. provides engineering services only: she investigates and documents the damage and its cause and, when needed, issues a signed and sealed engineering report. She does not prepare or file insurance claims, interpret policies or negotiate with insurers. If you would like help with the claim itself, you may wish to speak with a licensed public adjuster or an attorney. Anna can work with the professional you choose, and the engineering standard is the same whoever retains her.

Under section 627.70132 of the Florida Statutes, notice of a property insurance claim, or of a reopened claim, must generally be given to the insurer within 1 year after the date of loss; notice of a supplemental claim, within 18 months. For hurricane claims, the date of loss is the date the hurricane made landfall. Policy terms and later changes to the law can affect your situation: this is general information, not legal advice, so confirm the current requirements with your insurer or attorney. An engineering inspection does not replace notice to your insurer.

Work is billed by the hour, at rates that depend on the type of work: for example, site investigation and documentation, review of existing reports and files, report preparation, case consultation, and deposition or trial testimony, which usually carries a minimum charge. Some assignments are quoted as a fixed fee agreed in advance instead. Travel time and mileage are billed separately, and expedited turnaround may carry an additional charge. The total depends on the scope of the assignment. For example, a single-visit investigation of a home with a signed and sealed engineering report usually costs about $1,000 to $2,200 in total, depending on the distance, the size of the home and the complexity of the problem. After the conflict-of-interest check, the fee schedule and any retainer are set out in a proposal or engagement agreement, and no work begins until a written agreement is signed by both parties. Fees never depend on the outcome of a claim or case.

Yes. Elemental Forensic Services is based in Tampa and serves all of Florida, and Anna Zimmerman, P.E. is available to travel anywhere in the state for clients. Property owners, insurance professionals, public adjusters and attorneys throughout the state are welcome to get in touch. Include the property’s city and county so that timing can be confirmed before any commitment is made. Inspections can be scheduled flexibly, including on weekends when a matter calls for it, and travel arrangements, including travel time and mileage, are set out in the written agreement.