The Winter 2016 issue of Litigation Management Magazine, a publication of the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM), included an article on the selection of multiple experts in complex fire and explosion claims. The article highlighted the importance of retaining different but complimentary experts for the varied facets of more complex claims. The identification of these key and complimentary skillsets remains a critical exercise when investigating the cause of complex claims. This series of articles will focus on these competencies and credentials in the arena of civil engineering.
To find a qualified professional civil engineer, it is important to be familiar with how the sub-disciplines of civil engineering are different from one another and how the different licenses and credentials represent advanced skills and abilities. These skills and abilities can enhance the effectiveness of forensic investigations and result in an effective dispute resolution process.
Civil engineering is a broad discipline that consists of the application of scientific principles to the built environment. Civil engineering includes the sub-disciplines of water resources engineering, transportation engineering, construction engineering, structural engineering, and geotechnical engineering. The professional engineering license represents that the engineer is minimally competent to practice engineering to insure the protection of the health and safety of the public. Education, experience, and examinations are considered the three pillars of professional engineering licensure. These three pillars represent a standard to measure engineering qualifications that will result in safety and competence for public practice.
The next post will discuss the education and experience of civil engineers necessary to demonstrate minimum competence for the safety of the public.
Portions of this blog were from an article authored by Mr. Randall P. Bernhardt and published in the June 8, 2016 Practice Points.
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