{"id":15295,"date":"2021-05-02T20:07:44","date_gmt":"2021-05-02T10:07:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging16.mfsengineering.com.au\/?post_type=services&#038;p=15295"},"modified":"2023-04-12T17:23:08","modified_gmt":"2023-04-12T07:23:08","slug":"legal-vcat-expert-witness","status":"publish","type":"services","link":"https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/services\/legal-vcat-expert-witness\/","title":{"rendered":"Legal and VCAT Expert Witness"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Building Expert Witness for Homeowners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-eaa81b3\" data-block-id=\"eaa81b3\"><style>.stk-eaa81b3{height:30px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>An expert witness is someone who has specialised knowledge in a specific field. They are asked to present evidence for legal proceedings.\u202f Are you a homeowner or investor, builder, developer, or insurance and loss adjuster? No matter what! There may come a time when you need a building expert witness to back up your claims. Unfortunately, we hear the same story quite often from clients. They hired a builder to work on their building. Afterwards, they noticed significant damage and structural problems. However, the builders refused to take responsibility. After speaking with us, our clients agree to have a thorough building inspection and forensic investigation. Now they&#8217;re determined to find the cause of the damage. Almost most of the time, we conclude that the damage is due to poor or inexperienced builders.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-ca1180b\" data-block-id=\"ca1180b\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Depositphotos_235261468_XLresized-1.jpg\" alt=\"An expert witness is someone who has specialised knowledge in a specific field\" class=\"wp-image-23976\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Depositphotos_235261468_XLresized-1.jpg 700w, https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Depositphotos_235261468_XLresized-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-ad11c3f\" data-block-id=\"ad11c3f\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Building Expert Witness for Builders and Insurers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-fc12c0c\" data-block-id=\"fc12c0c\"><style>.stk-fc12c0c{height:30px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, we have also worked with builders and construction companies that were falsely accused of causing damage to a building. When in reality, it was caused by harsh weather conditions or normal movements in the building\u2019s footings. In both situations, several of our clients were forced to go to court to prove their cases. However, a judge isn\u2019t going to rule in someone\u2019s favour based on assumptions. That\u2019s why you need a building expert witness.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-535141e\" data-block-id=\"535141e\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Depositphotos_204509738_XLresized-1.jpg\" alt=\"Sometimes, builders and construction companies are falsely accused of causing damage to a building\" class=\"wp-image-23977\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Depositphotos_204509738_XLresized-1.jpg 700w, https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Depositphotos_204509738_XLresized-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-1d87913\" data-block-id=\"1d87913\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Not Sure if you need a Building Expert Witness?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-26bf382\" data-block-id=\"26bf382\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Depositphotos_322387544_XLresized-1.jpg\" alt=\"MFS Building Expert Witnesses can help you settle your building dispute \" class=\"wp-image-23978\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Depositphotos_322387544_XLresized-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Depositphotos_322387544_XLresized-1-300x135.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Depositphotos_322387544_XLresized-1-768x346.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-a6ebe90\" data-block-id=\"a6ebe90\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only are legal proceedings over the quality of building works and workmanships time-consuming. But they are also extremely costly to resolve in court. Evidence shows that over 40% of court settlements go to legal experts. Which is why the early settlement is preferred. That\u2019s why MFS Engineering provides you with an independent and objective opinion on technical matters. This way we help you fully understand your case prior to committing to such an expensive practice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there are some disputes regarding building damage that can only be settled in court. It can be both frustrating and overwhelming to collect every piece of information required by the court for your case. Also juggling interactions with lawyers and builders is no fun either. This is where MFS Engineering can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-c50d32a\" data-block-id=\"c50d32a\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Depositphotos_227027034_XLresized.jpg\" alt=\"MFS provides independent opinions on the cause of structural damage for cases that go to VCAT \" class=\"wp-image-23979\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Depositphotos_227027034_XLresized.jpg 700w, https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Depositphotos_227027034_XLresized-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-ff2aa41\" data-block-id=\"ff2aa41\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MFS Building Expert Witnesses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-193f902\" data-block-id=\"193f902\"><style>.stk-193f902{height:31px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #26a9e1;\" class=\"stk-highlight\">1.<\/span>&nbsp;We are with you every step of the way.<\/strong>&nbsp;A senior forensic structural engineer can help you prepare for your court case and present your evidence before a judge. You should note that judges are not engineers. Therefore, having a persuasive engineer as an expert witness can be a great help. It assists the judge to understand all technical matters related to the case.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #26a9e1;\" class=\"stk-highlight\"><strong>2<\/strong>.<\/span>&nbsp;<strong>We have seen it all (almost).<\/strong>&nbsp;MFS Engineering is specialised in the investigation and structural failure analysis. We have years of experience in the Forensic Structural Engineering field. Through these years, we have gathered an invaluable database of cases and scenarios. We know what can go wrong with a structure during design, construction, and even after several years of occupancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #26a9e1;\" class=\"stk-highlight\"><strong>3<\/strong>.<\/span>&nbsp;<strong>We provide Independent Building Expert Report.<\/strong>&nbsp;An expert witness is someone who is an expert in their field. They can use their specialised knowledge to attest to the validity of evidence in court. An expert witness, such as a forensic engineer, must be able to help their client. But they also have to abide by both the laws of the court and a code of ethics.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #26a9e1;\" class=\"stk-highlight\"><strong>4<\/strong>.<\/span>&nbsp;<strong>We know the language of Law.<\/strong>&nbsp;Our forensic engineers can act as expert witnesses in structural damage cases. Why? because they not only have experience regarding structures but also possess a working knowledge of the legal system. They are able to use appropriate language in court to convey their message. Using anyone other than a forensic engineer as an expert witness for your court case could be damaging. Be careful that the improper use of litigation vocabulary can tarnish your case. Furthermore, forensic engineers are familiar with court settings. They know precisely when to introduce reports for the most significant impact.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #26a9e1;\" class=\"stk-highlight\">5<\/span><\/strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\" class=\"stk-highlight\">.<\/span>&nbsp;<strong>We comply with VCAT requirements.<\/strong>&nbsp;Are you involved in a dispute over structural failure or cosmetic property damage? Then, it is necessary to engage an experienced, knowledgeable, and persuasive expert witness. Hence, our senior forensic structural engineers can act as expert witnesses at MFS Engineering. They assist you in relation to disputes lodged with the Victorian Civil and Administration Tribunal (VCAT). Our reports are completed in a VCAT-compliant format, known as \u2018Practice Note-PNVCAT 2.\u2019&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #26a9e1;\" class=\"stk-highlight\">\u00ab<\/span>&nbsp;<\/strong><em>Finally, we provide independent opinions on the cause of structural damage for cases that go to VCAT and save our clients costly fees<\/em>&nbsp;<strong><span style=\"color: #26a9e1;\" class=\"stk-highlight\">\u00bb<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Building Expert Witness for Homeowners An expert witness is someone who has specialised knowledge in a specific field. They are asked to present evidence for legal proceedings.\u202f Are you a homeowner or investor, builder, developer, or insurance and loss adjuster? No matter what! There may come a time when you need a building expert witness [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":21153,"template":"","categories":[],"tags":[],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":6}},"featured_image_urls":{"full":["https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Depositphotos_38603573_S-1-1.png",1000,689,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Depositphotos_38603573_S-1-1-150x150.png",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Depositphotos_38603573_S-1-1-300x207.png",300,207,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Depositphotos_38603573_S-1-1-768x529.png",768,529,true],"large":["https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Depositphotos_38603573_S-1-1.png",1000,689,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Depositphotos_38603573_S-1-1.png",1000,689,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Depositphotos_38603573_S-1-1.png",1000,689,false]},"post_excerpt_stackable":"<p>Building Expert Witness for Homeowners An expert witness is someone who has specialised knowledge in a specific field. They are asked to present evidence for legal proceedings.\u202f Are you a homeowner or investor, builder, developer, or insurance and loss adjuster? No matter what! There may come a time when you need a building expert witness to back up your claims. Unfortunately, we hear the same story quite often from clients. They hired a builder to work on their building. Afterwards, they noticed significant damage and structural problems. However, the builders refused to take responsibility. After speaking with us, our clients&hellip;<\/p>\n","category_list":"Uncategorised","author_info":{"name":"Fatemeh","url":"https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/author\/fatemeh\/"},"comments_num":"0 comments","meta_box":{"service_features":"\u00bb Detailed and VCAT compliant reports.<br>\r\n\u00bb Independent and unbiased expert advice.<br>\r\n\u00bb We do independent engineering and not advocacy.<br>\r\n\u00bb Experienced Forensic Structural Expert Witnesses.<br>\r\n\u00bb Knowledgeable about legal requirements at VCAT, tribunals, and courts.","services_slogan":"Get An Expert With Right Knowledge<br>We Become Part Of Your Legal Team","hero_meta":"PROFESSIONAL DISPUTE WINNERS","end_slogan":"Structural Engineering is the art and science of molding Materials we do not fully understand; into Shapes we cannot precisely analyse; to resist Forces we cannot accurately predict; all in such a way that the society at large is given no reason to suspect the extent of our ignorance.<br>\r\nJAMES AMRHEIN","the_writer_name":"","22039_from":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/services\/15295"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/services"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/services"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/services\/15295\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24153,"href":"https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/services\/15295\/revisions\/24153"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21153"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15295"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15295"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mfsengineering.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15295"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}