Day: August 29, 2022

Construction Defects Evaluation

Basic Fact Pattern
  • Defendant had installed an asphalt shingle roof and performed pest remediation services on the dwelling
  • The residence had severe damage to its exterior envelope
  • Alleged damages to the residence were the result of poor workmanship of the defendant
Investigative Steps Taken
  • Dwelling was visually inspected
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicle employed to document areas unsafe for human beings
  • Comprehensive study of building history was performed
  • Detailed code and product analysis was performed
  • In-depth analysis of opposing repair estimate made
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Determinations Made
  • The roofing material was not installed properly and would require replacement
  • The extensive damages to the exterior envelope were historic in nature and not the result of defendant’s faulty workmanship
  • Litigation support services were also provided throughout the mediation process
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Construction Underpinning Failure Damage Evaluation

Basic Fact Pattern
  • Catastrophic damage to a building adjacent to a demolition and new construction site.
  • The adjacent building suffered a severe underpinning failure after the demo was completed and the construction was in progress.
  • The local municipality demolished the adjacent building after condemning it.
  • The insured underpinning contractor had allegedly performed improper excavation and underpinning, including a lack of dewatering, leading to the underpinning failure.
  • There were numerous conflicting elements of testimony and documentation amongst the multiple other involved parties warranting further investigation.
Investigative Steps Taken
  • Severely damaged building was inspected, along with the adjacent construction site.
  • Extensive testimony and documentation was performed, in order to produce a timeline of verifiable facts.
  • Drawings and geotechnical information were analyzed for appropriateness of the underpinning design.
  • On-site photos and daily construction logs were analyzed to determine the work actually performed in the field and the timing of the same.
  • Extensive comparative analysis was performed to determine the truth of the matter.
Determinations Made
  • The engineer responsible for the design and inspection of the underpinning was practicing engineering outside of his technical competence.
  • Both the structural and geotechnical design of the underpinning were insufficient for its intended purpose.
  • The in-field direction provided by the engineer to the underpinning subcontractor directly led to the catastrophic underpinning failure.
  • The engineer also falsified records submitted to the municipality, resulting in reporting to the local engineering board for disciplinary action.
Involved Experts: 

Bowlus is Recalling Certain 2021-2022 Terra Firma and Endless Highways Performance Edition Trailers

NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V601000

Manufacturer Bowlus Road Chief LLC

Components EQUIPMENT

Potential Number of Units Affected 2

Summary

Bowlus Road Chief LLC (Bowlus) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Terra Firma and Endless Highways Performance Edition trailers. The service valves on the LPG tanks may be improperly connected, which can cause a propane leak.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the service valves, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in August 2022. Owners may contact Bowlus’ customer service at 1-805-366-6523. Bowlus’s number for this recall is REGO-MANCHESTER.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.