• Home
  • About Us
  • Forensic Services
  • Our Experts
  • Locations
  • Contact Us
  • Awards
  • Careers
  • Featured Projects
  • Continuing Education
  • News & Events

U.S. Forensic

  • Home
  • Client Resources
  • Submit an Assignment
Featured Projects
  • About Us
    • Leadership
    • Qualifications
    • Professional Organizations
  • Forensic Services
  • Our Experts
  • Locations
  • Contact Us
    • Submit an Assignment
    • Client Resources
    • Sign Up for Emails
    • Customer Satisfaction Survey
  • Awards
  • Careers
  • Education
  • Featured Projects
  • News & Events

Documenting Installation During Product Liability Investigations

June 12, 2015 in Featured Projects

Mike DeHarde, P.E.

Michael DeHarde, P.E.

Author: Michael DeHarde, P.E., Manager of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

As a means of controlling costs, product liability investigations often involve engineering experts inspecting evidence shipped to them without benefit of a site inspection. Recently, U.S. Forensic had a case which demonstrated why documenting the in situ condition during the initial site visit can prove to be equally valuable.

Our firm was asked to retrieve and retain a water heater from the 10th floor of a new condo building. We were asked to retain the water heater until the manufacturer was put on notice and a joint inspection was scheduled. While on site, we obtained permission to document the installation of the water heater.

The joint inspection of the water heater was scheduled several months later at our laboratory.   The manufacturer’s representative and the U.S. Forensic engineer measured the flow of the leak with a flow meter and photos documenting the testing were taken. After confirming the leak, we stripped the outer shell and insulation off the water heater to find a leak at the seam weld of the tank. We cut a segment out and then sectionalized it. The manufacturer’s representative obtained one section for further analysis of the weld, and U.S. Forensic kept the other section along with the water heater. The evidence indicated that the weld did not fuse both ends of the tank’s steel, which indicated a defect in the manufacturing process. Both experts were in agreement. We provided our client a verbal report that a clear defect was present, and the manufacturer’s expert agreed. Two months later, the client called stating that the manufacturer accepted responsibility for the defect, but was only going to offer 50% of the value of the claim. The manufacturer’s position: if the water heater had been properly installed, the leak would not have caused the damage.

The site visit and photos proved extremely valuable. The photos and documentation provided evidence that the installation had been completed correctly and did not contribute to the loss. Our written report addressed those facts. The client called a few weeks later saying the manufacturer changed their position and paid 95% of the total claim. In this case, a thorough site inspection was worth 45% of the claim’s value, a number in the tens of thousands of dollars.

 

Replacement water heater
Routing of drain line to pan
Flow meter testing

Drain pan used with damaged water heater
Defective welded case
Defective welded case

INVESTIGATIVE TIPS – WATER HEATERS

There are several things an adjuster can evaluate to determine if there is a potential for subrogation. Most water heaters fail due to lack of maintenance, especially as it relates to the anode.  Important components of the inspection:

Leak:  Outer Shell Rusted

A rusted outer shell indicates that the leak has been occurring for an extended period of time.  Corrosion anode_rod_old_newwill occur when the sacrificial anode is consumed or has more than 6 inches of core wire exposed. Anodes must be inspected and replaced regularly. The rate of replacement depends on the chemistry of the water and water usage. Leaks caused by corrosion start out small and will slowly rust the outer sheet metal covering.  If the leak was caused by corrosion and the sacrificial anode was consumed this is evidence that the owner did not properly maintain their water heater and the odds of recovering on a subrogation case is little to none.

Leak:  Outer Shell NOT Rusted

If it is a relatively new water heater and the outer casing is not rusted, then you may have a good case for subrogation.  An engineer who is equipped with a flow meter and pressure gauge can determine the extent of the leak.  He can then determine the cause of the leak and examine the anode to determine if it was properly maintained. He should also document the installation of the water heater to determine if it was properly installed.

For more information about similar services you may visit our Product Liability page.

Welcoming NC, SC, & VA Client Services Manager

January 26, 2023 in News & Events

Solidifying a Case: Forensic Engineering’s Role in Subrogation

January 5, 2023 in News & Events

Honoring Our Veterans

November 11, 2022 in News & Events

New Locations – Milwaukee & Tuscaloosa

October 6, 2022 in News & Events

Mr. Fontenot, P.E. Joins Our Team of Mechanical Experts – Louisiana

September 14, 2022 in News & Events

What Our Clients Are Saying

"Great communications, and the work performed was done in a timely manner. It covered all the areas we were looking for and the finished report was very detailed and easy to understand. Great that the investigator follows up with a phone call to cover any questions that one may have about the information in the report."

"I would say that my experience has always been exceptional. I love working with Michelle Hughes as she is very prompt and attentive to your needs. She gets the assignments to where it needs to be very timely and the engineer's report is always on point and easy to comprehend. If I run into any issues with ascertaining any clarity, the engineers have always in the past been easy to reach and willing to provide any necessary additional information needed."

"Assignment accepted and acknowledged very promptly. Engineer made prompt contact and communicated throughout the process. Report completed and returned very promptly. The whole process was done in a very professional manner. All individuals involved from Michelle Hughes to Brian Darr are to be commended."

"I have used U.S. Forensic for several years in my capacity as a General Adjuster and always receive excellent and on-time service. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing assistance with an insurance claim."

"Great engineer assigned. We had some difficulty contacting policyholder on several occasions and Dennis hung in there with us. Providing timely and excellent service."

"I love working with U.S. Forensic as I have had a great working relationship with Michelle Hughes for multiple years at several other insurance companies. She makes it very easy and stress free for assignments and just a great overall individual that represents the company to the fullest. The work product is great as well."

"US Forensic is always willing to go the extra mile when asked and even when not asked. I appreciate their timely responses, reports and contact with our insureds. In addition their invoices are fair! We love US Forensic! Thanks for all that you do for us!"

"Very easy to submit claim to US Forensics for them to start a case. Very quick response time with acceptance of case and updates on the case. Very detailed report that is easy to read and understand. Very pleased with experience."

"Always a pleasure to work with your knowledgeable staff and engineers."

"Very thorough, efficient and timely. Great communication throughout process."

"From submitting the claim through receiving results, I'm 100% satisfied, and will definitely be keeping US Forensic on speed-dial for any new claims in LA. Thank you so much!"

"I recently called Michelle Hughes for some help...Because of system issues US Forensic is unable to provide the engineers contact info with their [automated] email however, Michelle, quickly figured out a solution. I love working with Michelle, she really is the best rep I've personally ever dealt with! Thank you Michelle and to US Forensic staff! You guys really do make our jobs easier!"

"Mike Deharde was extremely knowledgeable and very thorough, his report was very detailed and helpful to overall resolution of the claim. I would love to work with him again."

"Friendly, knowledgeable and thorough staff. I always appreciate your assistance no matter the type of claim."

"Very satisfied with the services provided by US Forensic. Quick turnaround time, knowledgeable engineers, professional reports and easy to understand conclusions. Highly recommend them for any insurance related investigations!"

“I used them many times around the country for mechanical failure and fire O&C claims. They are very detailed and professional with their inspections and write a very solid easy to follow report.”

“Professional engineers that provide great, quality services. Michelle Hughes has done continuing education for our company... I’d definitely recommend US Forensic.”

“Great company to work with, the engineers are very well trained and knowledgeable in their prospective fields…I am always pleased with the service I receive on the assignments given to your organization.”

“USF is an absolute fantastic place to work with a great environment and culture!”

“The response is always very prompt with initial results reported promptly so we can take appropriate action.”

“This company is great. I would highly recommend them. I dealt with Rob and his customer service and attention to detail is superb.”

Employment Opportunities

U.S. Forensic: Family-Like Culture & High Quality Results

On October 23rd, The Times-Picayune and The New Orleans Advocate published an article highlighting the U.S. Forensic organization and why it was … Read More

Engineering Opportunities in Chicago

Hiring Civil & Structural Engineers U.S. Forensic is hiring civil and structural engineers in the Chicago area to perform forensic evaluations.  … Read More

Civil Engineering Opportunities in Louisiana

Engineering Career Opportunities in Louisiana U.S. Forensic, a forensic engineering firm providing services throughout the U.S., has full-time and … Read More

See All Employment Opportunities

Contact Us

U.S. Forensic Main Office
3201 Ridgelake Drive
Metairie, LA 70002
Map

(504) 831-7001 Office
(888) 873-0012 Toll Free
(888) 436-3092 Fax

Email Us

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

General Conditions
of Service Contract

SiteLock
Anchorage, AK · Atlanta, GA · Austin, TX · Birmingham, AL · Buffalo, NY · Charlotte, NC · Cheyenne, WY · Chicago, IL · Cleveland, OH · Columbia, SC · Dallas, TX · Denver, CO · Des Moines, IA · Destin, FL · Detroit, MI · Flint, MI · Ft. Myers, FL · Grand Junction, CO · Greensboro, NC · Greenville, SC · Hattiesburg, MS · Houston, TX · Indianapolis, IN · Jackson, MS · Jacksonville, FL · Kansas City, MO · Lafayette, LA · Lansing, MI · Las Vegas, NV · Lexington, KY · Los Angeles, CA · Macon, GA · Memphis, TN · Miami, FL · Milwaukee, WI · Minneapolis, MN · Mobile, AL · Nashville, TN · New Orleans, LA · New York City, NY · Newark, NJ · Norfolk, VA · Oklahoma City, OK · Omaha, NE · Orlando, FL · Philadelphia, PA · Phoenix, AZ · Picayune, MS · Pittsburgh, PA · Portland, ME · Pueblo, CO · Salt Lake City, UT · San Antonio, TX · San Francisco, CA · Santa Fe, NM · Seattle, WA · St. Louis, MO · Stratford, CT · Syracuse, NY · Tallahassee, FL · Tampa, FL · Toledo, OH · Tuscaloosa, AL · Washington D.C. · West Palm Beach, FL

© 2023 U.S. Forensic · Privacy Policy · web design

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL cookies.
Cookie Settings   Accept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT