Construction professional examining blueprints on site during a forensic review

Overview

Paul Gaston provides the full set of construction expert-witness deliverables to retaining counsel in Chicago, Cook County and Chicagoland. That covers record and document review, forensic site inspection, written reports, rebuttal of opposing opinions, and testimony at deposition, arbitration and trial, all within construction workmanship, standard of care, code compliance and repair cost.

Related: ExpertWitnessChicago.com

Counsel usually needs the whole sequence rather than a single task. These deliverables are the practical shape of every engagement, whatever the underlying defect question happens to be.

Review and inspection

Plans, specifications, contracts, submittals, photographs, pay applications and prior reports are reviewed, followed by a forensic inspection of the conditions themselves.
  • Document, record and photographic review before inspection
  • Forensic site inspection with measurement and moisture readings
  • Condition documentation suitable for use as exhibits

Reporting and testimony

Reports set out each observed condition, the requirement it is measured against and the basis for the finding. That structure is what supports experience-based testimony under the Illinois Frye standard and federal Rule 702 review.
Open-plan living room with full-height glazing overlooking a pool
  • Document and record review
  • Forensic site inspection
  • Written expert report
  • Rebuttal of opposing opinions
  • Deposition and trial testimony

Engagement

Conflicts are cleared before any substantive review begins. A CV and availability can be provided to retaining counsel on request.
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Questions Attorneys Ask

Document and record review, forensic site inspection, a written expert report, rebuttal of opposing opinions, and testimony at deposition, arbitration and trial.
With a conflict check and a scope discussion, then records review before any site inspection is arranged.
Yes. A CV and current availability can be sent to retaining counsel on request.
Yes. Reviewing an opposing expert's report and identifying where the basis or the scope does not hold is regular work.
Paul has been retained in construction-defect matters including an AAA arbitration, and provides deposition and trial testimony.
Tying every opinion to his licence, his direct experience and an identified code, standard or manufacturer instruction, and avoiding novel methodology.