How carrier engineers work
- Retained by carrier to assess cause
- Inspection typically brief
- Report written to carrier's specifications
- Often template-based findings
Challenging the report
Methodology
- Was inspection thorough?
- Were physical samples taken?
- Was testing appropriate?
- Were industry standards applied?
Qualifications
- Licensed in Florida
- Relevant specialty (roofing, structural, forensic)
- No conflicts of interest
Facts
- Did report consider all evidence?
- Are conclusions supported by observations?
- Are alternative explanations addressed?
Potential bias
- Prior pattern with this carrier
- Report-shopping history
- Retained-expert bias
Independent engineer
- Independent expert report
- Same scope as carrier's engineer
- Opposing conclusions with specific reasoning
- Credentials matching or exceeding
Deposition or testimony
- If litigation, depose carrier engineer
- Explore methodology, prior reports, relationships
- Undermine credibility on specifics