Litigation Support

Chris Ryan brings a unique combination of engineering expertise and real construction experience to litigation assignments. In cases where costs are at issue, he can easily read and understand and analyze contractor cost presentations. He is also able to digest mountains of daily reports and other project correspondence to find relevant information. He has participated as a litigant and as an expert witness in dozens of construction claims for differing site conditions and similar issues. He has over 20 years of experience supporting the legal teams representing Owners, Engineers and Contractors, so on all sides in these kinds of disputes.

Selected Case Summaries

Expert Report—Claim for Extra Costs of Biopolymer Drain Construction, Walpole MA

Reviewed Project Correspondence, bid documents and prepared an Expert Report in support of a contractor claim for differing site conditions and the impact of those conditions on the construction of a biopolymer drainage trench.

Expert Report and Trial Testimony—Marine Dredging Claim, New Bedford MA

Supporting the legal team in a dispute involving a differing site conditions construction claim, including an expert report and trial testimony. The main issue in the case was the number of boulders encountered versus what could have been reasonably expected based on the construction documents. My contractor client won a full jury verdict.

Expert Consultation Services and Testimony—Gov’t Contracts, Manville, NJ

Reviewed Site records, contracts, and witness depositions in a criminal case involving corruption on a government contract. The issues revolved around proper contracting procedures and post-bid contacts between a prime contractor and a subcontractor on a Superfund Site where a large amount of creosote-contaminated soil was removed and incinerated. Consulted with the attorneys in advance of the trial and testified at a jury trial in federal court.

Expert Report and Claim Negotiation—Differing Site Conditions, Tempe AZ

Reviewed contract documents available at the time of bid and analyzed available information relevant to the difficulty of digging and constructing a proposed slurry wall. Preparation of an expert report with facts relevant to the claim of a specialty contractor and assisted in negotiations between the Owner and contractor team.

Expert Report and Testimony—Groundwater barrier failure, Toronto Canada

Review of job-site records and correspondence as well as post-project reports of other professionals. Preparation of an expert report as to the probable causes of the failure of a groundwater barrier at the site of an excavation for the future courthouse for the City of Oshawa, Ontario. Issues also included Contractor responsibility for changes under the contract. Provided testimony at the arbitration.

Expert Report and Consultation–Slurry Wall and Drilled Shaft Collapse Problems, Manhattanville NY

Expert reports based on site visit and review of records as to the causes of collapses of slurry wall panels and drilled shafts in a complex geotechnical and contaminated environment at a site owned by Columbia University. Reports prepared in anticipation of litigation.

Expert Report and Consultation–Patent Dispute—Marine Dredge Spoil Processing, Newark NJ

Expert research and opinion prepared in support of a complicated patent dispute related to the machinery and methods for processing and stabilizing dredged harbor spoils. Attended trial as a consultant in federal court.

Construction Dispute Resolution—Jet Grout Support System, Cleveland OH

Expert report preparation evaluating a construction claim of a contractor against a government client. The project involved review and commenting on the contractor’s claim document and making significant changes to the claim theory and presentation.

Expert Report—Slope Support System, Kilbuck PA

Expert Report Preparation and Public Testimony in support of a community group contesting development of a Wal-Mart Superstore on a marginal site that had previously been the location of a major landslide that cut a major highway and rail-line serving Pittsburgh.

Expert Witness Services—Limestone Cavity Grouting, Atlanta, GA

Expert witness services related to a dispute over the methods used and costs incurred in the remedial grouting of a large limestone cavity under a local college.

Expert Witness Testimony—Lagoon Stabilization, Tulsa OK

Expert Witness in a dispute over remediation methods and cost of construction associated with alleged defective work on a site closure that involved stabilization of contaminated lagoon sludges.

Expert Report and Testimony—Construction Dispute—Rock Anchors, Honolulu, HI

Expert Witness in case involving grouting of a deep foundation, tie-down installations and water inflow problems in a major excavation in downtown Honolulu.

Contact Chris Ryan

Get in touch today to receive a free and personalized quote for any of the services. Chris Ryan is ready to assist you and provide you with the best possible solutions tailored to your unique needs. Don’t hesitate to call and take the first step towards achieving your goals!

Contact Chris Ryan

Get in touch today to receive a free and personalized quote for any of the services. Chris Ryan is ready to assist you and provide you with the best possible solutions tailored to your unique needs. Don’t hesitate to call and take the first step towards achieving your goals!