Case Studies
J.S. Held Acquires Shechter & Everett to Expand Forensic Accounting Capabilities for Family Law Disputes in Florida
Read MoreIn February 2024, a school bus traveling southbound lost control, crossed a median, and collided with the west side of a split-level residential home. The force of the impact caused visible structural damage, including fractured masonry, displaced wall sections, and localized damage to the roof and floor framing. Emergency shoring and temporary enclosures were installed shortly after the incident to stabilize the affected areas. The collision raised immediate concerns about the extent of structural damage and the safety of the residence.
J.S. Held’s Forensic Architecture & Engineering practice was retained to evaluate the nature, extent, and repairability of the structural damage resulting from the impact. The company provided a detailed engineering report to support the client in understanding the structural implications of the vehicle impact and to guide the repair process. J.S. Held’s team conducted an on-site inspection of the impacted areas and was able to trace the path and force of the vehicle impact, allowing the team to identify the most affected structural zones and prioritize areas for further investigation.
During this inspection, a load path analysis was used in understanding how the collision energy traveled through the structure, guiding the repair recommendations accordingly. We documented and interpreted cracks and finish separations throughout the home to distinguish between cosmetic and structural indicators. This allowed us to assess whether the observed damage was consistent with the reported impact or potentially pre-existing. We advised a repair strategy targeting only the components directly affected by the impact, minimizing unnecessary work while ensuring the structural safety and integrity of the residence.
David Drengenberg
Area Lead
Forensic Architecture & Engineering
+1 708 312 4872
[email protected]
> Structural Engineering
Our team is composed of civil and structural engineers who specialize in forensic investigations, repair scopes, code upgrade/compliance evaluations, and repair plans. We provide detailed forensic analysis of property and infrastructure damage by leveraging our understanding of the built environment and the impact of wind, water, fire, deterioration, construction defects, and outside forces.
> Forensic Engineering
J.S. Held’s forensic engineering experts include civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, geotechnical, and biomechanical engineers. Our forensic engineering analyses address what happened, why it happened, when the incident occurred, extent of damage, repairability, and applicable code upgrade/compliance requirements.