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Engineering expert witness and litigation support
When a case turns on why something failed or whether work met the standard of care, you need an engineer who has designed it, inspected it and overseen it being built. Sheldon Gibbs, P.E., brings nearly 30 years of field and design experience and more than 13 years of forensic work to construction and property disputes.
Matters we handle
For plaintiff and defense counsel, insurers and adjusters. Deposition and trial testimony experience in Florida circuit court.
- Construction defect. Condominium, HOA, residential and light commercial.
- Condominium structural disputes. Milestone inspection, SIRS and repair-scope disagreements.
- Concrete and balcony failures. Spalling, corrosion and post-tension issues.
- Building envelope and water intrusion. Windows, roofing, waterproofing and manufacturing defects.
- Foundation settlement and structural damage. Cause, timing and repair.
- Seawall, bulkhead and retaining wall failures. Design, construction and maintenance causes.
- Insurance coverage disputes. Cause and origin and extent of damage for hurricane, wind, water, fire and settlement claims.
- Standard of care. Engineering, inspection and contractor performance.
- Chapter 558 pre-suit notices. Defect evaluation and response support.
- Developer turnover claims. Documentation for associations and their counsel.
How an engagement works
A conflict check is completed before any substantive discussion. CV, testimony list, references and fee schedule are available upon request.
Conflict check and early case evaluation
A confidential review of documents and photos to tell you whether the engineering supports the claim or the defense.
Site investigation
Documented field investigation, with testing, coring or sampling coordinated where the case requires it.
Expert report
Clear findings on cause, responsibility and repair cost, written for the record and for a lay reader.
Rebuttal and peer review
Critical review of opposing experts' methods, data and conclusions.
Testimony
Deposition, trial, mediation and arbitration, with findings explained plainly and defended carefully.
Questions attorneys ask
Do you work for plaintiffs or defendants?
Both. Sheldon has been retained by plaintiff and defense counsel and has given deposition and trial testimony in Florida circuit court.
What do you need to evaluate a case?
Party names for a conflict check, a short description of the matter, and whatever you have: photographs, reports, plans, contracts and correspondence. Early case evaluation is confidential.
Do you handle Chapter 558 construction defect matters?
Yes. We evaluate claimed defects, document causes and repair scope, and support counsel through Florida's Chapter 558 pre-suit notice and response process.
Where do you take engagements?
Throughout Florida. Sheldon is based in Jacksonville and is licensed as a Professional Engineer in Florida and Michigan.
Is a CV available?
Yes. A current CV, testimony list, references and fee schedule are available upon request.
Have a matter that needs an engineer?
Call, or send a brief description with party names so we can run a conflict check. All inquiries are confidential.