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For carriers, independent adjusters and restoration contractors. Sheldon Gibbs, P.E., has investigated hurricane, wind, water, fire and settlement losses for more than 13 years, with findings written for the claim file and defended in court when a claim is disputed.
What caused the damage, and when. An objective engineering opinion on whether observed damage results from the reported event or from age, wear, deterioration, construction defects or prior conditions.
What was damaged, how badly, and what the repair requires. A defined, documented scope that adjusters, contractors and owners can price and build from.
When a claim is disputed, the engineer who inspected the loss explains the findings. Appraisal, mediation, deposition and trial support.
Engineering answers before demolition and sealed documentation after. Get the scope right the first time and keep the carrier, the building official and the owner aligned.
Assignments accepted from carriers, independent adjusting firms, third-party administrators, restoration contractors, property owners and counsel, across Florida's east coast from Nassau to Brevard County and statewide, including after major storms.
Claim details, date of loss, prior reports and photographs, reviewed before the site visit.
Sheldon inspects every property personally, documenting conditions with photographs and measurements.
Observed damage compared against the reported event, weather data, building age and construction.
Cause and origin opinion, extent of damage and repair recommendations in a clear, defensible format.
Answers for the adjuster, contractor or counsel, and testimony if the claim is contested.
Cause and origin answers what caused the damage and where it started, such as wind, water intrusion, settlement or deterioration. Extent of damage answers what was damaged, how badly, and what the repair requires. Most claims need both, and we document both in one sealed report.
Yes. That is the core of a cause and origin investigation. We compare the observed damage with the reported event, weather data, building age and construction to give an objective opinion.
Both. We are engaged by carriers, independent adjusters, restoration contractors, owners and counsel. The opinion follows the evidence, not the party who engaged us.
Often, yes. Building departments and carriers frequently require an engineer's assessment or sealed repair letter for structural repairs after a loss. We provide the assessment, the repair direction and a post-repair certification letter when the work is complete.
Jacksonville and Florida's east coast from Fernandina Beach to Palm Bay, covering Duval, Nassau, Baker, Clay, St. Johns, Flagler, Volusia and Brevard Counties, with cause and origin and expert witness assignments statewide.
Send the claim number, date of loss and property address. Sheldon will confirm availability, usually within one business day.
