Expert civil engineers in the construction field have great deal of responsibilities in their job. They directly accountable for the management and planning when it comes to construction dams, reservoirs, buildings, railroads, bridges, and highways. Not only do they assist in designing but they also participate in estimating costs, planning, scheduling, obtaining materials, choosing equipment used, and controlling costs.

However, there is a huge difference between an expert consultant and an expert witness. A consultant may be any person whom a client relies on to be especially well-informed and reliable for assisting with the technical sections of a problem. The recognition and work of the expert consultant may or may not be revealed to the other parties in the legal action unless and until it is finally decided that he or she will be an expert witness. This particular decision is made by the legal team based on the opinion hold by the consultants, the legitimacy of that opinion, the strength of his or her expected testimony, and, as the bottom line, the value of the testimony to the accomplishment of the case.

The work of an expert witness engineers is not much different from examining and reporting on any building project. The legal procedures for the examination are similar to that of any other professional work, requiring precision, knowledge and good reasoning capability. Once the engineer is faced up to the rules of the legal profession, he or she must be aware of the additional rules of forensic activities. This does not modify the general procedures for engineering work, but even makes it imperative to know the conduct and performance of an experienced witness.

It is a must that an expert witness engineers must possess work experience, advanced technical degrees, and certifications in many disciplines and sub disciplines as well including Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Welding, and Corrosion. Among other qualifications, expert witnesses must also specialize in:

Identify defects or evidence of maltreatment

Finding out physical, chemical or mechanical of materials

Helping in subrogation claims

Developing protocols for precision evidence analysis

Determining requirement compliance

Giving detailed and impressive deposition and trial testimony

High-end instrumentation and qualified proficiency

Overall, it is believed that the truthful expert witness is the most valuable and necessary professional in the resolution of claims.