Construction Dispute Resolution Support

Exponent's strategic claims consultants can support you through the entire litigation lifecycle, delivering continuity in the fact-finding process to connect claims to cost and schedule overruns across different types of construction disputes. We work with our clients to prepare expert reports for use in various dispute resolution settings or provide expert testimony supported by compelling, fact-based visual displays that communicate complex subject matter. Our approach to claims analysis and preparation provides independent, objective expert insights for project assessments and claim disputes.

Exponent offers extensive experience in the preparation and analysis of as-planned and as-built schedules, as well as other court-accepted delay methodologies, for a wide variety of project types and sizes. We perform schedule delay analyses in both contemporaneous and "after-the-fact" situations for clients who need to determine what delayed their project and for how long, with specialties in quantifying construction-related inefficiencies and disruptions. Our experts also review contemporaneous project records, independently assess previously documented project issues, and effectively present the results in reports and demonstrative exhibits. 

Damages during a construction project can range from simple accumulation of material costs to complex analyses of the disruption impact of multiple change orders. Determining the nature and extent of damage, as well as the associated expenses incurred during a construction project, requires a deep understanding of engineering and construction processes along with damage and quantum expertise. Exponent's experience includes the preparation and review of additional-cost claims, inefficiency claims, extended and additional overhead claims, and lost opportunity costs, as well as the effect of a project on the business as a whole. Analysis of these items, performed in multiple approaches to fit the specific situation, is a core service of Exponent's construction consulting practice.

Exponent provides owners, contractors, designers, and vendors with extensive international arbitration support for complex construction challenges and disputes. Our established testifying experts have international experience in high-profile matters and high-stakes litigation. We provide critical analysis based on science, data, and other available evidence, giving you the information you need to support claims and arbitration proceedings anywhere in the world.

Today's construction managers rely on sophisticated data management software to help them plan, schedule, and monitor their projects. When disputes arise, identifying, collecting, and analyzing information gathered in these electronic formats requires specialized skills. Exponent's consultants are experienced with the latest construction software and data, and they understand how that electronic information is used to support or refute construction claims. Our multidisciplinary teams have extensive construction litigation and expert testimony experience, including claims research, analysis and reporting, document preparation, and trial assistance.

The construction project lifecycle has many nuances and variables that can influence projects, even leading to disputes among project stakeholders. One of the most effective ways to reduce project risk is to establish best practices and procedures for project controls. Exponent advises clients on management-, cost-, and schedule-related procedures to reduce risk and avoid claims. Backed by a depth of expertise and experience in construction, we can integrate a number of measures on behalf of project stakeholders to avoid or mitigate typical issues that can lead to disputes and claims on a project.

Exponent consultants perform thorough investigations into claims of construction fraud — from misappropriating funds or billing for unperformed work to stealing equipment and materials or manipulating change orders — and provide litigation support and expert witness testimony as appropriate. To help clients improve their project performance, our experienced professionals conduct regular audits and financial assessments through the lifecycle of a project and at project close-out. Our experts apply their many years of audit and project management experience to identify budget issues and prevent abuse.