TOPIC: Expert Witness or Litigation Consultant

Dana, as far as I'm concerned, to me being an expert witness for homes in a legal case is not much different than being an inspector of homes, which is giving your opinion from knowledge, experience and expertise. I am glad you started this thread, but I  don't have my door being knocked down w/ requests for the expert witness deal. I have mentioned my availability for it to my attorney and asked him to mention it to his buddy attorneys. Do you have any great ideas for getting expert witness leads- sign me up.
What does CYA and CV initials in your original post mean.

Dana, as far as I'm concerned, to me being an expert witness for homes in a legal case is not much different than being an inspector of homes, which is giving your opinion from knowledge, experience and expertise. I am glad you started this thread, but I  don't have my door being knocked down w/ requests for the expert witness deal. I have mentioned my availability for it to my attorney and asked him to mention it to his buddy attorneys. Do you have any great ideas for getting expert witness leads- sign me up.
What does CYA and CV initials in your original post mean.

Hi Joe,
I basically just got the idea to pursue this line of work after reading some threads on InspectionNews.  As they say, "Success happens when preparedness and opportunity come together."

I did a Thermal infrared inspection for a client that was going after her landlord for not fixing a plumbing leak in her unit and saying it was her fault.  (I documented that the leak was coming from inside the wall and it was not anything she had done.)
Since I had been reading about it, the concept was there in my mind when she called. She said that her lawyer was going to be there, so I was prepared in advance.  I jumped on the internet and did a quick study, knocked together an 8 page "Litigation Consultant" agreement and handed it to the attorney when I saw her. That attorney said that this case would settle the next day so she would not need my services "this time" but she would keep me in her files for future work.  She ended up referring me to another attorney who did retain me for a different case about two weeks later.  So bottom line, I just "fell into it" sort of. I was ready to strike while the iron was hot! Cha ching!!

CV means Curriculum Vitae which is sort of like a Resume` but a little different.  It lists your experience history, your qualifications, any rewards and honors you may have received related to your field, any publication you have written for etc. Look it up on Google to get an idea. (I happen to do a lot of writing and have a published book on Amazon)

CYA means "cover your ass" LOL
Dana

I gave testimony/appeared on behalf of plaintiff a few times in 2010.. it seemed by magic they knew of a case I gave testimony on over 8 years ago for the City Attorney in a Civil Fraud suit... a contractor *did* the work (veeeerrrry loose term) and it soon after fell apart. In the end, not much happened, it's tough to prove someone had intentions to do a bad job before they did it.

As just about everyone you peg has a heart on their sleeve for you , the laws in CA are "funky" about folks like us. I generally won't get involved unless it's something I feel strongly enough about to ride the elevator down with the defendant (different topic). There's really no such thing as easy money...to perform this service is deserving of commensurate wages as you're not making friends. For the most part, I'm as comfortable as a fish in water appearing, I just have little desire to do so. The current state of our economy in this fine state of CA, leaves the blood-suckers quite plentiful... I'm just as happy to keep my distance until the smoke clears a bit and people's common sense returns.

In regards to disclaimers... Quite frankly, when a superior court judge asks you questions and you become "selectively forgetful", you may have different problems altogether. Think Fast Track Superior Court... and having a knowledgeable judge querying you on some items. Having dealt with a few fine officers of the court who were as knowledgeable about expansive soils conditions and adverse grading conditions as anyone I've spoke with. If they knew me from before... then I said "I dunno"... I don't think that would fly too well.

I probably sound like a downer, if so it's because many of the phone calls I receive anymore in regards to my expert witness services, have little merit. It's just another facet of extortion of funds from someone... a cycle I currently don't wish to endorse.

I hear ya Tim.  I intend to be selective as well.  Not into the trash the other inspector routine.  It can have some pretty long lasting consequences outside of court.
 
This happens to be a "slumlord" case. Having been a renter myself at times, I can understand how frustrating it can be.  I have no problem holding their feet to the fire when they deserve it.  These guys are just trying to get the landlord to perform and abide by the existing housing code. They are not seeking damages, just fair treatment.
Dana

How's life in the high desert?

Hi Dana,

Life is pretty good, thanks!

Those types of things are my personal favorite... something I can sink my teeth into.


Be good!