Forensic Structural Engineering
When structures fail, leak, or fall short of code, our forensic investigations identify root causes, quantify damage, and chart a clear, defensible path to resolution.

- Scope
- Investigation & Expert Reports
- License
- Licensed CA PE
- Quote
- Free, within 24 hrs
- Delivery
- 2–3 week plan sets
What we handle
Structural failures rarely happen without warning, but the signs aren't always obvious. Oaktown Engineers brings a methodical, evidence-based approach to forensic investigations, combining field observation with structural analysis to uncover the true cause of distress. Whether supporting litigation, guiding an insurance claim, or developing a rehabilitation design, our findings are thoroughly documented and defensible. We help clients understand what went wrong, hold the right parties accountable, and engineer a reliable fix.
- Failure Investigation
- Water Intrusion Investigation
- Structural Assessment
- Construction Defects
- Code Compliance
- Rehabilitation Design
- Litigation Support
- Emergency Response
How the work runs
Failure & Distress Investigation
Cracked foundations, sagging framing, and settlement all tell a story. We combine site observation, material review, and structural analysis to determine why a structure is underperforming, then document findings in a clear, defensible report.
Construction Defect & Litigation Support
Our engineers provide independent, objective analysis for construction-defect claims and litigation. We prepare exhibits, offer expert opinions, and stand behind our conclusions with rigorous engineering.
Rehabilitation Design
Diagnosing the problem is only half the job. We design the repair, from foundation underpinning to framing reinforcement, so the structure is restored to full, code-compliant capacity.
Service area
- Oakland
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Bay Area
Questions we hear
Can you serve as an expert witness in litigation?
Yes. Our licensed engineers provide expert analysis, reports, and testimony for construction-defect and structural-failure litigation.
How quickly can you respond to an emergency?
For urgent structural concerns we offer prompt emergency response. Call (341) 221-1747 and we'll prioritize your assessment.
Send the drawings. We'll take it from there.
Plans, photos, or a plain description of the problem. A licensed CA PE reviews it and returns a free quote within 24 business hours.



