Case Studies
J.S. Held Acquires Shechter & Everett to Expand Forensic Accounting Capabilities for Family Law Disputes in Florida
Read MoreA tornado severely damaged a large cotton gin facility in South Georgia, causing wind and debris impact damage to eight different structures. The large, steel-framed cotton gin building housed very expensive equipment and ended up collapsing and impacting the equipment inside. The event and loss of the cotton gin facility made the local news as it affected the local economy and resulted in the loss of jobs for people in the area. The collapse of the cotton gin building also caused damage by impact and displacement of some gin equipment, which was located on elevated support structures and was left supporting collapsed portions of the building.
J.S. Held’s Forensic Architecture & Engineering team quickly reported to the property to inspect the damaged structures, some of which were undergoing emergency repairs. Our team identified the damage and provided conceptual repair guidance for each structure. We also identified dangerous conditions with the instability of the collapsed cotton gin building. Workers operating inside and underneath large steel framing were in danger of further collapse. We informed the owner that an immediate building evacuation was prudent to prevent injuries or death. Following the structural engineering work, our Equipment Consulting team evaluated the gin equipment slated for a full replacement. We quickly identified the right experts, guided our client (an insurance carrier) through the repair/replacement process, and determined mitigation measures to protect undamaged equipment units and prevent further damage during repairs. Our collaborative efforts provided our client with clear directives that helped resolve the claim efficiently.
> Structural Engineering
Our team is composed of civil and structural engineers who specialize in forensic investigations, repair scopes, code upgrade/compliance evaluations, and repair plans. We provide detailed forensic analysis of property and infrastructure damage by leveraging our understanding of the built environment and the impact of wind, water, fire, deterioration, construction defects, and outside forces.
> Equipment Consulting - Industrial
We provide high quality technical assistance in the evaluation of industrial equipment and systems. Our team has been called upon across the globe to deliver objective and independent analyses based on years of industry experience, technical expertise, and market knowledge.
> Equipment Damage & Failure Analysis
We investigate the cause of equipment and system failures at industrial and commercial facilities and determine the scope of damage caused by such failures or severe weather events. Our team has performed and managed multidisciplinary investigations into the cause and scope of damage of large and complex losses around the globe.
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