Forensic Evaluation and Testing of Existing Site Conditions Related to a Personal Injury Claim

Abstract

During the construction of an order fulfillment center located in Colorado, a jobsite worker claimed he was injured when he touched a handrail installed at a staircase shortly after the pipe welding operation was complete. In addition to a burn to the hand, the worker also alleged injuries to his back due to jerking quickly to withdraw his hand from the rail and twisting his body in a manner that aggravated his lower back. After the incident, the claimant filed a lawsuit alleging negligence for the welder’s failure to adequately demarcate and restrict access to the hot work area. A forensic engineering company was hired to re-create and analyze the site conditions, review the information provided, and determine to a reasonable degree of engineering probability the validity of the claimant’s allegations in relation to the potential for temperature ranges likely at the time of the accident.