Door and Gate Experts – FAQs

Hiring a qualified expert is essential in most lawsuits, mediations, arbitrations and insurance cases.  We are true experts with many years of experience, so we can help explain complex door and gate installation, repair, mechanical, electrical, and safety issues in a way that lay people such as judges, juries, insurance professionals and attorneys can understand. Expert analysis can clarify why a failure occurred, determine causes and whether safety standards were followed, and who may be responsible.

A credible expert witness should have years and even decades of industry experience, engineering or technical credentials, leadership roles within industry organizations, and direct involvement with safety standards committees such as UL 325, ASTM, DASMA, IDA and IDEA. Learn more about our credentials on the About Us page.

These services are commonly used in door and gate cases:

• Personal injury and wrongful death cases
• Product liability claims
• Wind damage claims
• Contractor negligence disputes
• Insurance claim investigations
• Premises liability lawsuits

A site inspection may include investigating  and observing the site, photographing equipment, taking measurements, reviewing installation and maintenance records, testing operation and safety features, and in general documenting the site and physical evidence. The goal is to preserve evidence and determine compliance with applicable standards.

Timelines vary based on our degree of involvement and the case complexity.  Most cases and projects include an initial consultation, document review, site inspection, analysis, and a written report / declaration / affidavit, etc..  These tasks can be completed within several weeks, but many cases may take much longer.

Expert reports often reference rules such as building codes, ANSI, UL 325, ASTM, DASMA, OSHA, IDA, IDEA, BHMA, etc.  We have a large library of rules documents, such as manufacturer installation instructions, certification materials, and recognized industry best practices for doors and automated gate systems.

Yes. Our expert witnesses are available for depositions, hearings, mediations, arbitrations and courtroom testimony and are experienced in presenting technical findings in a clear, professional manner.

Yes. Written reports typically include background information, inspection findings, photographic evidence, technical analysis, and expert opinions suitable for litigation and settlement discussions.

A consultation provides early case insight and feasibility analysis. A full engagement includes many activities such as inspections, reporting, discovery support, and testimony. Attorneys often start with a consultation to determine next steps.  We do not charge for reasonable up-front consultations.

Our experts document evidence using detailed photography, measurements, and written notes. We often make recommendations for evidence preservation, especially when components require further examination to preserve critical information before changes or repairs occur.

“Codes” or rules often relate to safety.  But the written rules in the door and gate industry are typically only “minimum” requirements.  But safety should never be optional.  Manufacturers, suppliers, installers and door/gate technicians are required to work with property owners and managers to decide what is required in a particular application.  For example, many doors and gates are for vehicles only, so there may be a problem if used by pedestrians, motorcycles, bicycles, etc., which have special restrictions, requirements and provisions. 

NOTE:  Meeting minimum code does not always eliminate liability. Expert analysis evaluates the application,  installation, maintenance/repair history, operating conditions, and whether additional safety measures were required or reasonably expected.

Negligence is evaluated by comparing the work performed against manufacturer instructions, industry standards, and accepted professional practices at the time of installation or service. Our experts are very familiar with the rules and practices for all types of doors and gates.

Early expert involvement helps lawyers to properly preserve evidence, decide on parties to lawsuits, craft the most useful discovery questions, identify strengths and weaknesses, and improve settlement positioning before critical information is lost.

Common clients include:

• Law firms
• Insurance carriers
• Property owners and managers
• Manufacturers and contractors

Yes. Our experts try to speak in lay terms that can be understood by juries, judges, lawyers and others in each case.  In complex cases, technical terms are required for proper understanding, but good explanations and analogies are given.  Reports are written to be clear, well-structured, understandable and accessible to judges, juries, and attorneys without technical backgrounds.

When one of our experts is designated as the “lead expert,” they can help with case parties, discovery questions, choosing other experts, and so forth.  Our expert have decades of hands-on industry experience, leadership roles in national trade organizations, and active involvement in safety standards development. Learn more on the Door and Gate Expert Services page.

Yes. Expert analysis is often used to determine cause of losses, evaluation of compliance with rules, and resolution of coverage or liability disputes involving doors and gates.

You can request services by reaching out through the Contact page to schedule a confidential consultation and case review.

Yes. Door and gate expert witness services are available nationwide and support cases across residential, commercial, and industrial settings.