Forensic Engineering

Engineering Expert Witness & Forensic Engineering Services | Bonneau Dickson, PE

When a pipe fails, a septic system backs up, or stormwater tears through a property, someone has to answer the question everyone’s asking: what actually went wrong? That’s where I come in. I am Bonneau Dickson, PE, a licensed sanitary engineer based in Berkeley, CA. I have worked independently since 1993, helping attorneys, insurance professionals, and property owners get real answers to water, wastewater, and sewage disputes.

Who I Help and Why It Matters

Are you an attorney building a case? An adjuster reviewing a claim? A homeowner trying to figure out who’s on the hook for a costly water problem? Either way, you need someone who can break down the technical details in plain English. That’s where I come in. As an engineering litigation consultant, I turn complex engineering facts into clear findings that can hold up in court or during a claims review.

What Does an Engineering Failure Investigation Expert Actually Do?

Simply put, I get to the root of the problem. I dig into the evidence, check maintenance records, inspect the site, and determine why something failed. My forensic engineering expert witness work typically covers:

• Septic tank and leach field failures
• Sewage backups into homes and buildings
• Pump station and sewer pipe breakdowns
• Water distribution system problems
• Wastewater-related mold and water damage
• Septic system disclosure disputes in real estate deals

I have worked on more than 100 cases involving water, wastewater, and stormwater. So chances are, I’ve seen something like your problem before.

How Does Environmental Litigation Support Work?

As an environmental engineering expert witness, I don’t just look at the damage. I ask what caused it in the first place. Was it a design flaw? Poor maintenance? Something else?

To find out, I review documents, talk to the people involved, and pull everything together into a clear technical summary for your legal team. This kind of environmental litigation expert support helps everyone understand the facts early. That can save real time and money down the road.

What Makes Me a Trusted Forensic Water Engineer?

Here’s the thing: my engineering consulting background isn’t just book knowledge. I’ve actually designed and managed real infrastructure. Think water lines, sewers, pump stations, and wells. I’ve also handled project management and construction oversight firsthand.

That experience gives me a practical understanding of how these systems are supposed to work. It also helps me identify where; and why; they didn’t.

My Process: How I Work With You

1. Initial Review: First, I look at the case details, documents, and photos you send me.
2. Site Investigation: If needed, I visit the property to check the system in person.
3. Technical Analysis: Next, I pinpoint the root cause using sound engineering evidence.
4. Clear Reporting: Then, I write up my findings in plain language that your team, and the court, can follow.
5. Expert Testimony: Finally, I am prepared to testify and explain my findings clearly, even under tough questioning.

Why Choose Bonneau Dickson, PE?

I have over 25 years of forensic and expert witness experience. I also have a strong background in sanitary and wastewater engineering, along with a track record of turning complex technical disputes into clear, straightforward answers.

As an engineering insurance claims expert, I understand what adjusters and attorneys need to evaluate a claim efficiently and fairly.

Got a Case That Needs Real Answers?

Dealing with a water, sewage, or wastewater dispute? Don’t guess at the cause. Contact Bonneau Dickson, PE today to schedule a consultation. Get clear, experienced engineering answers you can trust!

Frequently Asked Questions