Litigation Support/Expert Testimony
EnviroSense's litigation support / expert testimony services consist of providing technical support to attorneys handling environmental cases. In these types of cases, our philosophy is to work closely with counsel to provide superior quality, exceptionally responsive, cost-effective, and strategic environmental consulting both for them and their clients. Our focus is to maintain honesty and objectivity while establishing and analyzing the facts and opinions for a project or a case. We offer litigation support and expert testimony services in five areas:
- Third Party Review
- Discovery
- Expert Witness
- Trial
- Consulting Services
Third Party Review
EnviroSense assists attorneys in independently evaluating the scope of work, data, conclusions, and recommendations of other consultants' work. Typical work products we evaluate include work plans, site investigations, risk assessments, feasability studies, remedial action plans, and documents prepared in anticipation of litigation. As part of this service, EnviroSense will typically provide an evaluation of:
- The adequacy of, and adherence to, the scope of work and standard operating procedures;
- Data acquisition methods;
- Data reduction, validation, and evaluation methods;
- Calculations;
- Compliance with applicable regulatory requirements;
- The reliability and importance of conclusions and recommendations; and
- Proposed cost estimates and recommentaions for future work.
Discovery
EnviroSense recognizes that the volume of information generated during an environmental project can be tremendous and that counsel needs to concentrate on the information that is relevant to the case. In this respect, EnviroSense offers the following services for discovery:
- Identification of information to be requested during discovery;
- Identification, acquisition, and evaluation of existing information that is relevant to the theory for prosecution or defense of a case;
- Recommendations for timely methods to collect relevant data that do not exist;
- Identification of deponents;
- Assistance for counsel and experts in deposition preparation;
- Offering deposition testimony; and
- Indexing and organizing documents for rapid information retrieval in negotiations or court.
Expert Witness
The determination of when and why an expert is needed can be critical to a case. EnviroSense can assist counsel in making such determinations. We also understand that the selection of a qualified expert can be a time consuming and difficult task. EnviroSense can either provide highly qualified, credible experts or recommend technical experts with verified qualifications. Once selected, EnviroSense can assist counsel with the preparation of the expert, or manage a group of experts for a case. We are experienced at conveying complex, technical data in understandable terms for judges and juries. EnviroSense professionals are well skilled in their professions and possess a persuasive, confident attitude.
Trial
EnviroSense believes that a significant factor determining the outcome of a trial is each side's ability to convey highly technical information in an easily understandable manner. In addition, we recognize that as a trial progresses, counsel needs to be able to react quickly to developments in the case. In these respects, EnviroSense offers the following services:
- Preparation of technical exhibits including multi-dimensional graphics, computer animation, slides, aerial photographs, scaled models, and video tape presentations;
- Evaluations of testimony; and
- Development of strategies and lines of questioning based upon real-time responses during the opposition's testimony.
Consulting Services
EnviroSense also conducts and manages investigations to support environmental litigation when the acquisition of technical evidence is required. In this role, EnviroSense can:
- Identify contaminant source areas;
- Assess the nature and timing of a contaminant release;
- Identify potential responsible parties (PRPs) through document review or by conducting investigations;
- Identify critical technical issues; and
- Analyze the strengths and weaknessses of technical evidence.
Environmental litigation can be very time consuming. The professionals at EnviroSense are available to assist on case preparation and consultation, testimonial selection and information discovery among other litigation support services. A solid foundation prior to litigation can make a substantial difference, so if you are in need of consultation tenured with experience, contact EnviroSense to speak with an expert today.