Report type 2
Forensic Report
A thorough forensic investigation for matters where the issues are complex, disputed, or where a defensible expert opinion is required. Covers causation, claim file review, disputed works, poor workmanship, and any matter requiring a forensic building consultant's opinion.
When a Basic Causation Report is not enough
A Basic Causation Report works well for straightforward claims — where the cause is apparent from documents and photographs alone. A Forensic Report goes further. It is the appropriate instruction for any matter that requires a site inspection, detailed reasoning, or a defensible expert opinion: a disputed causation, a claim file review, an allegation of poor or defective works, a repair dispute, or any other matter where the issues cannot be resolved from documents alone. The Forensic Report is Meridian's primary investigative product and is prepared to the ICA Use of Expert Reports: Industry Best Practice Standard.
Basic Causation Report
Includes one site inspection of up to 2 hours. Suitable for straightforward claims where the cause is reasonably apparent. Learn more
Forensic Report
Site inspection included as standard; desktop only on request. For any matter requiring a thorough, defensible forensic opinion — causation, claim file review, disputed works, poor workmanship, and more.
When to instruct a Forensic Report
Disputed causation
The cause of damage is disputed by the insured, a third party, or a repairer, and competing theories need to be investigated and addressed.
Claim file review
A forensic review of the building evidence on the claim file, and whether it supports the cause and scope decided.
Disputed or poor works
Building works are alleged to be defective, incomplete, or not in accordance with the contract, and an independent forensic opinion is needed.
Repair disputes
The conduct or quality of a repair is in dispute, and an independent forensic assessment of the building work is required.
Complex or high-value matters
The matter is complex, high-value, or likely to proceed to litigation or formal dispute resolution, and a thorough, defensible expert opinion is required from the outset.
Any forensic building question
Any matter requiring the opinion of a forensic building consultant that goes beyond a desktop causation review — if in doubt, a Forensic Report is the appropriate instruction.
What happens on site
Physical examination
A thorough physical examination of the building, the damage, and the surrounding context. Labelled photographs are taken throughout.
Moisture and material testing
Where relevant, moisture readings, material sampling, or other on-site testing is conducted to support the forensic opinion.
Contextual assessment
The site, the building's age and condition, the surrounding environment, and any relevant maintenance history are assessed in context.
Document review on site
Documents, photographs, and other materials provided by the instructing party are reviewed against the physical evidence observed on site.
How the report is structured
What is included
- One site inspection of up to 3 hours, with labelled photographs, unless instructed as desktop only
- Review of documents and photographs provided
- Forensic opinion with detailed reasoning
- Repair methodology where requested
- Signed report on the Meridian Forensic Report template
Not included: Scope of works or cost estimate, unless a Scope and Quotation Review is also instructed.
Who instructs a Forensic Report
Insurers
Where causation is disputed, a claim file review is required, or a defensible expert opinion is needed before a claim decision is made, or in a dispute.
Loss adjusters
Where the matter requires a site inspection and detailed forensic reasoning beyond what a desktop review can provide.
Insurance builders
Where works are disputed, an independent forensic opinion on the building work or the cause of damage is needed.
Construction and insurance lawyers
Where a matter is proceeding to litigation or formal dispute resolution and a thorough, defensible forensic opinion is required from the outset.
Instruct a Forensic Report
Send us the matter details and we will confirm scope, fee and availability by return.