Expert Opinion in Construction Disputes
When parties in a construction contract fail to agree, the dispute may go to adjudication, arbitration or litigation, although many disputes are settled without formal proceedings. In such an event, an independent opinion from an expert witness architect helps the court or tribunal understand the technical issues.
The primary duty of the expert is to provide impartial evidence based on facts. An expert witness is appointed either by one party or as a single joint expert; an expert adviser advises one party privately and does not give evidence. Either way, the expert's input helps the parties understand the technical issues, and the evidence helps the judge come to a decision.
Expert Adviser
An expert adviser, sometimes called a shadow expert, is instructed privately by one party to help it understand the technical issues in a dispute. An expert adviser does not give evidence to the court, but can help that party and its solicitors weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of the case.
In litigation, the expert witness's overriding duty is to help the court on matters within their expertise, and this duty overrides any obligation to the party instructing or paying them. In arbitration, the expert owes the same duty of independence to the tribunal.
Party-Appointed Expert
Single Joint Expert
Expert Adviser
Professional Negligence
Payment Disputes
Boundary Disputes
Party Wall Matters
Construction Defects
Reports for Court
An Expert Witness Since 1992
As an expert witness in construction disputes since 1992, we have secured an excellent reputation in the South of England and other parts of the country. William Bates is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, The Academy of Experts and The Society of Expert Witnesses, so we understand what is required to meet the legal duties of an expert witness. Whether he is instructed by the claimant, the defendant or both parties jointly, his evidence is independent and his duty is to the court.
Mr Bates has particular experience in claims of professional negligence and disputes over professional fees between the architect and the client. He is a recognised expert witness and has been appointed in different dispute cases throughout England and Wales.
He appears on the RIBA list of architect expert witnesses and has been appointed to assist the Architects Registration Board (ARB) with claims made against architects. His experience includes the High Court (Technology and Construction Court), as well as formal and informal hearings and mediations.
Instruct an Expert Witness Architect
William Bates can be appointed as a party expert or as a single joint expert in construction disputes, including professional negligence claims, payment disputes and party wall matters.
Our expert witness architect services are available throughout Sussex, Kent, Surrey and London, with work across England and Wales. Call 01435 812973 to discuss your case.
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