75 Construction & Engineering Awards 2020 BUILD Best Forensic Engineering Consultancy- North Atlantic USA ames Cohen has made a name for himself supporting some of the largest and most wellrespected companies in the construction and engineering market over the last 40 years. As a leading expert in engineering forensics, he has helped put cases to rest with his witness testimony and expert consultancy. Through his company, James Cohen Consulting, Mr Cohen helps clients to develop, manage and handle building pathology. He has lent his expertise to insurers, construction and design firms, local, state and federal governments, and law firms. Mr Cohen’s services include expert-level forensic engineering support both post-and-pre claim, as well as witness testimony. He has aided with engineering investigations, repair, buildingrelated insurance claims, emergency response, disaster and hazard mitigation, due diligence and expert requests. An expert on the matter through and through, Mr Cohen has been a guest speaker at colleges, legal forums and many other venues, and also taught at Manhattan College, New York as an adjunct professor. During this time, he taught a graduate-level class on forensic engineering: ‘Introduction to Engineering Investigations’. Even after his teaching days, James Cohen continues to be a mentor. In an effort to share his knowledge and expertise with a wide range of industry peers and up-and-coming engineers and experts, he has acted as a mentor to others and provided his time to multiple organisations interested in the forensic engineering universe. He has a wide network of contacts worldwide, sharing his information and experience. Currently, Mr Cohen is working with multiple large clients, including city governments. One case involves construction defect issues arising from a building restoration with specific regard to roofing whereas another involves wrongful demolition. Among other projects are alleged masonry and stone façade construction defects on behalf of a national construction firm, personal injury claims, and damage due to adjacent construction. Of course, as the majority of his cases involve litigation, the confidentiality of clients and locations is strictly maintained. When looking at a case, Mr Cohen takes a holistic approach. From disaster mitigation to major collapse, to a specific construction defect, for all assignments it is essential to consider multiple scenarios which may have contributed to the issue of concern. Often, as the leading expert called in to analyse and scrutinise evidence and its relationship to engineering, Mr Cohen has to make sure he has covered all bases. In terms of practical work, the current global situation has of course impacted the way that business is done. Where applicable, Mr Cohen has moved his business to the digital. Zoom, GoToMeeting and similar platforms have become part of the daily routine. However, it is imperative that site work be carried out in-person. When dealing with matters of litigation, it is vital that Mr Cohen gets first-hand experience of the situation he will be providing his expertise on. Luckily, in the majority of cases following simple protection processes, such as using the requisite PPE and distancing, has been enough to ensure safety while letting him carry out his investigations as normal. As such, the virus has had little effect on Mr Cohen’s ability to complete projects on time and to his clients’ full satisfaction. Looking ahead, we can expect great things from Mr Cohen. He plans to drive James Cohen Consultancy to even greater heights through alternate dispute resolutions. This will include DRBs, Owner’s Representation, international assistance in mitigation and resolution of construction defect claims. While the firm’s website is currently under construction, it will showcase his accomplishments, his knowledge, and his expertise to an even wider array of clients in the future. Contact: James Cohen, PE Company: James Cohen Consulting Email: [email protected] J When things go wrong and litigation ensues, you need the dependable, knowledgeable, experienced witness testimony of a professional. James Cohen, of James Cohen Consulting, is one such outstanding expert, helping to shine a light on judicial cases involving engineering and construction work. Aug20664
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