Failure analysis consulting is the application of laboratory testing, calculations, and computer modeling to determine how or why a failure occurred. In fire litigation, "failure" might mean ignition, explosion, loss of structural stability, or more conventional failures such as failure of occupant notification devices (smoke detectors, smoke alarms) or fire suppression systems. Our failure analysis experts can assist with determining the factors that led to failure. As related to fire litigation, failure analysis experts are often requested to determine whether a particular material or product (e.g., laptop computers, batteries, heaters, electronic devices, etc.) could cause ignition under certain circumstances. Equally as important is whether the failure mode observed in the laboratory is consistent with forensic evidence. For cases where a failure occurred, laboratory testing can be used to assess whether certain conditions could have led to this failure.

For additional information on failure analysis, please contact one of our failure analysis experts.

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