Engineering for counsel

Snow and Ice Incident Investigations

HUB Engineering assists New York and New Jersey attorneys with the engineering questions behind snow and ice incidents. We examine site conditions, drainage, temperature changes and available maintenance evidence to evaluate possible ice-formation mechanisms.

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Reconstructing a changing surface

Ice conditions can change between the incident and an inspection. The analysis brings together available photographs, weather records, site geometry and maintenance records. The purpose is to evaluate what the evidence supports about the condition, rather than assume that all icy surfaces formed in the same way.

Drainage, melting and refreezing

Relevant questions may include where water originated, how it traveled, where it accumulated and how temperature changes affected it. Inspection and measurement can help explain the relationship between a property’s physical layout and the reported walking-surface condition.

Clear technical findings for counsel

HUB develops engineering opinions within the agreed scope and identifies uncertainties and missing evidence. The approved article Beyond “It Was Icy” illustrates investigation of two different ice-formation mechanisms.

Before an engagement

Questions from counsel

Can the incident be investigated after the ice has melted?

Potentially. Photographs, weather records, maintenance information and the physical site may support an analysis after the original condition has changed. HUB evaluates the available evidence and explains any limitations.

What records are useful?

Available incident photographs or video, incident timing, snow-removal and treatment records, maintenance records and relevant weather information can help focus the investigation.

Does the engineering analysis decide legal responsibility?

No. HUB addresses physical conditions and engineering mechanisms. Counsel evaluates the legal issues, and the court determines applicable legal questions.