A surge in natural gas production sparked increased competition for blending butane into gasoline, and a competitor who established operations upstream in the value chain displaced an existing blender. To help resolve the resultant dispute, Baker & O’Brien developed a comprehensive economic model of a butane blending business, discounting the projected cash flows to calculate the net present value. Our analysis was summarized in two expert reports and used in commercial damages claims and settlement negotiations.

While erecting a scaffold at a power plant, a scaffolder made a tragic mistake when he opened the electrical panel door protecting energized high-voltage equipment. We identified the applicable electrical generation regulations, industry standards, responsibilities of independent contractors, and individual human factors to determine the incident’s cause and responsibilities. Our expert report of opinions was used to negotiate a settlement.

A refiner claimed that certain plant process technology upgrades provided by its technology licensor—who was also its engineering, procurement, and construction firm—did not meet the contracted performance guarantees. Baker & O’Brien was engaged to assess the modified process unit performance vis-à-vis the contracted basis, any incremental performance operating costs, and the rectification cost. We set out our analysis and opinions in an expert report and provided deposition testimony.