Service

Accident / Incident Investigation

The first step in plugging a leak is finding it. Through objective analysis, reports, and expert testimony, our expertise in cause and origin incident investigation puts our clients in a better position.

Case Studies

Do Not Open the Electrical Panel Door

January 29, 2024

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.

Allocating Environmental Remediation Costs for an Old Refinery Site

January 29, 2024

A comprehensive environmental site remediation was required for a refinery storage facility and pipeline corridor, but there was an ongoing dispute about which parties were responsible for the clean-up cost. Baker & O’Brien was engaged to review the approaches to allocating the total remediation costs among several potentially liable parties and conduct cost modeling and allocation analyses. Our consultant prepared an expert report and provided deposition testimony.

Swiss Cheese and an Oil Tank Incident

October 30, 2023

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.