Root Cause Forensic Science and Engineering (RCFSaE) is dedicated to the science of finding the cause. We assist clients through every stage, from primary investigation, loss adjusting, subrogation, litigation support, and to trial if needed. We believe strongly that decades of engineering experience, and a broad technical training are the best preparation for forensic engineering. Further, we believe strongly that losses in multidisciplinary systems, which include nearly all modern machinery, are best investigated using a systems approach. That approach starts with an on-site, hands-on leader with an extensive multidisciplinary training and experience — systems-level experience. Throwing a group of individually-competent engineers at a project without technical leadership could very well be how the system was created in the first place, and why the loss occurred. For example, take a system where the electrical and mechanical designs did not quite match. Either subsystem may look fine when examined on its own. This may lead to a lot of finger-pointing after the loss when it was two different subcontractors who contributed the mechanical and electrical subsystems. When examined as a system we might find there is a gap between them that only manifested in a particular circumstance along the chain of causation in a particular loss. Such gaps may arise anywhere in a system. The march from automatic to automated to computerized to "smart" has only added more layers of complexity to modern systems and machinery, and left more possible gaps. With more outsourcing at every level of production and operations, and the design of large installations spread over several companies if not countries and languages, we ask, has the need for a systems approach decreased or increased with time? We believe the time is right for a forensic company with a different approach, one that is not prone to the types or thinking that can cause losses. It is your project; it deserves the right start. Root Cause Forensic Science and Engineering will pull in only the staff, services and equipment your project needs so you are not paying to maintain what you do not require.
Root Cause Forensic Science and Engineering recognizes there is a level above good, competent and sufficient-for-the-task. It is our mission to meet that higher standard in forensic investigation, to bring experience and a surplus of technical competence to bear on your matter for the best results. It starts with competence from top to bottom, with additional competencies to spare for the unanticipated — to take advantage of unexpected opportunities.
Matthew J. Malone, B.A.Sc, M.A.Sc, P.Eng, C.Eng, CFEI, CFII
But you are only one guy? It is a team of one until the work requires it to be different. Then it is my philosophy, my team, with the numbers and composition needed.
Root Cause Forensic Science and Engineering is centrally located in the Toronto area, in Richmond Hill, Ontario near Yonge Street and Highway 407 for fast deployment to the greater Toronto area and beyond.
Practically speaking, for most clients, on large matters, the location of the company is not relevant. Much of the defense and product liability work is carried out years after the loss, hundreds of miles from the loss site, from one or more file boxes full of documents from Counsel including productions from all sides of the matter. Much of the other work is on losses so valuable and technically complex, it requires technical expertise that is typically flown in to the loss site examination anyway.
Root Cause Forensic Science and Engineering is founded on the principle of economy where possible and this is very important for smaller matters. No loss is too small if the client considers it important enough to investigate. Where the loss is small, and there is time and flexibility, imaginative scheduling solutions may be found to combine an inspection with another.
As needed, retained on a case-by-case basis from among a group of associates selected for their full maturity as professional engineers, their broad experience, general competency, and their principled approach to loss investigation. The client has the final approval of the inclusion of any expert on their matter.
As needed, retained on a case-by-case basis from among a group of qualified and insured technicians previously closely observed on loss sites.
From time to time, a more precise analytical result is required than is possible with our laboratory equipment. It is the founding philosophy of Root Cause Forensic Science and Engineering to purchase, retain and maintain only the most precise, reliable, durable and above all low-cost-of-ownership, low-maintenance laboratory equipment to keep overheads low on files that do not require more equipment. Consequently, Root Cause Forensic Science and Engineering does not now have, and will never attempt to maintain a modern, full-featured electron microscope, a parts-per-billion chemical testing laboratory or a full range of industrial X-ray units that can image anything. All of these services are available at dedicated analytical testing services companies, some with 24 hour drop off facilities, all with fast and, if the matter needs it, expedited turn around times. Even if Root Cause Forensic Science and Engineering has an in-house capability and competency, the client may request that an investigation use a particular certified analytical testing laboratory for sample processing. Any results are then independently certified by an independent laboratory, by a professional who does nothing but that particular analytical testing, on the best equipment, and has done so for decades. Root Cause Forensic Science and Engineering recognizes there is a level above good, competent and sufficient for the task, and that is why clients choose us.