Expert Witness Services
A Technical Assessment is typically performed to evaluate a complex problem at a plant. If you have a costly, on-going problem that is resistant to being resolved, it’s common that there is more than one problem present. It may take an experience consultant to uncover the problems and resolve them. DHP has performed hundreds of Technical Assessments since 1988. We have the experience to evaluate and solve any water treatment problem you may have. For more information click [HERE].
Since 1988, DHP has provided Expert Witness services for clients concerning cases involving advanced water treatment situations. DHP can provide the following services:
- Evaluate a situation and determine if a lawsuit against another party is warranted and determine the risks involved
- Evaluate a situation and determine if a lawsuit against you is defensible and determine facts in your defense
- Perform Expert Witness activities associated with depositions
- Perform Expert Witness activities associated with a trial
To discuss Expert Witness Services please click [HERE].
Examples
Determine if a Lawsuit is Justified
Cleaning Chemical Caused Destruction of Membrane?
A complete set of RO elements was destroyed during a chemical cleaning at a client’s facility. Upon investigation, it was found that the cleaning chemical formulation had been changed. The client felt that the destruction of membrane was due to the change in the cleaning chemical formulation. The client hired DHP to evaluate the data and determine if a lawsuit was justified.
After reviewing the operating and cleaning data DHP determined that a lawsuit was not justified. A different RO unit had been cleaned with the same formulation with good results. It was determined that operator error, likely overheating of the cleaning solution at high pH, had caused the damage.
For the Defense
Evaluate the Poor Performance of a Seawater RO System
There was a lawsuit against a client seeking several million dollars for damages allegedly caused by the poor performance of a seawater RO system purchased from the client. DHP was hired to review the data, conduct an on-site evaluation of the equipment and provide a report on the outcome of the investigation. Based on the report, which showed that the Plaintiff had clearly not followed recommendations for proper pretreatment, had pumped sand into system, had removed the cartridge prefilters when the sand plugged them up, then pumped sand into the high pressure pump and RO unit, plus a multitude of other operational errors, the lawsuit was settled for less than the cost of continuing the defense. Sometimes it makes economic sense to settle if it’s unlikely you can recover the money spent on defense if you win.
For the Plaintiff
Evaluate the Poor Performance of an RO System
A client had purchased a large RO system. The RO system did not meet performance guarantees. The client sued the company that had sold the RO system. The client hired DHP to review the data and provide a report on the outcome of the investigation. This was a complex situation that required considerable research including a lot of technical services (autopsies, cleaning evaluation, etc.) and DHP obtaining services from other expert sources. The case was settled with several million dollars paid to the client.
Benefits of DHP’s Expert Witness Services
- Unbiased. Opinions based on facts and experience.
- Experience. Operations, management, training and consulting experience in hundreds of advanced water treatment facilities since 1977.
- Knowledge. Published over 160 technical articles and papers on advanced water treatment. Created and administers a 4,000 page, college-accredited correspondence training program, plus on-campus college degree programs in advanced water treatment. David Paul holds a B.S. degree in biology and an M.S. degree in microbiology.
- Credible. Experience, education and over 20 years of public speaking.
- Understandable. Reports and presentations are understandable by non-technical people.
To discuss Expert Witness Services please click [HERE].
For David Paul’s Curriculum Vitae (CV) click [HERE].