Service

Standard of Care

Whether it is operational and maintenance procedures that may be in question following an incident, or delay and disruption in an EPC project, we have the expertise to objectively assess the underlying standards of care and determine how they relate to actual events.

Case Studies

Was the Crane Operator Incompetent, or Did He Make a Mistake?

January 30, 2025

Introduction: A steel mill plant operator was not certified and authorized to operate a crane when his load struck an aerial lift supporting a welder within the crane operating envelope. Baker & O'Brien investigated the safe work practices and human factors involved in the incident, including the issue of competence. The opinions in our expert report included the error mode for the intentional but mistaken action.

Due Diligence Bust During Oil & Gas Boom

January 30, 2025

In this dispute, investors lost a substantial portion of their investments when prices collapsed in 2014, months after a fiduciary advisor performed financial due diligence and solicited customers. Baker & O’Brien was retained to review the offering memorandum to determine whether the risks were sufficiently outlined to inform the investors about the perceived risk inherent in the investment. We reviewed the drilling venture, the investment prospectus, and other financial due diligence to present opinions that helped the dispute resolution.

The Intersection of Lifting Regulations and Bull Rigging Practices

October 28, 2024

Introduction: A pipe segment suspended by bull rigging shifted during a construction project and fatally struck a worker. We were engaged in determining the cause of the incident and identifying the regulations applicable to using bull rigging in construction. In addition to opinions on training and competence, our report included an expert opinion on the relevant human factors.