Case Assessment
Many engagements begin with an early case assessment. Paul reviews the claim and key documents, and in some cases the site, and gives counsel a candid view of which alleged defects appear supported, which appear to have other causes, and what further investigation would be needed. That assessment helps counsel decide how to proceed before significant cost is incurred.
Written Reports
Paul's defect reports are organized so that each opinion can be followed and tested:
- The assignment and the materials reviewed
- His qualifications and CV
- The inspection and the condition map
- Each defect item, its requirement, the observed condition and his opinion
- Photographs and exhibits keyed to each item
- Where requested, the corrective scope and cost
Each report is formatted for the forum and disclosure rules counsel identifies.
Testimony
Paul has testified at deposition and trial in the Circuit Court of Will County, Illinois, at an AAA arbitration hearing, and at deposition in a Wyoming residential construction matter. He explains defects in practical terms, uses photographs to show what he saw, and is direct about the limits of his opinions. He does not stretch an opinion beyond his experience as a contractor and carpenter.
Starting a Conflict Check
Your first message only needs the names of the parties and counsel, the project type and location, a brief description of the alleged defects, your role, and any upcoming deadlines. Please do not send documents until the conflict check is cleared and the engagement agreement is signed. After that, documents are exchanged through the secure file-transfer method you prefer.
Paul normally responds within one business day. If a disclosure or inspection deadline is close, say so in your first message. You can also download Paul Gaston's CV before calling.
Engagements for Insurers and Owners
Insurance professionals and property owners retain Paul on the same terms as counsel. Insurers often need a defect investigation to separate defective workmanship from resulting damage and other causes, and to document what correction requires. Owners often need an independent view of a contractor's work before deciding how to proceed. In both cases, the engagement begins with a conflict check and a written agreement, and Paul's findings follow the evidence. Owners who are unsure whether they need counsel can call first to talk through the situation.