Litigation Support

Construction Expert Witness Services

Credible, experienced testimony for construction disputes and insurance litigation. With 43+ years in construction and insurance claims—including experience on both carrier and policyholder sides—Florida Construction Specialists provides expert opinions that withstand rigorous cross-examination.

43+ Years

Industry Experience

Licensed

CBC1262722

Former Adjuster

Allstate Commercial

$50M+

Project Experience

Dual Expertise: Construction & Insurance

What sets Florida Construction Specialists apart in expert witness work is our principal's rare combination of both construction and insurance industry experience. Frank Bragano doesn't just understand how buildings are constructed—he understands how claims are adjusted, how coverage is interpreted, and how disputes arise between policyholders and carriers.

From 1982 to 1989, Frank served as a Commercial Property adjuster for Allstate, gaining firsthand experience in how insurance carriers evaluate claims, determine coverage, and calculate damages. He later served as an Executive General Adjuster for CJW-Vericlaim/Sedgwick, handling large-loss commercial claims across the country. This carrier-side experience provides invaluable insight when testifying about insurance disputes.

Since founding Florida Construction Specialists, Frank has completed over $50 million in construction projects, including complex hurricane restoration, historic preservation, and commercial construction. This hands-on construction experience ensures testimony is grounded in real-world building practices, not just theoretical knowledge.

This dual perspective—understanding both how buildings are built and how claims are handled—makes our expert witness testimony particularly effective in cases involving insurance coverage disputes, scope disagreements, and construction defect claims.

Areas of Expert Testimony

Comprehensive expertise across construction and insurance disciplines.

Construction Defects

Testimony on workmanship quality, code compliance, material failures, and construction methodology. Analysis of whether work meets industry standards and contractual specifications.

Insurance Coverage Disputes

Expert opinions on scope of damage, coverage interpretation, estimate methodology, and claim valuation. Experience on both carrier and policyholder sides provides balanced perspective.

Cost & Damage Estimation

Detailed analysis of construction costs, damage valuations, repair vs. replacement decisions, and depreciation calculations based on actual project experience.

Hurricane & Storm Damage

Extensive experience with major hurricanes including Charley, Irma, and Harvey. Understanding of wind damage patterns, water intrusion, and restoration requirements.

Historic Preservation

Expertise in Secretary of Interior Standards, SHPO compliance, and period-accurate restoration methods. Testimony on appropriate restoration techniques and costs.

Commercial Construction

Knowledge spanning medical facilities, multi-family, industrial, retail, and institutional construction. Understanding of commercial building systems and code requirements.

Expert Witness Engagement Process

01

Initial Case Review

We review case materials, assess our qualifications for the specific matter, check for conflicts, and provide an initial assessment of how we can assist.

02

Formal Engagement

Upon retention, we establish scope of work, deliverables, timeline, and compensation terms in a written agreement. Retainer is collected to initiate work.

03

Investigation & Analysis

Thorough review of documents, site inspection if applicable, research of applicable codes and standards, and development of professional opinions.

04

Report Preparation

Comprehensive written report documenting methodology, findings, and opinions. Reports are prepared to meet Daubert standards and withstand cross-examination.

05

Testimony

Deposition and/or trial testimony presenting findings clearly and professionally. Preparation with counsel to anticipate cross-examination challenges.

Need Expert Witness Support?

Contact us to discuss your case and determine how our construction and insurance expertise can support your litigation.

Expert Witness Services FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Frank Bragano brings 43+ years of combined experience in construction and insurance claims. His credentials include serving as a Commercial Property adjuster for Allstate (1982-1989), Executive General Adjuster for CJW-Vericlaim/Sedgwick, and principal of Florida Construction Specialists with $50M+ in completed projects. This dual expertise in both construction methodology and insurance claims processes provides uniquely comprehensive testimony.

We provide expert witness testimony for construction defect litigation, insurance coverage disputes, contractor negligence claims, scope of damage disagreements, construction delay claims, workmanship quality disputes, building code compliance issues, cost estimation challenges, and property restoration disputes. Our expertise spans both commercial and residential construction matters.

We provide objective, fact-based expert witness services for both plaintiffs and defendants. Our role is to provide accurate, unbiased professional opinions based on industry standards, building codes, and our extensive field experience. The facts of each case determine our testimony, not which side retains us.

While based in the Tampa Bay area, we provide expert witness services throughout Florida and have participated in cases across the Southeast United States. For cases outside Florida, travel arrangements and additional considerations apply.

Our expert witness services include case review and analysis, site inspections when applicable, detailed written reports, deposition testimony, trial testimony, rebuttal of opposing expert opinions, and consultation with legal counsel throughout the litigation process. We work closely with attorneys to ensure our expertise effectively supports case strategy.

Our reports are comprehensive, well-documented analyses that include relevant background information, methodology description, findings based on physical evidence and documentation review, opinions supported by industry standards and codes, and clear conclusions. Reports are prepared to withstand cross-examination and meet Daubert standards for expert testimony.

With experience as both a carrier-side adjuster (Allstate Commercial) and policyholder-side construction professional, we understand both perspectives in insurance disputes. This includes scope disagreements, coverage interpretation, estimate methodology, depreciation calculations, and code upgrade requirements. We've handled claims from Hurricane Charley, Irma, Harvey, and other major events.

Yes, we provide expert testimony on construction cost estimation including material costs, labor rates, project overhead, contractor profit margins, and total project valuation. Our 20+ years of actual construction experience and $50M+ in completed projects provides real-world basis for cost opinions.

We conduct thorough conflict checks before accepting any engagement. If we have prior involvement with any party, property, or related matter, we disclose this immediately. We decline engagements where any conflict—real or perceived—could compromise our objectivity or credibility.

Expert witness fees are based on hourly rates for case review, report preparation, and testimony. A retainer is required to initiate engagement. Specific rates and terms are provided upon initial case discussion. We require written engagement agreements that clearly define scope, deliverables, and compensation terms.

43 Years of Experience at Your Service

When your case requires credible, experienced testimony on construction or insurance matters, Florida Construction Specialists provides the dual expertise that makes a difference.

Licensed Contractor CBC1262722 · Former Allstate Commercial Adjuster · Executive General Adjuster