Structure of an expert report: sections and content

an expert report is not freely written. It follows an orderly structure that allows the reader (judge, lawyer, insurer, client) to follow the expert’s reasoning step by step. The usual sections and what each one contains are described below.

Header and details of the order

The report opens with the data that identifies the expert and the assignment.

• Identification of the expert: name, membership, professional association.
• Data of the client who commissioned the report.
• Order date and issue date.
• Purpose of the report, written precisely.

It is the block that answers the question: who signs, for whom and for what purpose.

Background

Here the facts are placed in their context. It is not an opinion: it is an organized summary of what has happened according to the available documentation and the information provided by the client.

• Description of the property, vehicle or loss.
• Chronology of events.
• Previous claims, communications with third parties or procedural parties.
• Previous relevant actions.

Documentation examined

All the documentation reviewed to prepare the report is listed. This section gives traceability to the work.

• Deeds, contracts, plans.
• Invoices, budgets, communications.
• Previous technical reports.
• loss reports, reports or judicial resolutions.

Methodology

Describe how you worked. Methodology is what separates a solid opinion from an opinion.

• Regulations applicable to the case.
• Technical criteria used.
• Measurement instruments used.
• Trials or tests carried out.

When specific standards are applied (Technical Building Code, UNE standards, corresponding sector regulations), they are expressly cited.

Description of inspections

It details what was seen during the technical visit, when and under what conditions.

• Date and duration of each visit.
• People present.
• Areas or elements inspected.
• Measurements taken and results.
• Incorporated photographs or videos.

Technical analysis

It is the core of the report. Here the data is related to the regulations and technical criteria to explain what happened, how and why.

• Identification of causes.
• Fits with applicable regulations.
• Reasoned discarding of alternative hypotheses when appropriate.
• Economic quantification of damages if the order includes it.

Conclusions

The conclusions must be clear, numbered and motivated. Each conclusion must be supported by previous technical analysis.

• Specific responses to the purpose of the report.
• Reference to the sections that support them.
• Scope and limitations of the opinion.

The conclusions do not promise judicial results nor do they enter into the procedural strategy, which corresponds to the lawyer.

Annexes

They close the report. They contain all the material that supports the analysis and that is useful to consult separately.

• Orderly photographic report.
• Plans, sketches and diagrams.
• Detailed measurements.
• Results of external tests.
• Copy of relevant documentation.

Signature

The report is signed by the expert with his name, membership number and, when applicable, qualified electronic signature. In PG Gabinete Pericial he signs Pablo Gómez Thoren, registered court expert no. 846 (AEPEJU).

Next steps

If you want to understand how the report is used in a court, you can consult judicial validity. For the out-of-court context, extrajudicial validity. To start an engagement, contact page.