What is an expert report: definition and purpose

an expert report is a technical document issued by a professional with specialized knowledge, written with rigorous methodology, whose purpose is to provide expert judgment on facts that require knowledge outside common knowledge. It is not a particular opinion or a quotation. It is a reasoned opinion.

Definition from a technical point of view

Strictly speaking, the expert report is the result of the expert’s work: objective data collection, technical analysis and issuance of reasoned conclusions. Any assertion in the report must be supported by documentation, direct inspection, or verifiable calculation.

It differs from other technical documents because:

• Follows an express and traceable methodology.
• Cite the applicable regulations.
• Document the inspections carried out.
• It is signed under the professional responsibility of the expert.

Main purpose

The main purpose of the expert report is to serve as an objective basis for making decisions. These decisions can be judicial, insurers, commercial or patrimonial.

In the judicial field

The expert report functions as a test within a procedure. The judge is not obliged to share the expert’s conclusions, but needs to understand the technical background of the matter to evaluate the rest of the evidence. The expert report fulfills exactly that function.

In the extrajudicial sphere

Outside of court, the expert report is used to negotiate with knowledge. A insurer, a developer or a seller argue more judiciously when they are given an organized technical opinion, rather than an emotional description of the problem.

What differentiates an expert report from other documents

It is common to confuse an expert report with other documents that also contain technical information but do not fulfill the same function.

• A repair estimate describes what it would cost to fix some damage, but it does not analyze its causes or assess whether it is attributable to a third party.
• A report from a contractor usually sticks to his specialty and his commercial interest.
• An appraisal focuses on the economic value of an asset, without necessarily going into the causes of a problem.

The expert report is a comprehensive opinion: it identifies causes, assesses consequences, quantifies when appropriate and is issued with professional independence.

Independence of the expert

An essential trait is independence. The expert works to prove facts, not to agree with whoever hires him. This is what gives value to the report when it reaches a court or a negotiating table: whoever reads it knows that the conclusions are based on data, not on interests.

When should you order a report?

an expert report provides value when:

• There is a technical disagreement between parties.
• The cause of damage or loss must be proven.
• It is necessary to economically quantify some damages.
• A court proceedings is proposed in which technical evidence is relevant.

If you are in doubt about whether your matter fits, you can consult the case assessment or initiate contact from the contact page.