Business Details
47 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Forensic Engineering Solutions in Northeast, NJ
Peter Vallas Associates (PVA) was founded in 1979 by Peter R. Vallas and operates as a full-service forensic investigative engineering firm. With decades of experience, we specialize in conducting over 92,000 investigative engineering losses, utilizing a structured scientific approach to analyze incidents across the United States and globally. Our team of full-time investigators, engineers, and scientists serves the insurance, legal, and corporate sectors, providing expert testimony and liability assessments for origin and cause investigations. We maintain bonded, licensed status and operate state-of-the-art technical laboratories to support our findings. Our expertise spans fire and explosion analysis, mechanical and structural failures, environmental contamination, and product liability investigations.We prioritize assembling highly qualified teams to address disasters, major losses, and complex engineering challenges. Our services include joint party inspections, chemical and metallurgical testing, and HVAC system evaluations. We adhere to industry standards and certifications, including AIHA PAT/ELAP/NVLAP laboratory accreditation and ABIH Board Certified Industrial Hygienists. Our commitment to accuracy and reliability has established us as a trusted partner for subrogation, litigation support, and technical consulting. We maintain secure evidence preservation facilities and provide 24/7 on-site response for urgent investigations.
Services
Fire Analysis
Mechanical Failures
Structural Engineering
Electrical Investigations
Environmental Contamination
HVAC Analysis
Product Liability
Marine Investigations
Litigation Support
Evidence Preservation
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We have conducted over 92,000 investigative engineering losses since 1979.
- Our team includes full-time certified fire investigators and metallurgical experts.
- We maintain AIHA-certified laboratories for chemical and materials analysis.
- Our services are available 24/7 for urgent on-site investigations.
- We provide expert witness testimony for both plaintiff and defense cases.
Associations and certifications
- AIHA PAT/ELAP/NVLAP Certified Laboratory
- ABIH Board Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH)
- Professional Engineers and Architects
Services
Fire Analysis
Our certified fire investigators determine fire origins and causes using NFPA 921 standards. We conduct on-site inspections, laboratory analysis, and joint party evaluations. Our services include arson detection, subrogation research, and expert testimony for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Mechanical Failures
We analyze mechanical failures in machinery, vehicles, and industrial equipment. Our engineers assess damage causes, repair feasibility, and liability factors. Services include metallurgical testing, design evaluation, and expert reports for litigation support and insurance claims.
Structural Engineering
We investigate structural failures in residential and commercial buildings. Our team evaluates collapses, settlement issues, and construction defects using on-site analysis and laboratory testing. Services include geotechnical assessments and expert testimony for legal cases.
Environmental Contamination
We investigate soil and water contamination from underground storage tanks, industrial spills, and chemical leaks. Our services include environmental sampling, regulatory compliance assessments, and expert reports for legal and insurance purposes.
HVAC Analysis
We evaluate HVAC failures, including puff-back incidents and mechanical defects. Our team conducts equipment diagnostics, contamination testing, and repair cost assessments. Services include chemical residue analysis and expert testimony for insurance claims.
Questions
What services does Peter Vallas Associates offer?
We specialize in forensic engineering investigations including fire/explosion analysis, mechanical failures, structural engineering, electrical systems, environmental contamination, and product liability cases.
How long has PVA been in business?
Peter Vallas Associates has provided investigative engineering services since 1979, with over four decades of experience in forensic analysis.
Do you provide expert testimony for legal cases?
Yes, our team regularly serves as expert witnesses for both plaintiff and defense litigation, offering court-admissible technical analysis and reports.
Can you handle international investigations?
We offer national and worldwide services, with capabilities to conduct cross-border forensic investigations and evidence analysis.
What certifications does PVA hold?
Our accreditations include AIHA PAT/ELAP/NVLAP laboratory certification, ABIH Board Certified Industrial Hygienists, and licensed professional engineers.
How do you preserve evidence?
We maintain 8,000 sq ft of secure, climate-controlled storage facilities with chain-of-custody protocols for physical evidence preservation.