J. Phil Wilbourn, II, P.E.
Director, Property Practice
Get to know the expert
Expert QuestionS & AnswerS
After decades in property loss consulting, what recurring issues or oversights do you most frequently encounter during large loss investigations?
A common, recurring issue is the mistaken determination of interior water damage having been caused by a storm-created opening in a building. Very often the interior water damage has resulted from a moisture source originating from within the building. One of the most common unrealized causations of interior water damage is condensation, which can originate in numerous areas within a building and be caused by numerous conditions, especially in warm, humid climates.
Having testified as an expert witness, what’s the most challenging aspect of presenting property loss consulting findings in a way that resonates with judges and juries?
The most challenging aspect of testifying is breaking down complex conditions into easily understandable and relatable concepts and developing good analogies that help the lay person understand the subject matter. Communicating within a bandwidth of understanding can also be challenging. If you use too many technical terms, the lay person may think you’re smart, but they won’t understand you. If you simplify it too much, you won’t come across as a knowledgeable expert.
If you could give property owners one piece of advice to protect themselves before a loss occurs, what would it be?
I would tell them to thoroughly document the interior (including closets, drawers, cabinets, attic) of their property with photographs and/or video. Accounting for all the contents that were present within a building prior to a major loss is a painstaking (and often inaccurate) process without adequate photographic and/or videographic documentation.
Background
Mr. Phil Wilbourn holds a B.S. degree in Civil/Structural Engineering and is a registered professional engineer in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. He is also a Level I Certified Thermographer. He has experience in structural design, project management, and engineering forensics.
Mr. Wilbourn performs inspections and cause and origin analysis of storm damage, structural fire damage, vibration damage, water damage, termite damage, construction defects, structural design defects, building code compliance, industry standard compliance, and structural salvageability. These inspections and analyses encompass commercial, residential, civic, religious, hospitality, and multi-residential building types and include floor, wall, and roof system failures, building settlement and/or collapse, moisture intrusions, wood rot and deterioration, termite damage, building envelope and cladding system deficiencies and failures, and fenestration component deficiencies and failures.
During his 22-year career as a forensic engineer, Mr. Wilbourn has been retained as a consulting engineer and/or designated as an engineering expert witness on over 200 legal cases and has provided expert testimony under oath in over 75 cases.
Education and Certifications
- Civil Engineering, B.S.: Tennessee Technological University (1993)
- Licensed Professional Engineer: Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida
- Level I Certified Thermographer