EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES
Construction disputes involving drainage and land movement require more than opinions. They require experienced professionals who can investigate site conditions, identify contributing factors, and clearly explain complex technical issues.
Millsap Degnan provides qualified expert witness services focused specifically on drainage failures, slope instability, erosion, retaining wall performance, foundation movement related to site conditions, and other land movement related claims. Our team performs objective investigations, detailed technical analysis, and professional reporting to help determine the causes of site related failures and evaluate potential corrective measures.
Whether you need an initial case evaluation, expert analysis during litigation, or testimony at trial, we provide independent opinions supported by decades of engineering and construction experience.
HOW WE CAN HELP
EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES
Qualified expert testimony for disputes involving drainage, erosion, slope instability, retaining wall failures, and land movement related claims. We provide expert reports, deposition testimony, mediation support, arbitration testimony, and courtroom testimony that clearly explains complex site related issues.
DRAINAGE & LAND MOVEMENT INVESTIGATIONS
Comprehensive site investigations to identify the causes of drainage problems, soil movement, erosion, settlement, and other site related failures. We evaluate existing conditions, contributing factors, and potential corrective solutions.
INSURANCE CLAIM SUPPORT
We assist insurance carriers, adjusters, attorneys, and property owners by providing independent evaluations of property damage associated with drainage failures, slope movement, retaining wall failures, and erosion related claims.
SITE FAILURE ANALYSIS
Detailed evaluation of site related construction failures, including grading deficiencies, improper drainage systems, inadequate surface water management, retaining wall performance, and other factors that contribute to land movement and property damage.
WHO WE WORK WITH
Attorneys
Insurance Companies
Property Owners
Homeowners Associations
Contractors
Developers
Geotechnical Engineers
Civil Engineers
Public Agencies
TYPES OF CASES WE HANDLE
Drainage Failures
Landslides and Slope Movement
Retaining Wall Failures
Erosion and Soil Loss
Foundation Movement Related to Site Conditions
Site Grading Deficiencies
Surface Water Management Failures
Stormwater Related Damage
Property Damage Investigations
Settlement Related to Drainage Issues
Hillside Instability
EXPERT WITNESS PROFILE
Principal Manager – Millsap Degnan & Associates Inc.
Doug provides professional construction consulting services utilizing more than four decades of hands-on experience in hillside construction, complex residential development, structural repairs, and specialized construction methodologies. Doug brings practical field knowledge, contractor expertise, and technical understanding to assist attorneys, engineers, property owners, and project teams with evaluations, cost analysis, construction strategy, and expert testimony.
Key Skills
Leadership
Problem Solving
Project Management
Technical Expertise
Client Relations Professional Experience & Licensing
• CLASS B GENERAL BUILDING CONTRACTOR LICENSE, CSLA, 1986- Current
• CLASS A GENERAL ENGINEERING CONTRACTOR LICENSE, CSLA, 1994- Current
• HIC HOME IMPROVEMENT CERTIFICATE, CSLA, 2000
Doug Degnan has over 40 years of experience in residential construction, hillside development, structural repairs, and complex site improvement projects throughout Marin County and the greater Bay Area. As a founder and principal of Millsap, Degnan & Associates, Doug has developed extensive expertise in managing challenging construction projects involving difficult terrain, engineered solutions, and specialized construction methods.
Areas of Expertise
• Construction estimating, budgeting, and cost evaluation for complex residential and civil projects
• Residential construction management and project oversight from initial planning through completion
• Hillside construction and development (1986 to present)
• Engineered landslide repairs and slope stabilization systems utilizing specialized hillside drilling equipment
• Design coordination and implementation of geotechnical and structural repair solutions
• Horizontal tie back installation, testing, and hillside stabilization systems
• Installation and implementation of GeoBrugg hillside retention systems
• Retaining wall systems, foundation improvements, and complex structural repairs
• Site development requiring civil engineered improvements and challenging access conditions
• Structural assessments, construction feasibility reviews, and repair recommendations
• Foundation repair and seismic retrofit solutions
• Construction methodology development and value engineering
• Coordination with geotechnical engineers, structural engineers, civil engineers, architects, and regulatory agencies
• Permit coordination and construction compliance for complex residential projects
• Construction defect evaluations and remediation recommendations
• Expert consultation related to construction practices, costs, and project methodology
Professional Services Provided
• Site reviews and construction evaluations
• Existing condition assessments
• Construction methodology consulting
• Project feasibility evaluations
• Cost estimating and construction cost analysis
• Repair scope development and recommendations
• Review of plans, specifications, and engineering documents
• Contractor means and methods evaluations
• Construction dispute consulting
• Expert witness services, including deposition and trial testimony
Professional References
• Craig Herzog, Herzog Geotechnical Engineering
• Irv Swartz, ILS Associates, Inc. Civil Engineers
• Dietrich Stroeh Associates / CSW Stuber Stroeh Engineering
LITIGATION AND EXPERT WITNESS EXPERIENCE
Brooke Wagner Matter
Year: 2025
Property: 2618 Greenwich Street, San Francisco, California
Attorney: Steven Flynn
Construction expert retained in connection with a dispute involving underpinning and structural repairs for a hillside residential project. Conducted site inspection and construction evaluation, participated in expert deposition, and provided opinions concerning construction methods, underpinning, structural repairs, and related construction issues.
Underlying Litigation: Christina M. Sagonowsky v. Jonathan Wetzel et al., Case No. CGC 21 596423, San Francisco County Superior Court.
Schacter Matter
Year: 2025
Property: Greenwich Street, San Francisco, California
Attorney: Law Offices of Scott C. Stratman
Construction consultant and expert retained in connection with a construction related dispute involving Blair Williams and David E. Hunter III. Conducted site inspection and construction evaluation and provided consulting services and expert opinions concerning disputed construction issues.
Delfs v. Lu
Year: 2024
Property: 3803 Chatham Court
Attorney: Bertrand, Fox, Elliot, Osman & Wenzel
Engineering Consultant: Miller Pacific
Construction expert retained in connection with a dispute involving retaining wall construction and related site improvements. Conducted site inspection and evaluation of the property and retaining wall conditions and provided opinions concerning the construction and condition of the improvements. Worked in coordination with Scott Stephens of Miller Pacific.
Popjevalo et al. v. Wilkinson et al.
Year: 2024
Property: 12 Sky Road
Attorney: Rifkind Law & Mediation, P.C.
Construction consultant and expert retained in connection with a claim involving retaining wall failure. Conducted site inspection and evaluation of the retaining wall and surrounding site conditions and provided opinions concerning the failure and related construction conditions.
Top Solutions LLC v. East Bay Municipal Utility District
Year: 2024
Court: Contra Costa County Superior Court
Construction consultant and expert retained in litigation involving construction related claims associated with a flooded property. Conducted site inspection and evaluation and provided opinions concerning property conditions, potential causes of flooding, and related construction issues.
Consulting Engagement
Year: 2023
Property: 152 West Blithedale Avenue, Mill Valley, California
Attorney: Rifkind Law & Mediation, P.C.
Provided construction consulting services concerning site protection measures, drainage improvements, and project conditions. Conducted site inspection, reviewed project documentation, evaluated existing conditions, and provided recommendations concerning corrective measures.
Julie Glavin v. William Hernandez
Year: 2023
Case No.: CIV2301336
Property: 630 Barberry Lane
Construction expert retained in connection with construction related issues at the subject property. Conducted site inspection and construction evaluation, participated in deposition, and provided opinions concerning construction conditions and related project issues.
Miller v. Konik et al.
Year: 2023
Case No.: 2200448
Court: Marin County Superior Court
Property: 309 Wilson Avenue
Attorney: Rifkind Law & Mediation, P.C.
Construction consultant retained in connection with a property drainage dispute. Conducted site evaluation and provided consulting services concerning site drainage, drainage improvements, construction methodology, and recommended corrective measures. Also performed construction work associated with the drainage improvements.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What types of cases do you serve as expert witnesses for?
We provide expert opinions for construction defects, structural failures, contract disputes, insurance claims, property damage investigations, and other construction related matters.
Do you provide expert reports?
Yes. We prepare detailed reports documenting site observations, technical findings, applicable construction standards, and professional opinions.
Can you testify in court?
Yes. Our experts are available for depositions, mediation, arbitration, and courtroom testimony.
Do you work with homeowners?
Yes. We work directly with homeowners, attorneys, insurance professionals, contractors, and commercial property owners.
Ready to Discuss Your Case?
Whether you need an independent construction evaluation, technical consultation, or qualified expert testimony, our experienced team is ready to assist. Contact us to discuss your case and determine how our expertise can support your legal or insurance matter.