May 8, 2007
An Open Letter to Our Clients
On April 10, 2007, the Associated Press (AP) published a story citing testimony given in a civil case being litigated in a New Orleans court involving an insurance company. The case was brought by insured homeowners following adjustment of their damage claims related to Hurricane Katrina. Although Rimkus Consulting Group and its engineers are not parties to the case, the Rimkus engineers who conducted evaluations for the claim were called upon to testify regarding their findings.
Because key aspects of the Rimkus testimony were not included in the AP story, many readers have been left with a misleading impression as to the substance of the work performed by Rimkus. In particular, the AP story characterized Rimkus as providing an engineering report without first visiting the site. This is absolutely false.
Every single case concerning damages to a residence caused by Hurricane Katrina was personally inspected by a Rimkus-authorized engineer prior to the final engineering report being signed, certified and given to the client.
More specifically, the property named in the AP story was inspected by civil engineer Jim Neva, who was working on behalf of Rimkus. Following his inspection, Mr. Neva produced a draft report. The draft report, the contents of the file, and the relevant weather data were reviewed, analyzed and finalized by the Rimkus Engineer of Record, Craig Rogers. Mr. Rogers has significant hurricane damage assessment experience and is licensed by the Louisiana Board of Professional Engineers. Prior to issuance of the final engineering report for the subject property, Mr. Rogers and Mr. Neva jointly discussed the opinions and conclusions contained therein. Mr. Neva testified that he is in agreement with the final conclusions.
We regret that the AP story has caused unnecessary anxiety and confusion among some of our valued clients, and we feel it is an absolute imperative that all of our clients know that Rimkus Consulting Group has always been, and will remain, a company that operates with the utmost integrity in every thing we do.
We value the trust you’ve shown in us. On behalf of every Rimkus Consulting Group member, let me assure you that our company will continue to protect the principles of our profession, maintain the highest standards of excellence, and provide each of you with the quality services you have come to expect and deserve.
S. Frank Culberson
President and CEO
Rimkus Consulting Group
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