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I recently investigated a project with many workmanship defects that led to a failure of the structure. However, during my investigation it also became apparent that the design would have failed in due course, though not quite so spectacularly. In such a case, who is to blame?

If the workmanship had been perfect I would be investigating the problem a year or so from now and doubtless concluding that the design was wrong. Not forgetting the fact that someone should have been checking the contractor’s work, should the contractor really be held accountable in any way? While poor workmanship should not be excused, I cannot help but think that any blame attached to the contractor might constitute a raw deal. I might go so far as to suggest that the early recognition of the problem was fortuitous for the client.

This incident has made me rethink how I approach my investigations. What do other readers think?