Forensic engineering is the investigation of
materials,
products,
structures or components that fail or do not operate or function as intended, causing
personal injury or damage to property. The consequences of failure are dealt with by the law of
product liability. The field also deals with retracing processes and procedures leading to accidents in operation of vehicles or machinery. The subject is applied most commonly in
civil law cases, although it may be of use in
criminal law cases. Generally, the purpose of a
forensic engineering investigation is to locate cause or causes of failure with a view to improve performance or life of a component, or to assist a court in determining the facts of an
accident. It can also involve investigation of
intellectual property claims, especially
patents.