Why Clients Nationwide Trust Bonneau Dickson, PE
When you’re navigating a complex case involving forensic engineering, wastewater systems, septic systems, or water treatment systems, you need more than just an expert—you need a trusted professional with hands-on experience, national credibility, and a track record for clarity in the courtroom.
Bonneau Dickson, PE, based in Berkeley, California, provides nationwide expert witness services that have helped attorneys, municipalities, and property owners win high-stakes legal disputes. With over 40 years of specialized engineering experience and an unmatched ability to communicate technical concepts to juries and judges, Bonneau stands out as a go-to resource for forensic engineering consultation.
Let’s break down exactly why Bonneau Dickson should be your first call for your next case.
Unmatched Expertise in Forensic Engineering
What Is Forensic Engineering, and Why Does It Matter?
Forensic engineering involves investigating materials, products, structures, or systems that fail or do not operate as intended. These failures often become legal matters—particularly in construction defects, environmental violations, and public health cases.
Bonneau Dickson’s forensic engineering services focus specifically on:
- Wastewater treatment failures
- Septic system design flaws or malfunctions
- Water pollution and contamination disputes
- Code violations in water treatment systems
Real-World Application: A Septic System Dispute
In one case in rural California, a homeowner sued a developer for a faulty septic system that caused groundwater contamination. Bonneau was brought in as an expert witness to analyze the original design, evaluate installation practices, and provide clear, evidence-based testimony. The result? A favorable settlement based on Bonneau’s detailed engineering report and courtroom presentation.
Why This Expertise Wins Cases
Bonneau’s findings are rooted in science and supported by decades of professional practice. He understands both the technical side and the legal side, which is crucial when you need your expert to explain findings in ways that are both legally defensible and understandable to laypeople.
Specialized Knowledge in Wastewater and Septic Systems
A Deep Dive into Wastewater Systems
Bonneau has designed, reviewed, and investigated wastewater treatment systems for commercial, residential, and municipal clients. His understanding of regulatory codes, environmental compliance, and engineering best practices make him invaluable in disputes involving:
- Sewer overflows
- System capacity failures
- Improper installations
- Permit violations
Whether it’s a large-scale municipal wastewater facility or a single-family home’s septic tank, Bonneau knows how these systems should function—and what happens when they don’t.
Septic Systems: More Than Just Tanks in the Ground
Many experts treat septic systems as an afterthought. Bonneau treats them like the essential public health systems they are. From soil percolation studies to system sizing and layout, he applies rigorous engineering analysis to every case involving septic failures.
Common septic system issues Bonneau evaluates:
- Drainfield flooding
- Illegal system modifications
- Biofilm clogging and sludge management
- Cross-contamination with nearby wells
Environmental Compliance and Regulatory Insight
Bonneau’s work often intersects with state and federal water regulations, including the Clean Water Act, EPA standards, and state-level wastewater disposal rules. He knows the rules and how they are (and aren’t) enforced—an invaluable perspective in litigation or mediation.
Nationwide Forensic Services with a Personal Touch
Serving Clients Across the U.S.
While based in Berkeley, CA, Bonneau provides nationwide expert witness services. He has supported clients in California, Oregon, Texas, Florida, and beyond. Regardless of your location, you can expect:
- Responsive communication
- Detailed reporting
- Clear timelines and deliverables
- Courtroom-ready documentation
Personalized, One-on-One Attention
Unlike large engineering firms that juggle dozens of clients, Bonneau works directly with you. There’s no junior associate passing you off. He’s hands-on from day one—through investigation, reporting, and testimony.
Clients routinely cite his accessibility, responsiveness, and down-to-earth demeanor as reasons they return for future cases.
Reports That Stand Up in Court
Clear, Defensible Reports
Attorneys love working with Bonneau because his reports are:
- Technically accurate
- Well-organized
- Jargon-free
- Court-admissible
He takes complex systems—like tertiary wastewater filtration or anaerobic digestion processes—and explains them in ways juries understand. That clarity strengthens your case.
Testimony That Educates and Persuades
Bonneau is not just an engineer—he’s a skilled communicator. Whether in deposition or on the stand, he delivers testimony that is:
- Confident and credible
- Easy to follow
- Calm under pressure
This courtroom presence often tips the scales in your favor.
Common Questions: Forensic Engineering and Water Systems
What kinds of cases does Bonneau typically work on?
Bonneau works on civil, criminal, and administrative cases involving:
- Wastewater treatment plant failures
- Improper septic system design or installation
- Environmental contamination of groundwater or surface water
- Permitting and code compliance issues
Can Bonneau work remotely with out-of-state clients?
Yes. Bonneau frequently consults via Zoom, phone, and email. He can review documents remotely and travel as needed for site inspections or court appearances.
Does Bonneau Dickson provide litigation support beyond testimony?
Yes. Services include:
- Case strategy consultation
- Document review and analysis
- Expert reports
- Rebuttal reports
- Deposition preparation
- Trial testimony
What Sets Bonneau Dickson Apart from Other Forensic Engineers?
40+ Years of Direct Field Experience
While many experts rely on textbooks, Bonneau has decades of hands-on experience in system design, permitting, and environmental compliance. This gives him real-world context you won’t find in generalist firms.
PE Licensed + Real-World Experience
He holds the title of Professional Engineer (PE) in California, demonstrating ethical and technical competence. That designation—backed by real-world fieldwork and consulting—gives added weight to his opinions in court.
Local Understanding, National Reach
Bonneau’s home base in Berkeley means he’s intimately familiar with California’s strict environmental laws—some of the toughest in the nation. Yet he applies this rigorous standard across every state he works in.
What Attorneys and Clients Say
“Bonneau Dickson has been my go-to expert for water-related cases. He explains complex systems in a way that juries can understand, and he’s not afraid to challenge weak assumptions.”
— Environmental Attorney, Sacramento, CA
“His report helped us settle before trial. The other side couldn’t refute it.”
— Real Estate Litigator, Austin, TX
Recap: Why Choose Bonneau Dickson
Here’s the deal—when you need to win a case involving wastewater, septic systems, or water treatment systems, you need:
- âś… A forensic engineer who understands the law and the science
- âś… Clear, convincing expert reports
- âś… Nationwide service with personal attention
- âś… 40+ years of engineering experience
- âś… A PE with proven courtroom performance
Bonneau Dickson, PE, offers all of that—and more.
Ready to Strengthen Your Case?
Don’t gamble on an untested expert. Choose Bonneau Dickson, PE, and get forensic engineering support that is experienced, reliable, and nationally recognized.📞 Contact Bonneau today at bonneaudickson.com to schedule a consultation or request a case review.
