Assume a land development company hired an engineer and architecture firm to conduct a feasibility study on a potential land purchase. The report indicated that the land was suitable for development. Later, zoning requests are denied and the land development firm sues the engineer and architecture firm for negligence, breach of contract, restitution, and reliance.
A forensic accountant is hired to provide a valuation for losses and serve as an expert witness in court to support these findings. How would a forensic accountant demonstrate professional care, objectivity, and integrity in performance of the engagement? How might this impact the ability to obtain sufficient evidence or data to support his or her opinion?