About Us
Discovering the Truth by Determining the Facts
Origin and Cause provides cross-disciplinary forensic expertise to insurance companies, law firms, independent adjusters, manufacturers and corporate risk managers. We have been a trusted leader for over 30 years, helping our clients discover the truth by determining the facts through expert investigation. Our team has completed over 30,000 cases, so you know you are working with highly trained, extremely skilled professionals with years of hands-on experience.
Our reputation is built on our integrity and commitment to the facts. We guarantee unbiased opinions based on factual evidence determined through scientific methodology, examination and laboratory testing. Every investigation is led by a forensic expert with an average of 25 years’ experience.
Leadership Team

Mazen Habash
President & Consulting Forensic Engineer

Ken Swan
Vice President Western & Eastern Canada and Fire & Explosion Investigator

Shauna Hall
Branch Manager

George Costandi
Director – National Sales and Marketing

Vladimir Chlistovsky
Forensic Engineer and GTA Operations Manager

Art Beleda
Vice President Eastern Canada and Fire & Explosion Investigator

Peter Hamilton
Fire & Explosion Investigator and Atlantic Canada Manager

Steve Klimpel
Fire & Explosion Investigator and Operations Manager – Northern and Eastern Ontario/Atlantic Canada

Matthew Obach
Forensic Engineer and Branch Manager

Ryan Dobson
Fire & Explosion Investigator and Branch Manager

Adam Lohonyai
Structural Forensics Practice Lead
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with many of the members of the Origin & Cause Engineering team and have been consistently impressed with the professionalism and knowledge they bring to even the most complex loss scenes. From investigation to trial their experience and integrity have been critical components to many successful claim investigations.”
CRAIG B
SENIOR CLAIMS ADJUSTER
"I have relied on Origin & Cause Inc. since their inception and I continue to do so because they deliver timely, professional and accurate results. Everyone I’ve dealt with there has been reliable, thorough and knowledgeable."
TIM C
SENIOR GENERAL ADJUSTER, GLOBAL TECHNICAL SERVICES
"I have utilized Origin & Cause since their inception for a multitude of tasks ranging from fire investigations to product failures to structural issues. The list goes on with their expertise. They have always done an exemplary job. They have the right people for the right claim situation. Their findings have not only helped conclude first party and liability claims, but also assisted with subrogation. I would recommend them to anyone."
TOM C
CLIENT
"I have been using Origin and Cause for many years. Their expertise and knowledge is well known in the industry not only for their professionalism, but for their sensitivity in how they deal with all parties involved. Origin and Cause are more than helpful during their investigations and are very well connected which assists us in receiving information for the further handling of our file. The reports that we receive from Origin and Cause are timely and an excellent product always provided to us. We are pleased to endorse the work of Origin and Cause here in Winnipeg and we look forward to working with them for many years to come."
DOUG F
PROPERTY DIVISION MANAGER
"Origin and Cause offers the expertise I require frequently. I can depend on Mazen, Richard, Dinu, Michelle and the others for rapid response on short notice. Their knowledge and experience has been realized time and time again. I can rely on their thorough investigations and honest opinions."
DAVID C
GENERAL ADJUSTER
"I am very pleased with Origin and Cause's past and ongoing assistance on claims investigations to finding cause of the loss. I have to note that Origin and Cause investigators are very efficient with response time, very knowledgeable and provide a great experience with thorough investigation and competitive pricing. I would recommend using Origin and Cause in future."
ANITA G
ADJUSTER
"As an insurance adjuster dealing with several complicated claims, it is imperative I have credible expertise to rely upon in a timely and professional manner. I can always count on Origin and Cause to provide quick, knowledgeable and thorough service. Having worked with Mazen and his team for several years, they have the experience and integrity to get the job done in today’s demanding industry."
KYLE M
SENIOR FIELD CLAIMS REPRESENTATIVE
"I have been dealing with John Coull at Origin and Cause for over 5 years now. As an independent adjuster I need vendors to be prompt, efficient and thorough in the task assigned to them. Over the years, John (& Origin and Cause) have continuously impressed me with his expertise, vast knowledge and excellent service. His reports are concise and easy to read and makes it so that there’s just one less thing for me to worry about."
CHRISTINE D
CLIENT
Operations Team

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George Costandi
Director – National Sales and Marketing

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Shauna Hall
Ancaster Branch Manager

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Tony Thibaudeau
Western Canada Sales Director
Jackie Maric
Accounts Manager
Steve Skedden
Evidence Coordinator
Viola Healey
Administrative Assistant
Carolyn Albornoz
Executive Assistant and Administration Supervisor
Jennifer Wiens
Vehicle System Forensic Investigator
Sandra Alteen
Administrative Assistant
Kajal Briah
Administrative Assistant
Gayle Swan
Administrative Assistant
Shaundra Morrison
Administrative Assistant
Alyssa Hinder
Administrative Assistant
Alexa Leighton
Administrative Assistant