Challenge Course Expert Witnesses

Rochester Hills, Michigan

Athletics & Recreation, Risk Management - zip line, zipline accident, zipline braking, zipline brake system, zipline construction, zipline death, zipline safety, residential/backyard zipline, zipline standards, ANSI/ACCT Standards, aerial adventure course, aerial adventure course standards, ropes course, challenge course, climbing, ACCT, ASTM, NAARSO, ASTM F2959, zipline expert

Michael R. Smith is an industry-recognized expert in zip lines, challenge-course, and aerial-adventure-park design, operations, and risk management, with more than three decades of experience in the field. He is regularly retained by plaintiff and defense counsel to provide expert-witness services, accident investigations, and standards-compliance opinions under ASTM F2959, ANSI/ACCT, PRCA. and related industry standards. Mr. Smith is the principal of AdventureSmith, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in risk management, technical inspections, operational audits, staff training, and business development for adventure-tour operators. From 2009 to 2023, he also served as founder and managing partner of an award-winning zip line canopy tour and aerial adventure park operations in Vermont and Tennessee. He holds a B.A. in Wilderness Leadership from Prescott College (1998) and a Master’s in Training and Development from Oakland University (2004). Mr. Smith currently serves on the ...

Santaquin, Utah

Engineering, Risk Management - Zip line, Trampoline Park, Amusement Park, Design Engineering, Mech. Engineering, Risk Management, Aerial Adventure, Challenge Courses, Aerial Attractions, Ziplines, Trampoline Courts, Zipline accident, Trampoline Injury, Training, Product Liability , Amusement Rides, Certified Trainer, Challenge Course, Manufacturing , Products

Expert Witness Profile: Michael 'Troy' Richardson, AS, BS, MA, *MS 100+ case engagements in amusement rides and attractions. Internationally Recognized Aerial Adventure Safety, Engineering, & Training Expert with expert engagements in 40 States, a few Canadian Providences, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. Mr. Richardson is a Amusement Ride Manufacturer and Engineer: National Board Certified Pressure Vessel Welder, Master Machinist, Design Engineer, Technical Writer, 3rd-party Inspector, and Qualified Instructor. He is a Standards, Regulations, and Manufacturers' Guideline Expert. He is a internationally recognized expert witness and authority in the aerial adventure industry with over 40 years of experience in the design, manufacturing, inspection, accident reconstruction and investigation: challenge courses, ziplines, roller coasters, and trampoline parks. Mr. Richardson has reviewed and researched more than three hundred aerial adventure incidents. He has written ~40 Expert Reports and...