Zipline Accident 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

Risk Management, Structural Engineering - 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

CORE COMPETENCIES • Design analysis, engineering analysis, and failure analysis • Manufacturing, welding, machining, fabrication, and construction oversight • Third-party audits, inspections, and operational assessments • Inspection protocols, maintenance review, and documentation review • Manufacturer-guideline analysis, standards interpretation, and regulatory compliance • Staff training review, supervision analysis, and risk-management evaluation • Technical writing, expert reports, discovery support, and standards rationales PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE M.I.T. Experts (Momentum Innovation Technologies), Founder and Principal — 2026 to Present • Provides subject-matter expert witness services involving amusement rides, attractions, and related safety systems. • Applies experience in design, fabrication, operation, inspection, and risk management to plaintiff and defense engagements. • Performs design review, failure analysis, standards review, documentation analysis, and litigation s...