Failure Analysis Expert Witnesses
The SEAK Expert Witness Directory contains a comprehensive list of failure analysis expert witnesses who testify, consult and provide litigation support on failure analysis and related issues. Failure analysis expert witnesses and consultants on this page may form expert opinions, draft expert witness reports, and provide expert witness testimony at deposition and trial. The issues and subjects these failure analysis expert witnesses testify regarding may include: Failure Analysis, Construction Defects, Manufacturing, Forensic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction, Plumbing, Products Liability, Engineering, Human Factors, Slip Trip & Fall, Hvac, Metallurgy, Product Liability, and Accident Reconstruction.
Use the search box above to further refine your search for failure analysis expert witnesses by keyword and state. Attorneys contact the experts directly – with no middleman.
Robert A Durham, PhD, PE
THEWAY Labs
Failure Analysis, Engineering
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Fire, Engineering Mechanical, Engineering Electrical, Building Inspection, Construction, Electricity, Electronics, Laboratories & Testing, Investigation, Products Liability, Plumbing, Forensic Science
Dr. Durham has been providing forensic and failure analysis services to clients for over 20 years. He has testified as an expert witness in multiple states, in federal jurisdictions, before FERC and state utility commissions. He is a certified fire and explosion investigator. He has been involved in over 2,500 failure analysis projects including: power systems, lightning, electrocutions, oil & gas, tank batteries, industrial, commercial, residential, lighting appliances, utility systems, utility regulation, fire, equipment damage, switchgear, construction equipment, electronics, overhead lines, underground lines and fire protection equipment.
Licensed PE in 11 States; BS EE, ME, PhD
Timothy C Behrens, PE, DFE, CFI, CFEI, CVFI
Charles Taylor Engineering Technical Services
Phoenix, Arizona
Mechanical Engineering, Failure Analysis
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Accident Reconstruction, Automotive Engineering, Fire, Explosions, Plumbing, Premises Liability, Slip-Trip & Fall, Bicycle, Motorcycle, Products Liability, Transportation, Recreational Vehicles, Heavy Equipment, Industrial Equipment & Machinery, HVAC
Mr. Behrens has 40 years of experience in mechanical engineering, with the last 36 years primarily devoted to failure analysis and forensic engineering. His forensic engineering practice is diverse and has included conducting over a thousand engineering investigations involving a wide range of fires, explosions, accidents, and product failures.
Mr. Behrens has conducted hundreds of full-scale vehicle crash, fire and component-level tests, which has provided a practical basis for his extensive knowledge and expertise in the analysis of automotive fires, failures and accidents.
Mr. Behrens also has expertise in fire and failure analysis involving appliances, plumbing systems, fire sprinkler systems, HVAC, and commercial/industrial equipment.
Mr. Behrens is a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) and Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI) by the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) and a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) by the National Associat...
Al Rose, P.E.
Arizona Forensic Engineering Investigations, PLC
Tucson, Arizona
Plumbing, Failure Analysis
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Chemical Pipe, Petroleum Pipe, Pipe Failure, Pipe, Piping, Pipe Explosion, Pipeline Failure, Pipe Failure Analysis, Pipe Explosion, Pipeline Failures, Industrial Pipe, Industrial Piping, Oil Piping, Natural Gas Piping, Petroleum Piping, B31.3
*500+ forensic engineering cases, $500 Million+ in cases involving nearly every kind of pipe and tubing found in residential, commercial, and industrial applications
*Designed piping in every state in the U.S for over 500 large chemical, petroleum, and wastewater plants
*35 years experience in design and failure analysis of pipes
*Pipe Explosion Specialist
* Customers include Dupont Chemical, Dow Chemical, 3M, BASF, Chevron, Exxon, Shell, Texaco, Amoco, Suncor Oil Sands and Central Arizona Project
*Member, ASTM committees on standards development for Stainless and Alloy Tubular Products, Copper and Copper Alloys Pipe and Tube, and Plastic Piping Systems
*Lectured at universities and provided continuing education, possessing the ability to explain complex matters in simple terms to students, juries and arbitrators
*ASME Certified provider of continuing education in Material Science
*Performed thousands of computer simulations and stress analyses including wind and seismic analysis of...
Mohammad Atarod, PhD, PE
Atarod Biomechanics Laboratories
Irvine, California
Biomechanics, Accident Reconstruction
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Accident Reconstruction, Biomechanical Analysis of Injury, Premises Liability, Slips/Trips and Falls, Crash Data Retrieval, Heavy Vehicle EDRs, Blackbox Download, Photogrammetry, Computer Simulations, Failure Analysis, Human Factors, Laboratory Testing, 3D Laser Scanning, Expert Witness Testimony
I am a Senior Biomechanical Engineer and Accident Reconstructionist. I am registered as a professional mechanical engineer (PE) in California, Nevada and Colorado. I specialize in accident reconstruction, injury biomechanics and injury mechanism/causation analysis. I works on cases across the country, analyzing injuries in automotive collisions, industrial accidents, workers compensation claims, premises liability claims, slip/trip and falls, and sport/recreation accidents. I have provided litigation support to insurance companies, law firms, and automotive manufacturers/industries over the past 10+ years.
Technical Areas of Specialization:
- Biomechanical Analysis of Injury
- Accident Reconstruction
- Premises Liability; Slips/Trips and Falls
- Crash Data Retrieval; Heavy Vehicle EDRs
- Photogrammetry and 3D Computer Simulations
- Vehicle Systems Analysis
Services:
- Accident Reconstruction
- Biomechanical Analysis of Injury
- Premises Liability; Slips/Trips and Falls
- Crash Dat...
MARTIN M BALABAN, PhD, PE
AR TECH
Encino, California
Accident Reconstruction, Safety
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Vehicle collisions, Premises liability including slip/trip & fall, Safety, Code Compliance, Construction & Industrial Accidents, Failure Analysis, Human Factors, Biomechanics, Mechanical Engineering, OSHA, ADA compliance, Products Liability, Criminal, Licensed Safety Engineer by State of California
Vehicular:
all vehicle types, multi-vehicle, bicycles, pedestrians, skidmark analysis. damage-matching, occupant biomechanics. visibility & line-of-sight analysis, traffic signal phasing, vehicular component defects, seatbelts.
Premises Liability: Code Compliance, Slip, trip, floor friction testing, stairway & ramp accidents, glass injuries, guardrails; illumination issues; manual & electronic gates, ladders, door closing mechanisms, falling objects, structural failures. Occupancies include single- and multi-family residences, retail stores, office buildings, garages, sidewalks, parks and other public access.
Industrial & Construction accidents: Walking-working surfaces including ramps, hoisting & conveying, powered lifts, work platforms, forklifts, construction vehicles, materials handling & storage, machine guarding, ladders, scaffolding, trenching & shoring,
Cal-OSHA compliance, lockout/tagout, IIPP analysis, human factors & ergonomics issues.
Products Liability: Liabili...
Daniel . Gottuk, PhD
Gottuk Engineering
California
Fire, Engineering
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Fire Protection Engineering, Arson, Smoke Detection, Fire Alarm, Fire detection, Smoke and CO alarms, Forensic engineering, Fire spread analysis, Fire recreation, Origin and cause investigation, Consumer products, Failure Analysis, Modeling
Dr. Dan Gottuk is the President of Gottuk Engineering after a 30 year career with Jensen Hughes, with which he still maintains a relationship with a team of over 100 experts providing expert witness and failure analysis services for a range of specialties associated with fires and explosions, mechanical, electrical, construction, codes and standards, materials, chemical, metallurgical, process safety and concrete. Other specific service areas include: Arson Investigation, Origin & Cause Investigations; Fire Spread Analysis; Fire Modeling; Fire Testing; Sprinkler Systems; Inadvertent Discharge; Corrosion; Fire Alarm Systems; Smoke Alarms; Carbon Monoxide; Kitchen Hood Suppression; Battery Fires (including Lithium and Lithium Ion); Building Insulation Fires; Spray-Applied Fire-Resistive Materials (SFRM); Structural Fire Protection; Combustible Dust Hazards; Dust Explosions; Laboratory & Evidence Examination.
Dr. Gottuk is a recognized expert in fire detection, fire dynamics and fo...
Jose J. Granda, PhD, PE
Cadsim Engineering
Sacramento, California
Accident Reconstruction, Engineering
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Mechanical Engineering, Auto Accidents, Accident Biomechanics, EDR download, analysis, including TESLA, Work Place Accidents, Heavy Vehicles, Motorcycles, Pedestrians, Bicycles, Failure Analysis, Computer Models, Simulations, Finite Element Modeling (FEA), Human Factors, Vehicle Dynamics and Design
QUALIFICATIONS; Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the California State University in Sacramento, CA with 39+ yrs. experience. Professional Registered Mechanical Engineer (PE License, CA). An expert in accident reconstruction using computer simulations of accidents involving vehicles, trucks, heavy vehicles, motorcycles, biomechanics, pedestrians, bicycles, occupational, workplace, failure analysis impact forces, industrial accidents. EDR (Event Data Recorder) analysis including TESLA vehicles, patents.
EXPERT WITNESS EXPERIENCE: Written reports, depositions & trial experience.
SPECIALIZED TRAINING; Vehicle Dynamics and Design, Vehicle Safety & Crash Reconstruction, Accident Biomechanics, Finite Element Modeling in Computer Aided Design, Advanced Mechanical Design and Failure Analysis (CSUS); Motorcycle Accident reconstruction, (Northwestern University); EDR Certification, Tech 1, Tech II, EDR Analysis Certification (Collision Safety Institute); Applying Automotive EDR Da...
Kevin Hastings, P.E., C.F.P.S
Ivey Engineering, Inc.
San Diego, California
Plumbing, HVAC
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HVAC, plumbing, fire sprinkler, construction defects, construction engineering, energy, failure analysis, engineering, refrigeration
Ivey Engineering, Inc. (IEI) is an HVAC, plumbing, process piping, fire sprinkler and energy management consulting firm. The firm performs building system design work, forensic analysis, expert witness consulting, product liability consulting, construction cost analysis and construction claims consulting. The staff is comprised of professional engineers and former construction executives. We are licensed engineers and licensed contractors and have performed consulting work in over 30 states. Our clients include contractors, homeowner associations, commercial building owners, tenants, hotels, casinos, design professionals, manufacturers, law firms, insurance companies and individuals. We know what it takes to design, bid and construct projects.
IEI was founded in 1994 in San Diego, California. We have offices in San Diego and Richmond, Virginia and provide consulting and expert witness services nationwide. Each of our engineers are licensed as professional engineers in multiple stat...
Nikhil K Kar, Ph.D., P.E.
Kars' Advanced Materials, Inc.
Anaheim, California
Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering
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Materials Science, Composite Materials, Fractography, Fractures, Weld Failures, Failure Analysis, Product, machinery, and equipment failures
Nikhil’s expertise is in fields of mechanical engineering, materials science, metallurgy, failure analysis, mechanical/materials behavior, laboratory testing, contamination analysis and equipment function to determine cause(s) of failure. He is involved in various consulting projects including implant failures, product failures, automotive component failures and patent infringement matters. When time permits, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses for the Viterbi School of Engineering at the University of Southern California as an adjunct assistant professor of engineering practice. He has qualified as an expert witness in both State and Federal Court.
bernard e kopaskie
covina, California
Metallurgy, Failure Analysis
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heat treating, quality control, metallurgy, material selection, failure analysis
over 60 years of experience in heat treating and metallurgy. bachelors in science - metallurgical engineering from Missouri school of mines and metallurgy. I have been an expert witness 6 times and never lost a case. Instructor for ASM International material seminars.
Lectured nationally on Processing, Heat Treating and Heat Treating practices.
Conducted seminars on Quality Control and Heat Treating.
Taught classes in Heat Treating, Welding, and specialty metals.
Wrote the initial document for the SAE ARP 1962 Heat Treating Training.
Level Three Nondestructive Testing Inspector - Magnetic and Penetrant
Testified as expert witness – Materials selection, Quality control, Failure analysis,
Processing, Properties, Welding, Casting
Tara Parhizkar
Los Angeles, California
Failure Analysis, Engineering
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Power Grid, Energy Infrastructures, Marine Industry, Accident Investigation, Power Tools, Patent Litigation, Construction Safety, Utilities, Oil & Gas, Wildfire, Public Safety, Root Cause Analysis, Failure, Accident, Energy, Climate Change, Renewable Energy, Disaster, Catastrophic Injury, Safety
Dr. Parhizkar is a distinguished expert witness renowned for her profound expertise in power grids and the oil and gas industry. With over 15 years of professional experience, Dr. Parhizkar has emerged as a leading authority in accident investigation, failure mode and effect analysis, and common cause failure assessment. Her career trajectory reflects a profound commitment to unraveling the complexities of various industries, including energy infrastructure, transportation, and environmental safety, through meticulous research and innovative methodologies.
With extensive experience and a meticulous approach, Dr. Parhizkar has become a sought-after expert witness in litigation and consulting. She specializes in accident reconstruction, root cause analysis, and patent litigation. Her expertise spans mechanical and environmental engineering, with a focus on critical energy infrastructures like power grids and oil and gas networks. Dr. Parhizkar is particularly known for her work on in...
T.Kim Parnell, PhD, PE
Parnell Expert Consulting
Sunnyvale, California
Medical Devices, Intellectual Property
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Mechanical Engineering, Equipment & Machinery, Medical Device, Nitinol, Biomedical, Patent, IP, Consumer Products, Failure Analysis, Fracture, Fatigue, Truck Rollover, Crashworthiness, Finite Element, FEA, Reliability, Cell Phone, IVC, Composite Material, Piping
T.Kim Parnell, PhD, PE is President of Parnell Expert Consulting. Dr.Parnell holds PhD and MSME degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University, a BES from Georgia Tech, and is a registered Professional Mechanical Engineer (PE) in the State of California. Dr.Parnell is an ASME Fellow, an IEEE Life Senior Member, and a Member of NAFEMS, SAMPE, ASMI and SAE. Parnell is Past-Chair of the IEEE Santa Clara Valley Section (IEEE-SCV) (over 13,000 members) and Past-Chair/Board Member of the IEEE Consultants' Network of Silicon Valley (IEEE-CNSV).
Dr.Parnell is an experienced Expert Witness, has provided testimony in both trial and deposition, and has authored numerous expert reports, ITC and IPR declarations. He has worked extensively as an expert in medical devices, patents, product failure, product liability, and personal injury.
Dr.Parnell has been retained in medical device litigation cases that are in the news. Products include stent, stent-grafts, AAA devices, IVC F...
Joseph Quinn, M.S., P.E.
Materials FACT
Los Angeles, California
Failure Analysis, Metallurgy
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Automobile, Aviation & Aerospace, Motorcycle, Appliance, Engineering, Construction, Construction Defects, Corrosion, Maritime, Equipment & Machinery, Mining, Bicycles, Transportation, Medical Devices, Manufacturing, Plumbing, Products Liability, Fire, Electricity, Pipe
Joseph Quinn, MS, PE, is a Forensic Metallurgy and Metallurgical Engineering consultant. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Metallurgical Engineering and is registered in 7 states (CA, PA, UT, NV, AZ, CO, WA). He has provided over 1,000 Failure Analysis investigations on metallic and non-metallic (glass, plastic, rubber, and composite) materials or products.
Mr. Quinn provides metallurgical and materials consultation, expert witness testimony, and forensic failure analysis for civil litigation with retentions by defendants and plaintiffs. He has received awards in the International Metallographic Contest and has conducted several presentations on metallurgical engineering and failure analysis subjects at universities, ASM meetings, and industry events. He is President of the National Society of Professional Engineers in California (NSPE-CA) and is active in several technical societies.
He has taught metallurgical engineering course topics in Principals and Applications of ...
David Shreve, PE
Ivey Engineering
San Diego, California
HVAC, Plumbing
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HVAC, plumbing, construction defects, construction engineering, energy, failure analysis, engineering, refrigeration
Ivey Engineering, Inc. (IEI) is an HVAC, plumbing, process piping, fire sprinkler and energy management consulting firm. The firm performs building system design work, forensic analysis, expert witness consulting, product liability consulting, construction cost analysis and construction claims consulting. The staff is comprised of professional engineers and former construction executives. We are licensed engineers and licensed contractors and have performed consulting work in over 30 states. Our clients include contractors, homeowner associations, commercial building owners, tenants, hotels, casinos, design professionals, manufacturers, law firms, insurance companies and individuals. We know what it takes to design, bid and construct projects.
IEI was founded in 1994 in San Diego, California. We have offices in San Diego and Richmond, Virginia, and provide consulting and expert witness services nationwide. Each of our engineers are licensed as professional engineers in multiple stat...
Mingxi Zheng, MS, PE
BEAR INC.
Berkeley, California
Products Liability, Mechanical Engineering
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Risk Assessment, Failure Analysis, FMEA, Material Characterization and Testing, Material Properties, Metallurgy, Manufacturing, Aviation & Aerospace, 3D printing, Automotive, Slip Trip & Fall, Warnings & Labels, Oil and Gas, Product Development, Laboratories & Testing, Candle Fires, Welding
Mingxi is a Licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer in the state of California with expertise in materials development and mechanical engineering across a broad range of industries. With a specialty in metallurgy, fracture mechanics and failure analysis, she has experience in materials testing and process development in the aerospace and manufacturing industries,
Prior to joining Berkeley Engineering And Research, Inc., she held engineering roles at SpaceX, Virgin Orbit, and Carbon 3D, where she worked on integrating Mil, ASTM, ISO, and NASA specifications into the product development process during transitions from R&D to production. In addition to knowledge of traditional materials and processing methods, she has developed characterization methods for additive manufacturing of metallic and polymeric materials. Her skills take a big picture approach, centering on the intersection of materials science and mechanical design, among other fields.
Projects have included reusability...
Frederick C Anderson, PE
Advantec Engineering LLC
Avon, Connecticut
Failure Analysis, Products Liability
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Metallurgy, Materials Science, Forensic Engineering, Corrosion, Fatigue, Fracture, Pipe/Tube/PEX/CPVC, Valve, Bolt, Coupling, Boiler, Power Plant, Quality, Weld, Aerial Lift, Hoist, Wire Rope, Fire Protection, Plumbing, Construction Defects
Mr. Anderson is the founder of Advantec Engineering LLC and provides expert consultation, laboratory testing and analysis, and litigation support regarding materials failure analysis, forensic engineering investigations, corrosion, and structural analysis. He has more than forty years of professional engineering experience.
Mr. Anderson has provided engineering support and/or testimony for cases involving product liability, industrial accidents and equipment failures, commercial and residential accidents and equipment failures, bridge structures, and aircraft, marine, and vehicle accidents. He has also provided expert testimony and/or litigation support in cases involving flow accelerated corrosion, stress corrosion, corrosion fatigue, pitting, weld defects, and fitness for service of large industrial components, commercial products, and consumer products. Mr. Anderson is especially skillful at translating highly complex and technical information into something understandable by ...
Kristopher J. Seluga, M.S., PE
Technology Associates, LLC
Stratford, Connecticut
Accident Reconstruction, Products Liability
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Mechanical Engineering, Biomechanics, Automotive, Construction, Engineering, Failure Analysis, Forensic Science, Golf Carts, Human Factors, Motorcycle, Premises Liability, Safety, Slip Trip & Fall
Our staff of experienced engineers are ready to apply established scientific and engineering knowledge and techniques to your case. Our staff has published hundreds of papers, served on national ANSI standards committees and assisted over 2,600 attorneys and insurance agents settle or try their cases.
Because the laws of physics and principles of engineering are universal, we are able to investigate and opine on a wide range of topics including motor vehicle crashes, heavy machinery, consumer products, construction sites, falls and biomechanical analyses. In each case, we assist our clients by determining, in as much detail as possible, how and why an accident occurred and communicating those finding in a clear and concise manner.
Brian K Bramel, SE, PE, Ph.D.
Bramel Engineering
District Of Columbia
Structural Engineering, Construction Defects
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Construction, construction site safety, concrete, open web joist, light gage steel, underpinning, mechanical engineering, product defects, failure analysis, finite elements, design build
Dr. Bramel has over 30 years of broad Engineering experience in all aspects of the construction process: from design through construction and service. Dr. Bramel has effectively served as an Expert Witness and a litigation advisor on hundreds of cases in the past 10 years. He has advised in Construction Defect, Building and Material Failures, Product Liability, Personal Injury, Construction Work Site Injuries, Multi-Employer Worksite Matters, as well as building code compliance and insurance claims throughout the mid-Atlantic region. His expertise in Civil, Mechanical, and Structural Engineering allows a broad perspective of potential matters beyond the traditional Engineering solutions. Dr. Bramel is a practicing Licensed Professional Engineer in Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and Delaware, a practicing Licensed Structural Engineer in Washington, D.C., and a Model PE NCEES record holder. He is a current member of the New York City Building Code R...
Matthew Furlong, CBC, RBC
Construction and Building Code Compliance Expert
Först Consulting Group
District Of Columbia
Construction Defects, Construction
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Forensic investigation, building pathology, failure analysis, technical reporting, construction claims, litigation support, insurance, building code, EIFs, stucco, building envelope, facades, rainscreen, infrared, moisture, structural capability, energy conservation, contract analysis
Mr. Matthew Furlong specializes in construction defect and failure analysis, forensic engineering, scientific investigations, technical report writing and expert witness testimony for construction claims and litigation matters. Mr. Furlong has 21 years of experience with construction, project coordination and design, remodeling, and field inspections of building systems for residential, and commercial low and high-rise properties. He has successfully completed more than 600 unique and custom projects while as a general contractor.
His builder background experience ranges from high-end new custom home construction, interior renovations and additions, to green building and energy efficient homes, historical renovations, timber-framing, and creating elaborate custom interiors in prestigious estate-sized homes. This experience gives Mr. Furlong the unique qualifications to testify as an expert in construction matters. As a professional consultant, Mr. Furlong provides services in the ...
Nick M Bradford, PhD PE SE SI
TSG Engineering, Inc.
Tampa, Florida
Structural Engineering, Construction Engineering
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Structural Failure / Collapse, Structural design, Structural Analysis, Structural Inspections, Building Code Analysis, Construction Defects, Forensic Engineering, Hurricane Engineering, Failure Analysis, Wind Engineering, Flood Engineering
Dr. Bradford has been a practicing structural engineer for the past 27 years.
Dr. Bradford is the president and founder of TSG Engineering, located in Tampa, Florida. TSG Engineering provides structural engineering for new construction projects as well as forensic investigations. Since our inception as The Structures Group, Inc. in 1999, we have worked on over 9,000 projects.
In the area of new construction, we provide structural engineering for projects in the areas of custom residential, production builder residential, multi-family residential, retail/commercial construction, churches, industrial facilities and warehouses. We provide specialty structural engineering services such as controlled demolition and accessory structures (stairs, handrails, light poles). Our engineering projects include coastal construction projects involving high wind loading, wave loading, flooding, and scour analysis.
In the area of forensic engineering, we provide structural engineering failure ...
Gregory J Cahanin, CP
Cahanin Fire & Code Consulting
St. Petersburg, Florida
Fire, Failure Analysis
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Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems, Fire Sprinkler System Failure, CPVC sprinkler pipe failure, Fire Walls, Life Safety Egress, Fire Codes, Fire Hazard Analysis, Explosion Analysis and Cause, Fire Alarms, Walking Surface Slip Trip & Fall, Fire Origin and Cause Investigation, Fire Construction Defects
Fire expert witness performing origin and cause investigations nationally. Gregory J. Cahanin meets the professional qualifications of NFPA 1033, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator as documented in a Florida declaratory statement held by only one other fire expert in the state. Investigations include the Station Nightclub Fire in 2003 with 100 fatalities. In Wyatt v. Security Alarms Co., Inc. key testimony on the failure of a Viking automatic fire sprinkler established a product liability that resulted in a $1.4M dollar jury award for Wyatt in Oklahoma. Specialty areas of forensic expertise include kitchen fire suppression systems, fire sprinklers, and fire alarm systems. Fire and Building Code construction defect findings are supported by 45+ years of working with national codes and standards. Gregory Cahanin also performs code compliance and development for property owners and manufacturers.
Working on staff at the National Fire Protection Association...
Edward S. George
E & S Consulting, Inc.
Saint Augustine, Florida
Metallurgy, Failure Analysis
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Metallurgy, Products Liability, Coatings Inspection, Welding Inspection, Slip and Falls, Material Science, Forensic Engineering, Corrosion, Fatigue, Fractures, Bolt Failures, Weld Failures, Construction Defects
Professional Experience
Court qualified technical expert in criminal and civil court, deposition and trial experience. Extensive experience in the field of failure analysis involving a variety of products, components, and materials utilized in both industrial and consumer applications. Experience in inspection and failure analysis of building materials.
Proficient in microscopic analysis techniques and digital imagery. Proficient in destructive and non-destructive testing techniques and procedures in accordance with the applicable American Society of Testing Materials Standards. Direct experience in the field of materials thermal processing and procedures. Expert in material science, forensic engineering, corrosion, fatigue, fractures, bolt failures, weld failures andconstruction defects.
Professional Licenses
Registered Professional Engineer: P.E. #51375 Florida (1997- Present)
Certified Welding Inspector: C.W.I #07060051 (2007-Present)
Certified AMPP Coating Inspector Level...
Daniel . Gottuk, PhD
Gottuk Engineering
Florida
Fire, Engineering
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Fire Protection Engineering, Arson, Smoke Detection, Fire Alarm, Fire detection, Smoke and CO alarms, Forensic engineering, Fire spread analysis, Fire recreation, Origin and cause investigation, Consumer products, Failure Analysis, Modeling
Dr. Dan Gottuk is the President of Gottuk Engineering after a 30 year career with Jensen Hughes, with which he still maintains a relationship with a team of over 100 experts providing expert witness and failure analysis services for a range of specialties associated with fires and explosions, mechanical, electrical, construction, codes and standards, materials, chemical, metallurgical, process safety and concrete. Other specific service areas include: Arson Investigation, Origin & Cause Investigations; Fire Spread Analysis; Fire Modeling; Fire Testing; Sprinkler Systems; Inadvertent Discharge; Corrosion; Fire Alarm Systems; Smoke Alarms; Carbon Monoxide; Kitchen Hood Suppression; Battery Fires (including Lithium and Lithium Ion); Building Insulation Fires; Spray-Applied Fire-Resistive Materials (SFRM); Structural Fire Protection; Combustible Dust Hazards; Dust Explosions; Laboratory & Evidence Examination.
Dr. Gottuk is a recognized expert in fire detection, fire dynamics and fo...
William Henry, PhD, NCARB
RGA Design Forensics LLC
Tampa, Florida
Premises Liability, Construction Defects
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Accident Investigation, Building Codes, ADA, Accessibility, Slip Trip & Fall, Forensic, Architecture, Engineering, E&O, Errors and Omissions, Construction Defects, Mold, Cruise Ship, Maintenance, Building Inspection, Insurance Claims, Disaster Recovery, Failure Analysis, Property Insurance
As forensic architects and engineers, we strive to provide our clients with superior expert witness services by combining the latest in technological advances with our staff’s decades of experience. Our continued practice in architecture enables us to build a customized team of experts from multiple disciplines to find an optimized solution for your case.
Dr. Henry, our lead expert, utilizes three components in his case development: (1) a detailed timeline, (2) an analysis of the governing codes and documentation, and (3) the application of the facts to those governing codes. His reports and testimony are presented in a simple, clear manner that is easily understood. This approach has had a proven impact on the outcomes of past matters, whether in settlement, mediation, arbitration, or at trial.
RGA Design Forensics’ main areas of expertise are premises liability, property insurance litigation, and architectural errors and omissions (E&O) claims.
Premises Liability - Whethe...
Sanford Kaminsky, AIA, NCARB
m2e Consulting Engineers
Miami - Coral Gables, Florida
Architecture, Construction Defects
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Standard of Care, Failure Analysis, Construction Documents, Defect, Change Order, Building, Design, Condominium, Hospitality, Casino, gaming, Code Compliance, Contract Document, Field Management, Contract Administration, Commercial, Highrise, Retail, Hotel, Condo-Hotel
Member of The American Institute Of Architects, and Nationally Board Certified, With Over Forty Years Of Experience. Multi-Billion Dollars of Experience Both Designed and Constructed. Skills Include All Facets of Architectural Practice, Including Condominium Defect Mitigation That Would Dismantle A Class Action Lawsuit. Worldwide Project Experience Includes Retail, Office, Hotel, Institutional, Aerospace and Mixed-Use. Deposed On Standard Of Care, AHCA Regulations Regarding The Design Of A Class III Operating Room, And A Wrongful Death Based On My OSHA Certification.
40+ years experience in construction defect litigation support and expert witness services for both plaintiff and defense attorneys. Experienced in field investigations, Failure Analysis water intrusion analysis, specialty construction methods, development of repair methodologies and de-watering techniques, trial preparation and expert witness testimony. Projects include commercial and high rise in California, Nevada, ...
R Jason Keen
Construction Industry Consultant-Expert Witness
Keen Construction and Inspections Inc. Dba Keen Consulting
Tampa , Florida
Construction, Building Inspection
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General contractor, Inspector, Commercial and residential shell contracting, Concrete, Product defect, Construction management, Contracts, Quality control, Insurance inspections, Failure analysis, Permit research, Unpermitted construction activity, Water intrusion, Construction defect, Estimation
State-licensed general contractor. CBC-1254501.
State-licensed building inspector. HI-9654.
Construction company owner since 1997.
Project management.
Municipal Bridge repair.
Municipal fire station construction.
Municipal highway contractor.
Commercial shell contractor.
Residential shell contractor.
Residential new construction.
Residential remodeling.
Historic renovations.
Commercial and residential property inspections.
Construction consultant.
Forensic Investigation.
Construction Estimating.
Maintenance of traffic (MOT).
Concrete contractor.
Block contractor.
Earthwork contractor.
William Latham
A1-Advanced Inspections
Jensen Beach, Florida
Construction Defects, Failure Analysis
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Inspector/Consultant,Residential&Commercial,Interior&Exterior,Defects & Failure Analyses,All Flooring Materials,Shower Walls-Pans & Seats,Wood & Concrete Subfloor/Substrates,Moisture Intrusion,Expert Witness,Renovations, Property Damage Assessment,Building Forensics,Mitigation Consultation
William (Bill) Latham has more than 45 years of experience and accomplishments in the Construction and Flooring fields. In his experience, work agreements made between parties requires constant monitoring to ensure “Quality Workmanship” & “Industry Standards” are being performed. Unfortunately, often times work performed results in substandard work and/or failures within projects. Given his expertise and attention to detail, Bill specializes in Construction Defects/Building Forensics and Flooring Failure Analyses. He offers Clients/Commissioning Parties significant experience, expert knowledge, and a thorough understanding of the direct correlations between all the various interior and exterior Construction processes for both Residential & Commercial building.
Trained as a Carpenter’s Apprentice at a young age in the Northeast, Bill started out in the residential home construction and renovation market. Later, he was employed as a Union Carpenter on multiple commercial construct...
H John Miller, Ph.D., PE
Miller Biomechanical Forensics, LLC
Plant City, Florida
Biomechanics, Biomedical Engineering
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Accident Investigation, Seatbelts, Airbags, Injury Causation, Vehicle Crashworthiness, Impact Biomechanics, Amusement Rides, Crash Testing, Workplace Safety, Failure Analysis, Slip Trip Falls, Motorcycle Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, Personal Watercraft Accidents, Heavy Truck Accidents
Dr. Miller, a Biomedical, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Engineer, has worked in the areas of crashworthiness, occupant safety, injury causation, product design, and manufacturing processes for 30 years. He holds 35 patents and has several peer reviewed publications in the safety and occupant injury field.
He has provided research, expert analysis and testimony in product litigation involving General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota and others, and also in general negligence claims for both plaintiff and defense including major insurance companies.
His product expertise includes impact biomechanics and injury causation, seat, seatbelt and airbag performance, as well as mechanical systems design and manufacture.
Adam K Aleksander, PhD, PE, CSP
Aleksander & Associates P.A.
Boise, Idaho
Human Factors, Products Liability
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Mechanical, Industrial, Safety Engineering, Forensic Engineering, Human Factors, Product Liability, Warnings, Labels, Defects, Visibility, Reconstruction, Failure Analysis, OSHA, Construction, Equipment Failures, Industrial Accidents, Power Utility Accidents, Insurance Claims, Photogrammetry
Dr. Aleksander has a diversified Engineering background with specific experience (50 years) in Manufacturing, Cost Analysis, Consulting Engineering, Engineering Sales, Project Management, Product Development, Research, Lecturing, and Technical / Litigation Forensic Engineering Investigations of accidents and equipment failures. He has worked extensively in heavy industry (conveyors, biomass boilers, electric utilities) as well as the Forensic Engineering practice. Dr. Aleksander was the founding chair of the ASTM committee E58 on Forensic Engineering. He worked overseas on some 40 occasions in multiple South East Asia locations, and was involved in innovative efforts in international plastics mitigation. His academic credentials (Ph.D. Human Factors and Safety Engineering) bring a solid foundation to issues regarding product liability, warnings, labels, and use, based on a decades of development and research, and standards. This training also compliments Dr. Aleksander's experience...
Daniel . Gottuk, PhD
Gottuk Engineering
Illinois
Fire, Engineering
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Fire Protection Engineering, Arson, Smoke Detection, Fire Alarm, Fire detection, Smoke and CO alarms, Forensic engineering, Fire spread analysis, Fire recreation, Origin and cause investigation, Consumer products, Failure Analysis, Modeling
Dr. Dan Gottuk is the President of Gottuk Engineering after a 30 year career with Jensen Hughes, with which he still maintains a relationship with a team of over 100 experts providing expert witness and failure analysis services for a range of specialties associated with fires and explosions, mechanical, electrical, construction, codes and standards, materials, chemical, metallurgical, process safety and concrete. Other specific service areas include: Arson Investigation, Origin & Cause Investigations; Fire Spread Analysis; Fire Modeling; Fire Testing; Sprinkler Systems; Inadvertent Discharge; Corrosion; Fire Alarm Systems; Smoke Alarms; Carbon Monoxide; Kitchen Hood Suppression; Battery Fires (including Lithium and Lithium Ion); Building Insulation Fires; Spray-Applied Fire-Resistive Materials (SFRM); Structural Fire Protection; Combustible Dust Hazards; Dust Explosions; Laboratory & Evidence Examination.
Dr. Gottuk is a recognized expert in fire detection, fire dynamics and fo...
Joseph J Jaskulski, PE, CFEI, LEED AP
Power and process plant construction & operations
Project Performance Group LLC
Winnetka, Illinois
Energy, Failure Analysis
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Power generation, steam, power plant, operation, turbine, commissioning, solar, performance, insurance, construction, defect, efficiency, turbine, boiler, contractor, design build, EPC, infrastructure, gas, coal
Expert witness on multiple technical and commercial issues in arbitration, state and federal court, and in front of regulatory commission environments. Deep expertise in power plant development, construction, operating and maintenance, and asset management. Numerous evaluations and audits of generating portfolios, including review of business processes and identifying/quantifying improvement opportunities/potential threats. Technologies include coal, oil, natural gas, wood, and waste-fueled facilities, simple and combined cycle power stations, and spark and diesel reciprocating engine-based power plants. Green energy experience, including, wind energy construction, smart grid implementation, building energy conservation measures, battery storage, and both concentrated and photo-voltaic solar generation. Experience extends to large process plants as well.
Experienced in all aspects of infrastructure projects and programs in both the public and private sectors: development, financi...
Roger R. Machut, P.E., LEED AP
Solution Engineering Group
Montgomery, Illinois
Civil Engineering, Failure Analysis
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Site and Land Development, Project Management, Utility Design, Surface and Groundwater Flooding, Roadway Design, Bituminous and Concrete Pavement Design, Stormwater Management, Runway Pavement Design, Slip and Fall Injuries, Root Cause Construction Failures, Lead, Asbestos, Mold, Radon
Roger Machut is a Senior Civil Engineering Expert for Solution Engineering Group. He consults on all aspects of roadway design, bituminous and concrete paving design, runway pavement design, stormwater management, utility design, site development, and surface and groundwater flooding.
Mr. Machut has over 30 years of practical professional experience in civil engineering, in both design and construction applications. Combined with decades of holding positions of leadership in various organizations, Mr. Machut has developed a unique ability to express the complex in ways understandable to individual audiences, allow each group to take action or make a decision. As a solution creator, he equally identifies root causes of failures, inefficient methodologies, and unsustainable construction. Adding to his total professional credentials is the Mr. Machut’s 33 years of service in the United States Marine Corps, from which he retired as a Brigadier General.
In addition to his extensi...
Timothy J Dickson, PE, SE
Dickson-Schaefer, Ltd.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Engineering, Failure Analysis
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Structural Engineering, Construction defects, water infiltration, storm damage, fire damage, explosion damage, structural collapse, failure of temporary shoring, construction site accidents, roofing failure, windows, handrail failures, masonry, concrete, steel, failure analysis, façade failure
I strive to perform impartial forensic investigations in an efficient manner to help my Clients assess their issue. I prepare concise written reports that provide a solid understanding of the technical aspects of the issue so my Client can make informed decisions.
My expert witness experience includes cases dealing with issues such as defective construction, water infiltration, storm/fire/explosion damage assessment, structural collapse, failure of temporary shoring, construction site accidents, roofing failure, improper design and manfacture of windows and handrail failures.
David C. Gross, PhD, PE
Medical Device Expert Witness
MED Institute Inc.
West Lafayette, Indiana
Biomedical Engineering, Intellectual Property
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Medical Devices, Failure Analysis, Products Liability, Mechanical Engineering, Biomechanics, Laboratories & Testing, MRI safety, FDA and Regulatory, Finite Element Analysis, Electromagnetic Compatibility, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI, Patent Analysis, ISO 13485
David Gross, PhD, PE, is the Director of MRI Safety Evaluations and Engineering Simulations at MED Institute. As a graduate research associate, he was awarded a Pre-Doctoral Fellowship from the American Heart Association (AHA) for his research focusing on improving the MRI safety of patients with implanted cardiovascular devices. He is a member of numerous societies, including the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) where he received the Magna Cum Laude Merit Award at the 2016 ISMRM Annual Conference. Additionally, he was a member of the Ethics Subcommittee for the Biomedical Engineering Society. He graduated from Purdue University with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and M.S.E. in Interdisciplinary Engineering. He also holds M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Biomedical Engineering from Ohio State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer.
Mari S Truman, MS, PE
OrthoBioMech LLC
Warsaw, Indiana
Biomechanics, Medical Devices
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Occupant Motion, Injury Biomechanics, Orthopedics, Medical Product Liability, Duties of Manufacturer, Design, Testing, Manufacturing, Warnings, Instructions for Use, Injury Event Reconstruction, Failure Analysis, Injury Pattern, Soft Tissue Injury, Low Speed Collisions, Falls, Impacts, Sports
Licensed Professional Engineer
Medical Device Design & Development
38+ years orthopaedic device development
12 patents
Testified in State and Federal Courts , Injury Biomechanics and Medical Device Litigation
20+ trials
100+ depositions
38 years of experience in the biomechanics and orthopedics fields, 16 years forensic case analyses.
I routinely deal with forces that are applied to the human body during many activities, including impact and injury scenarios. To assure the safety and efficacy of new medical devices, we define clinically relevant performance requirements for their installation and use, and then test to define the product specific performance characteristics. The physical principles and methods used in orthopedic biomechanics are the same as those used to reconstruct injury events. I am familiar with forces and loads applied to the hips, knees, wrist, shoulder, head, neck, lower back and skeleton in many typical activities, including sitting, walking, jumpin...
Dan C. Weekes, AIA, BECxP, CxA+BE
ArchiForensic
Indianapolis, Indiana
Architecture, Engineering
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Construction Defects, Building Enclosure Failure, Investigation, Water Infiltration, Roof Failure, Window Failure, Microbial Growth/Mold, Failure Analysis, Slip trip & fall, Trip & Fall, Moisture/ Condensation Issues, Flood Damage, Building Inspection
Brian K Bramel, SE, PE, Ph.D.
Bramel Engineering
Tracys Landing, Maryland
Structural Engineering, Construction Defects
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Construction, construction site safety, concrete, open web joist, light gage steel, underpinning, mechanical engineering, product defects, failure analysis, finite elements, design build
Dr. Bramel has over 30 years of broad Engineering experience in all aspects of the construction process: from design through construction and service. Dr. Bramel has effectively served as an Expert Witness and a litigation advisor on hundreds of cases in the past 10 years. He has advised in Construction Defect, Building and Material Failures, Product Liability, Personal Injury, Construction Work Site Injuries, Multi-Employer Worksite Matters, as well as building code compliance and insurance claims throughout the mid-Atlantic region. His expertise in Civil, Mechanical, and Structural Engineering allows a broad perspective of potential matters beyond the traditional Engineering solutions. Dr. Bramel is a practicing Licensed Professional Engineer in Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and Delaware, a practicing Licensed Structural Engineer in Washington, D.C., and a Model PE NCEES record holder. He is a current member of the New York City Building Code R...
Daniel . Gottuk, PhD
Gottuk Engineering
Ellicott CIty, Maryland
Fire, Engineering
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Fire Protection Engineering, Arson, Smoke Detection, Fire Alarm, Fire detection, Smoke and CO alarms, Forensic engineering, Fire spread analysis, Fire recreation, Origin and cause investigation, Consumer products, Failure Analysis, Modeling
Dr. Dan Gottuk is the President of Gottuk Engineering after a 30 year career with Jensen Hughes, with which he still maintains a relationship with a team of over 100 experts providing expert witness and failure analysis services for a range of specialties associated with fires and explosions, mechanical, electrical, construction, codes and standards, materials, chemical, metallurgical, process safety and concrete. Other specific service areas include: Arson Investigation, Origin & Cause Investigations; Fire Spread Analysis; Fire Modeling; Fire Testing; Sprinkler Systems; Inadvertent Discharge; Corrosion; Fire Alarm Systems; Smoke Alarms; Carbon Monoxide; Kitchen Hood Suppression; Battery Fires (including Lithium and Lithium Ion); Building Insulation Fires; Spray-Applied Fire-Resistive Materials (SFRM); Structural Fire Protection; Combustible Dust Hazards; Dust Explosions; Laboratory & Evidence Examination.
Dr. Gottuk is a recognized expert in fire detection, fire dynamics and fo...
Tara L Pase
Bramel Engineering, LLC
Tracys Landing, Maryland
Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering
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Construction Defect, Concrete, Seismic, Retaining Walls, OSHA, Building Codes, Steel, Earthquake, Stormwater Management, Civil Engineering, Failure Analysis, Wood, Wind, Construction, Structural Engineering, Strength of Materials, Masonry, Foundations, Construction Accident, Design and Analysis
Civil/Structural Engineering
Construction Defects
Building Codes
OSHA
Failure Analysis
Strength of Materials
Concrete/Steel/Wood/Masonry Design
Concrete/Steel/Wood/Masonry Analysis
Seismic Design and Analysis
Wind Design and Analysis
Foundations and Retaining Structures
Grading and Soil Properties
Field Repair Designs
Stormwater Management
Component/Connection Design and Analysis
Construction Cost Estimates
Building Envelope (Moisture Barriers)
Construction Management
Registered Professional Engineer, State of New York, License No.087752
Registered Professional Engineer, State of Maryland, License No.42640
Registered Professional Engineer, Commonwealth of Virginia, License No.051210
Registered Professional Engineer, State of New Jersey, License No.24GE05239300
Steven W Opolski, MS
Atlantic Engineering, Inc.
Ipswich, Massachusetts
Medical Devices, Engineering
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Stent, Septal Occluder, Medical Devices, Vena Cava, Filter, heart, brain, colon, valve, mitral, aortic, finite element, FEA, AAA, disposables, nitinol, percutaneous, aneurysm , failure analysis, surgical instrument
Chris Scott, PhD
Material Answers LLC
Weston, Massachusetts
Chemical Engineering, Failure Analysis
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polymer, plastic, rubber, coating, materials, material science, material engineering, thermoplastic, thermoset, composite, design, manufacturing, adhesive, ink, automotive, medical device, aerospace, packaging, accident, defect
Dr. Chris E. Scott is President of Material Answers LLC. He specializes in material structure, properties, and processing. His work emphasizes thermoplastics, thermosets, blends, composites, and multicomponent formulations. He has extensive experience with manufacturing, product development, product design, and failure analysis. Systems investigated include plastics, composites, coatings, paints, adhesives, rubbers, fibers, suspensions, emulsions, and pastes. In particular, Dr. Scott has published extensively on the topics of polymer processing and structure relationships, compounding and mixing in multiphase polymer systems, and structure and morphology development during polymer processing. He is the inventor on 11 U.S. patents, author of more than 30 articles in peer reviewed journals, author of 40 conference proceedings, and has presented more than 50 seminars to industry and government organizations.
Dr. Scott has conducted failure analysis investigations and developed p...
Stephen A. Batzer, PhD, PE
Batzer Engineering
Fife Lake, Michigan
Intellectual Property, Failure Analysis
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Intellectual property, patent infringement, forensic engineering, material failure analysis, crossbows, firearms, manufacturing, product liability, expert witness standard of care
Retired Lieutenant Colonel, US Army, Ordnance Corps. 70+ Peer reviewed publications. Two patents. Reading/writing German fluency. Dr. Batzer has given short courses and invited lectures at universities, private companies and internationally.
Robert E. Burnham, PE
Burnham Engineering Associates, LLC
PLYMOUTH, Michigan
Engineering, Transportation
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Failure Analysis, Automotive Design Analysis, Accident Reconstruction, Material Handling, Trailer Loading, Forensic Logistics Analysis, OSHA Compliance/Standards, Warning Labels, Machine Guarding, Stamping Presses, Injection Molding Presses, Backhoes, Loaders, Industrial Accidents, Appliance Leaks
Robert Burnham, MSE, PE, has 30+ yrs. experience in engineering analysis supporting more than 200 litigation cases. State Licensed Professional Engineer since 1980. Dale Warnke conducts assessments of supply chain, operations, logistics networks and facilities, safety regulations, forklift accidents, and accident reconstruction.
Product Design senior engineer for design and test of automotive body, electrical, and mechanical components. In-plant Quality Manager, Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Senior Engineer of Manufacturing Process Analysis, including metal stamping presses, robotic welding equipment, injection molding presses.
Member, National Society of Professional Engineers, Michigan Society of Professional Engineers, and National Academy of Forensic Engineers.
11 patents. 27 years Adjunct Professor in Manufacturing Engineering, Schoolcraft College.
Forensic Engineering, investigation of mechanical design defects, product and design failure analysis, patent disputes, prod...
Gary Gustafson
UTV, ATV and ROV expert with 30 years experience
G-Force Consulting Inc
Clear Lake, Minnesota
Motorcycle, Failure Analysis
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Accident Reconstruction, All Terrain Vehicle, UTV/ATV, Side by Side, Electrical Engineer, Throttle Design, Dealership, Snowmobile, Power Steering, Consultant, Fire, Electronics, Accessory, Rollover, Polaris, Ranger, Speed Sensor, Root Cause Analysis, Trade Practices, Patent
32 years with an exceptionally broad and deep range of experience with ATVs, UTVs, Side-by-Sides, snowmobiles and motorcycles including: Off-road vehicle product failure and root cause analysis, accident reconstruction, CAN bus diagnostics, product design, dealership vs OEM vs consumer liability, intellectual property development, vehicle diagnostics, market research in vehicles, accessories, components, technology and accessories for global brands and startups. 11 years of employment at Polaris working on the Ranger UTV and Sportsman ATV platforms. A founding contributor to the Polaris Development Process. One of the original inventors of the Ride Command and Active Descent Control systems as well as making contributions to electronics at Yamaha, BRP and Arctic Cat. Consulting and Expert Witness defense clients have included Mahindra, Robert Bosch Corp, Textron, Arctic Cat, General Dynamics, Johnson Controls and Yamaha. Plaintiff experience in many power steering, unintended accel...
Chris K. Haas, PhD
Materials, plastics & testing - faculty and indust
Indigo Sciences, LLC
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing
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polymers, plastics, patent infringement, adhesives and films, security documents, micro-optics, extrusion, injection molding, product development, failure analysis, laminates, polymer coatings, materials, product design, chemicals
Dr. Haas is an expert in materials with specialties in plastics, films, labels, and adhesives with a special focus in security documents such as passports, identity cards, currency, and labels with particular skills in trouble-shooting and failure analysis. He is an Engineering Fellow at the University of St. Thomas School of Engineering where he has taught since 2009, including courses on materials , polymers in design, senior design, fluid mechanics laboratory, and thin films. He also teaches on materials at the University of Minnesota. More than 25 years of industry experience at 3M and Gemalto/Thames during which he generated, supported, and defended numerous patent filings and developed products that have achieved over $250MM in sales. A member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), the Northwestern University Chemical and Biological Engineering Advisory Board, and the Document Security Alliance. Dr. Haas has 18 patents.
Focus areas include:
- New product a...
David M Hallman, MS, PE
Hallman Engineering LLC
Maple Grove, Minnesota
Mechanical Engineering, Accident Reconstruction
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Automotive, Vehicle Fires, Crash Data, Failure Analysis, Origin and Cause, Vehicle Mechanical, Farm Equipment, CDR, EDR, Heavy Truck Data, Motorcycle Crash, Infotainment
I am a Licensed Professional Engineer in nine states with over twenty-nine years combined experience in materials research, mechanical engineering and design, crash testing research and crash investigation and reconstruction, vehicle fire research and investigation, automotive mechanics and forensic mechanical and materials investigation. I hold degrees in mechanical engineering (BS) and materials science and engineering (MS).
I work on a wide variety of forensic mechanical and forensic metallurgical investigations. These investigations have included but are not limited to an elevator failure involving materials and design issues, a personal injury involving a paper shredder, multiple cases involving farm equipment and personal injuries, machine guarding cases, chair collapse cases, bolted joint failures, patient lifter failures, vehicle hand control issues, and tipped telehandler and boom crane cases.
My automotive background coupled with my two degrees, extensive testing and res...
Frank Comer, PE
PST ENGINEERING
Kansas City, Missouri
Engineering, Construction Defects
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Building Inspection, Civil Engineering, Construction Defects, Failure Analysis, Structural Engineering, Roof Analysis, Water Leaks, Geotech Engineering, Forensic Engineering, Stucco - EIFS, Grade Drainage, Foundation Settlement, Retaining Walls, Cause & Origin, Building Codes, Standard of Care
Frank Comer is an experienced engineer specializing in the civil, structural, geotechnical and environmental fields. Licensed in the state of Missouri, he holds a reciprocity license in Kansas, is registered w NCEES to access other state licenses. Founder and sole owner of Property Services Team, LLC, dba PST Engineering, Frank has been inspecting, designing and consulting under PST since 1999. He has been in the insurance adjusting and engineering field for over 35 years.
PST provides design for new homes and buildings (complete construction and additions), design consulting to other professionals (engineers and architects), due-diligence and construction, QA/QC inspections, as well as forensic and cause and origin investigations for many different building- and property-related products and their design and installation. PST’s team also performs reviews for agricultural, warehouse, manufacturing, other commercial structures & facilities, historical buildings and residential struc...
Adam Edmonds, BSME, CPO, FAAOP
Failure analysis of prosthetic and orthotic device
Springfield , Missouri
Failure Analysis, Prosthetics
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Design, Manufacturing, Orthotics, Train
I am a Prosthetist, Orthotist, and mechanical engineer specializing in design, fabrication, and training in the proper use of custom and off-the-shelf orthoses and custom prosthesis. My strengths include designing custom, manufactured, 3D printed devices to improve patient outcomes, training and equipping other professionals in the field. I systematically investigate causes of device malfunctions, failures in order to improve design, patient safety, and enhance device performance and longevity.
Experience
Cox Health Center for Prosthetics & Orthotics, Springfield MO 2014 - Present
Certified Prosthetic & Orthotic Clinician
Design, fabricate, and train in the use of prosthetic and orthotic devices.
Clinically mentored and assisted in gaining accreditation for 4 colleagues.
Served as a 3D Printing Computer Aided Designer and Manufacturing Engineering Specialist
Presented as a featured speaker for the Innovation Accelerator and Leadership Development Institute, CoxHealth Trauma C...
Christopher E. Janson, MS, CSP, CHMM
Haines, Janson & Associates LLC
St. Louis, Missouri
Safety, Premises Liability
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Slip Trip & Fall, Retail Safety, Equipment & Machinery, Human Factors, Slip Resistance, Accident Investigation/Reconstruction, OSHA, Guarding, Failure Analysis, Construction, Industrial & Premises Accidents
Haines, Janson & Associates provides safety and risk management consulting services. Christopher E. Janson, Board Certified Safety Professional (CSP); Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM); Certified User of the English XL slip resistance measuring device (CXLT). Mr. Janson has held safety management positions with several Fortune 500 companies. He has also worked with a variety of firms as a consultant for the insurance industry. Mr. Janson is a professional member of the American Society of Safety Engineers.
Thomas W. Caldwell, PE
Summit Associates of Bedford, LLC
Bedford, New Hampshire
Metallurgy, Failure Analysis
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Design Defects, Material Selection, Engineering, Manufacturing Defects, Manufacturing, Quality Control, Mechanical Failure, Corrosion, Fitness for Use, Equipment Operation, Equipment Maintenance, Trade Secrets
Testifying and consulting expert for both plaintiff and defense counsel. Cases have involved hand tools, recreational and exercise equipment, fire fighting apparatus, rotating machinery, construction hardware, fasteners, joints, piping, tubing, lighting fixtures. 40+ yrs designing, manufacturing and quality assurance of components for consumer & industrial products including safety and performance-critical applications for aircraft, automotive safety systems, medical products, construction machinery, defense arms and munitions. Mr. Caldwell has testified in patent infringement and trade secret misappropriation cases. He has lectured in the USA, Europe and India on manufacturing premium quality metal products. He has published in the areas of batteries, materials selection and materials processing. Licensed Professional Engineer, Ohio. US Patent holder.
D.R. Foster, PhD, PE
Expert Welding Engineering and Inspection
Swedesboro, New Jersey
Failure Analysis, Safety
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Welding Engineering, Weld Failures, Welding Design, Industrial Safety, 3D Printing of Metals, Welding, Welding Safety, Inspection, Welding Metallurgy, Welding Defects, Torch cutting, Forensics, Codes Compliance, Non-Destructive Testing, Manufacturing, Marine, Navy, Aerospace, Military, ASME
Dr. D.R. Foster is the Principal Engineer at Expert Welding Engineering and Inspection, where he focuses on welding engineering consulting, inspection, and the training of engineers and technicians.
Dr. Foster is an expert in regard to the design, manufacture, testing, and safety associated with welded structures. In addition to Dr. Foster’s significant experience in the field of welding engineering in both academia and industry, Dr. Foster possesses a BS, MS, and PhD in Welding Engineering. Strongly dedicated to his craft, Dr. Foster has earned multiple certifications related to fields of welding engineering and inspection. These certifications include Certified Welder (CW), Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS), Certified NDT Level III Inspector (NDT III) and Licensed Professional Engineer (PE), all of which have prepared Dr. Foster exceptionally well to properly analyze failures and other welding problems that are the subject of litigation.
Dr. F...
Jason C Miller, RCA, BCMA, CTSP
Tree Resolutions
Woodbury, New Jersey
Arborist, Failure Analysis
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Personal injury matters, Tree damage, Arboriculture, Tree failure investigations, Aerial inspections & documentation, Tree risk assessment, Tree disputes, Tree safety and biomechanics, Tree service duties & standards, Tree valuations, Insurance subrogation, Liability reports
Mr. Miller boasts over three decades of extensive experience in arboriculture, accumulating more than 30,000 hours of hands-on field expertise, specifically with mature trees on private, commercial, and government properties. Moreover, he is an effective communicator, respected by his peers. Mr. Miller has completed dozens of certificate programs, and he is a Registered Consulting Arborist, Board-Certified Master Arborist, Certified TreeCare Safety Professional, and Licensed Tree Expert. Mr. Miller offers expertise on a broad spectrum of tree-related issues and the tree care industry. His proficiency is highly valued by attorneys, insurance professionals, tree care industry management, and property managers. For more than a decade, Mr. Miller has established himself as a valuable asset for both plaintiff and defense counsels in numerous matters concerning tree safety, health, value, and the tree care industry.
Mr. Miller's CV, fee schedule, and references are available upon request.
Michael A. Pollock, P.E.
Cogent Experts, LLC
New Jersey
Engineering, Construction Defects
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Standard of care, construction defect, construction delay, engineering, mechanical engineering, HVAC, project management, construction schedule analysis, manufacturing, product liability, power, refrigeration, fire, explosion, automotive, forensics, failure analysis, engineering standard of care
Registrations
• Professional Engineer: PA (PE075410)
• American Bar Association (ABA) – Construction Forum
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Air Act Certification – Universal (includes Chillers,
HVAC & Refrigeration)
• United States Patent & Trademark Office Registered (USPTO)
Professional Affiliations
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
• American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning Engineering (ASHRAE)
• American Arbitration Association (AAA)
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
• Product Developers and the Manufacturers Association PDMA
Supermarket Heating Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVACR) Matter – Florida - Provided expert witness field inspection and investigation of relevant HVACR and mechanical systems causing wet conditions via condensation. Guided counsel in deposition questions and developed the case strengths and weaknesses yielding a negotiated settlement favorable to our client.
Warehouse Distribut...
Robert Bennett
Accident Reconstruction Expert - ACTAR #2897
Endwell, New York
Accident Reconstruction, Motorcycle
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Crash Data Retrieval, Commercial Motor Vehicle Accidents, Motorcycle Crashes, 3D Mapping, Damage Profile Analysis, Crash Diagramming, Pedestrian/Bicycle Crash Investigation, Forensic Mapping, Failure Analysis, WinCrash, Expert Witness Testimony, Expert Witness Reports
Robert Bennett is an ACTAR-accredited accident reconstruction expert with over 26 years of experience in traffic collision investigations. He specializes in Passenger Vehicle, Pedestrian & Bicycle Crash investigations, Crash Data Retrieval, Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Accidents, Forensic Mapping, Motorcycle Crashes, 3D Mapping, and more.
With over 23 years of law enforcement experience with the New York State Police and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, Robert brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his work as an expert witness. His background includes 18 years as an accident reconstructionist, serving as the Unit Coordinator for the New York State Police, Troop C Collision Reconstruction Unit for 10 years. He has investigated thousands of cases and has testified numerous times as an expert witness in both civil and criminal cases. Robert has completed over 2000 hours of additional training in Accident Reconstruction.
Brian K Bramel, SE, PE, Ph.D.
Bramel Engineering
New York
Structural Engineering, Construction Defects
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Construction, construction site safety, concrete, open web joist, light gage steel, underpinning, mechanical engineering, product defects, failure analysis, finite elements, design build
Dr. Bramel has over 30 years of broad Engineering experience in all aspects of the construction process: from design through construction and service. Dr. Bramel has effectively served as an Expert Witness and a litigation advisor on hundreds of cases in the past 10 years. He has advised in Construction Defect, Building and Material Failures, Product Liability, Personal Injury, Construction Work Site Injuries, Multi-Employer Worksite Matters, as well as building code compliance and insurance claims throughout the mid-Atlantic region. His expertise in Civil, Mechanical, and Structural Engineering allows a broad perspective of potential matters beyond the traditional Engineering solutions. Dr. Bramel is a practicing Licensed Professional Engineer in Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and Delaware, a practicing Licensed Structural Engineer in Washington, D.C., and a Model PE NCEES record holder. He is a current member of the New York City Building Code R...
Barry Formisano
Formisano & Associates, Inc.
Gardiner, New York
Failure Analysis, Metallurgy
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Weld Failures, Welding Safety, Welding Processes, Weld Inspection and testing, Weld Engineering, Weld Metallurgy, Brazing and soldering, Manufacturing Weld Defects, Weld Structural Fabrication, Pipeline Weld Failures, Welding Codes Compliance, Construction Weld Failures, Welding Consulting
I have been an independent welding consultant since 1992, with 30+ years experience in the welding industry involving research and development and industrial applications of welding procedure qualifications of record, welding procedure specifications, welding fabrication, welder performance qualifications, nondestructive and destructive inspection and testing of welds, and weld failure analysis.
As a consulting and testifying expert witness I have been qualified by Courts in several states; and have been retained by both plaintiffs and defendants for lawsuits involving product liability, manufacturing defects, personal injury and code compliance.
I hold degrees in Welding Technology, Mathematics and Science; in addition to college level teaching credentials in the field of welding. Previous employment includes positions with the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Laboratory; these positions required a high level security "Q" clearance. I ha...
Daniel . Gottuk, PhD
Gottuk Engineering
New York
Fire, Engineering
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Fire Protection Engineering, Arson, Smoke Detection, Fire Alarm, Fire detection, Smoke and CO alarms, Forensic engineering, Fire spread analysis, Fire recreation, Origin and cause investigation, Consumer products, Failure Analysis, Modeling
Dr. Dan Gottuk is the President of Gottuk Engineering after a 30 year career with Jensen Hughes, with which he still maintains a relationship with a team of over 100 experts providing expert witness and failure analysis services for a range of specialties associated with fires and explosions, mechanical, electrical, construction, codes and standards, materials, chemical, metallurgical, process safety and concrete. Other specific service areas include: Arson Investigation, Origin & Cause Investigations; Fire Spread Analysis; Fire Modeling; Fire Testing; Sprinkler Systems; Inadvertent Discharge; Corrosion; Fire Alarm Systems; Smoke Alarms; Carbon Monoxide; Kitchen Hood Suppression; Battery Fires (including Lithium and Lithium Ion); Building Insulation Fires; Spray-Applied Fire-Resistive Materials (SFRM); Structural Fire Protection; Combustible Dust Hazards; Dust Explosions; Laboratory & Evidence Examination.
Dr. Gottuk is a recognized expert in fire detection, fire dynamics and fo...
Steven Pietropaolo, MS, P.E., CFEI
LGI Forensic Engineering, PC
North White Plains, New York
Engineering, Forensic Science
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Forensic Engineering, Explosions, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Product Liability, Fires, Fire Protection, Appliances, Construction, Building Defects, Failure Analysis, Laboratories & Testing, Plumbing
Steven Pietropaolo has a Bachelor Degree of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Manhattan College.
Mr. Pietropaolo is a Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of New York, amongst many others. He is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, a Certified Fire Investigator Instructor, a Certified Forensic Consultant and Certified Forensic Professional Engineer. He is a Fellow of the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute. He is Board Certified in Forensic Engineering by the National Academy of Forensic Engineers.
He has 30+ years of hands on engineering experience including electrical, mechanical, materials, safety, human factors, fire protection, and construction. He has knowledge of codes and standards used in construction and industry including building codes and safety codes. He is an expert in investigating and opining on New York State Labor Law cases (§200, §240(1) and §241(6)) involving ...
Kristopher J. Seluga, M.S., PE
Technology Associates, LLC
New York
Accident Reconstruction, Products Liability
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Mechanical Engineering, Biomechanics, Automotive, Construction, Engineering, Failure Analysis, Forensic Science, Golf Carts, Human Factors, Motorcycle, Premises Liability, Safety, Slip Trip & Fall
Our staff of experienced engineers are ready to apply established scientific and engineering knowledge and techniques to your case. Our staff has published hundreds of papers, served on national ANSI standards committees and assisted over 2,600 attorneys and insurance agents settle or try their cases.
Because the laws of physics and principles of engineering are universal, we are able to investigate and opine on a wide range of topics including motor vehicle crashes, heavy machinery, consumer products, construction sites, falls and biomechanical analyses. In each case, we assist our clients by determining, in as much detail as possible, how and why an accident occurred and communicating those finding in a clear and concise manner.
Robert A Durham, PhD, PE
THEWAY Labs
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Failure Analysis, Engineering
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Fire, Engineering Mechanical, Engineering Electrical, Building Inspection, Construction, Electricity, Electronics, Laboratories & Testing, Investigation, Products Liability, Plumbing, Forensic Science
Dr. Durham has been providing forensic and failure analysis services to clients for over 20 years. He has testified as an expert witness in multiple states, in federal jurisdictions, before FERC and state utility commissions. He is a certified fire and explosion investigator. He has been involved in over 2,500 failure analysis projects including: power systems, lightning, electrocutions, oil & gas, tank batteries, industrial, commercial, residential, lighting appliances, utility systems, utility regulation, fire, equipment damage, switchgear, construction equipment, electronics, overhead lines, underground lines and fire protection equipment.
Licensed PE in 11 States; BS EE, ME, PhD
Scott Lussier
Oakwood Tree Care Proessionals, Inc
Willow Street, Pennsylvania
Arborist, Failure Analysis
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Tree failure, Tree forensics, Tree health, Tree risk assessment, Consulting arborist, Plant appraisal and valuation, Tree biomechanics, Tree care, Plant Damage, Property damage, Damage
Over 30 years of Green Industry expertise in all phases of tree care, including 18 years consulting with clients to diagnose tree health and safety concerns. Specializing in discovering causation, appraisal valuations, and expert witness services.
American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) #447.
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) #PD-0358B.
Longwood Gardens Certificate of Merit in Ornamental Plants - Series I & II
Michael A. Pollock, P.E.
Cogent Experts, LLC
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
Engineering, Construction Defects
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Standard of care, construction defect, construction delay, engineering, mechanical engineering, HVAC, project management, construction schedule analysis, manufacturing, product liability, power, refrigeration, fire, explosion, automotive, forensics, failure analysis, engineering standard of care
Registrations
• Professional Engineer: PA (PE075410)
• American Bar Association (ABA) – Construction Forum
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Air Act Certification – Universal (includes Chillers,
HVAC & Refrigeration)
• United States Patent & Trademark Office Registered (USPTO)
Professional Affiliations
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
• American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning Engineering (ASHRAE)
• American Arbitration Association (AAA)
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
• Product Developers and the Manufacturers Association PDMA
Supermarket Heating Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVACR) Matter – Florida - Provided expert witness field inspection and investigation of relevant HVACR and mechanical systems causing wet conditions via condensation. Guided counsel in deposition questions and developed the case strengths and weaknesses yielding a negotiated settlement favorable to our client.
Warehouse Distribut...
Martin U Schlegel, Dr. rer.-nat. (Equivalent to PhD)
chemneera LLC
Warrendale, Pennsylvania
Chemistry & Chemicals, Failure Analysis
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Sports Technology, Sports Surfaces, Synthetic Turf, Artificial Turf, Playgrounds, Running Tracks, Gymnasium Floors, Court Surfaces, Construction Defects, Manufacturing, Recreational Coatings, Surface Coatings, Technical Textiles, Protective & Shock-absorbing Materials, Material Fatigue & Failure
Martin Schlegel has 25 years of international experience in the sports and recreation industry across novel materials, technology and R&D commercialisation. He is the Principal of chemneera Consulting providing advice and technical expertise to communities, companies and stakeholders in the sport technology, sports infrastructure and sports business industries across Australasia, Europe and the USA. As a Distinguished Member of the Sports Innovation Board of the International Sport Technology Association (ISTA) in Atlanta GA and a Director of the Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN), his work focuses on start-up programs, global partnerships with other clusters of innovation and facilitating export growth of sports technology companies. He previously worked on major sports infrastructure projects across Australia, Asia, Europe, and the USA, including sports surfacing projects for the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. Throughout his manufacturing career, he worked globally in...
Roger W. Griffith, P.E.
Griffith Engineering & Consulting, Inc.
Jefferson City, Tennessee
Plumbing, HVAC
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Plumbing, plumbing systems, plumbing codes, plumbing design, plumbing engineering, piping, hot water systems, scalding, Legionella, fuel gas systems, gas appliances, gas venting, carbon monoxide poisoning, HVAC, HVAC design, fire protection, sprinkler systems, construction defects, failure analysis
Roger W. Griffith, P.E. is a licensed, professional mechanical engineer in 18 states and has over 34 years of experience as a mechanical engineer. . He is the founder and principal of Griffith Engineering & Consulting. His experience includes plumbing, HVAC, and sprinkler system design, forensic analysis, and expert witness consulting.
For the past 15 years, Mr. Griffith has provided expert witness services, including deposition and trial testimony. In addition to plumbing, HVAC and sprinkler systems, his areas of specialty include hot water system design, hot water scalding, legionella, and venting of gas appliances as it relates to carbon monoxide poisoning. Mr. Griffith is a Board Certified Diplomate Forensic Engineer (DFE) of the National Academy of Forensic
Engineers (NAFE).
Prior to founding Griffith Engineering in 1997, Mr. Griffith worked at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), an electric utility, as a nuclear piping analyst, valve and heat exchanger specialist, mainten...
Scott J. Anson, Ph.D., P.E.
Forensic Engineer - University Professor
Anson Engineering, LLC
Harleton (Longview), Texas
Mechanical Engineering, Failure Analysis
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Mechanical Engineering, Materials, Failure Analysis, Forensic Engineering, Manufacturing, Design, Warnings - Marketing Defect, Oil & Gas, Metallurgy, Stress, Root Cause, Safety Hierarchy Application, Lab Analysis, Inspection, Firearms, Electronics, Field Investigation, Fracture, Golf Cart, ATVs/UTVs
Dr. Scott Anson has been practicing and teaching engineering for over 28 years. The first 8 years were in industry engineering roles involving process development and tooling design, as well as extensive laboratory failure analysis. During his over 20+yr. academic career he has held multiple industry appointments simultaneous with his academic role, in addition to his independent consulting work.
He provides forensic engineering services involving product design, manufacturing defects, and warnings/instructions (marketing defects).
He is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Texas and Louisiana and has an active NCEES record to facilitate licensing in other states.
Dr. Anson has complementary skills in four key dualities that uniquely enhance his effectiveness in forensic engineering and expert witness services.
1) He is formally trained and experienced in both Mechanical Engineering and Materials Engineering, which enables him to assess both mechanical overstress and ma...
Jay H Daily
JHD Product Liability Consulting
ROWLETT, Texas
Products Liability, Manufacturing
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Testing, Failure Analysis, Ergonomics, Product Design, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Premises Liability, Structural Engineering, Warnings and Labels, Slip Trip & Fall, Metallurgy, Machinery/Equipment
I have 37 years of engineering design experience in multiple industries. I have developed designs for aerospace, consumer products, industrial machinery and products for use in retail environments. Strong manufacturing background and familiarity with all types of manufacturing equipment and processes. These include CNC cutting equipment, roll forming, stamping and progressive dies, Mig, Tig, and high frequency welding, robotics and automated manufacturing processes, assembly, finishing and packaging systems. I have the ability and resources to do physical testing of products, materials, including destructive and non-destructive testing. Strong analytical skills to assess product design and performance empirically and theoretically relative to specific industry standards. I am well versed in safety warnings and labels, and the responsibilities these requirements place on manufacturers of products and equipment.
Daniel . Gottuk, PhD
Gottuk Engineering
Texas
Fire, Engineering
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Fire Protection Engineering, Arson, Smoke Detection, Fire Alarm, Fire detection, Smoke and CO alarms, Forensic engineering, Fire spread analysis, Fire recreation, Origin and cause investigation, Consumer products, Failure Analysis, Modeling
Dr. Dan Gottuk is the President of Gottuk Engineering after a 30 year career with Jensen Hughes, with which he still maintains a relationship with a team of over 100 experts providing expert witness and failure analysis services for a range of specialties associated with fires and explosions, mechanical, electrical, construction, codes and standards, materials, chemical, metallurgical, process safety and concrete. Other specific service areas include: Arson Investigation, Origin & Cause Investigations; Fire Spread Analysis; Fire Modeling; Fire Testing; Sprinkler Systems; Inadvertent Discharge; Corrosion; Fire Alarm Systems; Smoke Alarms; Carbon Monoxide; Kitchen Hood Suppression; Battery Fires (including Lithium and Lithium Ion); Building Insulation Fires; Spray-Applied Fire-Resistive Materials (SFRM); Structural Fire Protection; Combustible Dust Hazards; Dust Explosions; Laboratory & Evidence Examination.
Dr. Gottuk is a recognized expert in fire detection, fire dynamics and fo...
William F. Ikerd, II, PhD, PE, CM-BIM
Building Information Modeling (BIM), VDC, LOD
IKERD Consulting, LLC
Dallas, Texas
Construction, Technology
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Building Information Modeling (BIM), Level Of Development (LOD), Structural Engineering, 3D Modeling, Laser Scanning, LiDAR, scan-to-BIM, Metrology, Failure Analysis, Forensic Engineering, Architecture, MEP, mechanical, construction defects, concrete, steel, wood, timber, masonry, civil engineering
Dr. Will Ikerd, PhD, P.E. (TX) is principal at IKERD, a firm that specializes in consulting for attorneys, owners, general contractors, trade contractors and designers of buildings, civil, infrastructure, mechanical and manufacturing projects. The firm focuses in the areas of engineering, laser scanning, Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) and Building Information Modeling (BIM). Mr. Ikerd is currently on the board of directors of the BIMForum and chairs three of their Taskforces; BIM Execution Plan (BxP), Reality Capture / Laser scanning and Level Of Development (LOD). He graduated with his bachelor’s in civil engineering and masters in structural engineering in 1998 from Washington University in St. Louis with a focus on 3D parametric modeling and is currently a University of Denver PhD candidate in BIM research.
Randall King, PhD, PE
King Professional Engineering, Inc.
DALLAS, Texas
Mechanical Engineering, Products Liability
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Patent infringement/invalidity, products liability, machinery design, failure analysis, design defects & manufacturing defects, 15 US patents + 6 int'l patents, Oilfield, industrial & agricultural accidents, pumps & compressors, valves & piping, consumer products, mechanical equipment failures
Dr. King is a licensed professional engineer with a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering: 40+ years experience in mechanical engineering, product design, research and development of high-pressure oilfield fracturing pumps and automotive components, forensic investigation, and litigation support.
▪ Testified at 11 trials & 54 depositions
▪ 25 Patent, IPR, & PGR cases – 4 trials & 12 depositions
▪ 21 Patents
▪ Patent infringement & invalidity
▪ Products liability
▪ Design defects & manufacturing defects
▪ Failure analysis
▪ Oilfield, Industrial, Construction, & Agricultural accidents
▪ Pumps, valves, compressors, & piping
▪ Cranes, trucks, lifts
▪ Consumer products
Dr. King has served as a forensic engineer for over 20 years, testifying at 11 trials and 54 depositions in state and federal courts for both plaintiff and defense.
Dr. King has served on 25 patent cases, providing opinions on invalidity, infringement, IPR’s, PGR's, and claim construction, including l...
Christian W. Knudsen, PhD MIT, PE
Patent Case Proficiency - Office/Courts Nearby
Knudsen Associates
Texas
Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Chemicals
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Intellectual Property, Patent Analysis, Patent Infringement, Patent-Litigation Support, Patents, Petrochemicals, Specialty & Fine Chemicals, Plastics, Oil & Gas, Coal/Synfuels, Rubber, R&D, Laboratories & Testing, Environmental, Toxic Chemicals, Failure Analysis, Forensic Science
Fellow AIChE ● ACS ● ASME
45+ Years Experience ● MIT Trained ● 8 Patents
Broad R&D and corporate experience at Exxon, GE, Halcon SD. Ll
Executive service in synfuels development at the U.S. Dept. of Energy.
18 years owning and managing a private R&D chemical process development laboratory.
Bradley N Plank, PE
MME Forensic Consulting, Inc.
Dallas, Texas
Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy
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Product Liability, Failure Analysis, HVAC, Oilfield, Heavy Equipment, Cranes, Cables, Medical Devices, Plastics, Boilers, Water Heaters, Plumbing
Using his combination of mechanical and metallurgical (including plastics) experience and education, Mr. Plank provides forensic and consulting engineering services to attorneys, insurance professionals, and manufacturing companies. A registered engineer in Texas and 23 other states, his experience includes 32 years in manufacturing in the metals processing industries, 29 years performing failure analyses, and 26 years investigating claims. Mr. Plank has testified in a wide variety of matters including personal injury and property damage, in both state and federal court, and his testimony has never been excluded. Assignments have involved mechanical equipment, appliances, oil and gas transmission equipment, plumbing, HVAC, heavy equipment, machine tools, cranes and wire cables, manufacturing processes, and thermal processes, among many others.
Jahan Rasty, PhD, PE, MBA
Real-World Forensic Engineering, LLC
Lubbock, Texas
Engineering, Metallurgy
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Failure Analysis, Accident Reconstruction, Slip trip & fall, Trip & Fall, Products Liability, Human Factors, Intellectual Property, Forensic Science, Fire, Equipment & Machinery, Electricity, Biomechanics, Premises Liability
Jahan Rasty, PhD, PE, MBA is a tenured full professor of Mechanical Engineering at Texas Tech University (since 1988) where he also serves as the Director of newly established post-graduate Forensic Engineering Certificate Program, as well as the director of Materials Performance Characterization and Failure Analysis Laboratory. Dr. Rasty is also the founding president of Real-World Forensic Engineering, LLC, which is a boutique-style engineering consulting firm. He is an experienced engineering expert and has successfully testified in more than 250 cases and has conducted over 1,000 engineering investigations in the areas of consumer products and industrial machinery failures involving design, manufacturing and marketing defect issues. Professor Rasty is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Texas, and holds various forensic certifications in the fields of fire and explosion investigation (CFEI, CFII), as well as vehicle Crash Data Retrieval (CDR). He received his BS,...
Aftab Sheikh, P.E., PMP
Electrical Engineering system failure and fire.
Sheikh Engineers and Consulting, PLLC
Pflugerville, Texas
Electrical Engineering, Failure Analysis
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Transformer, motor, generator, UPS, circuit breaker, switchboard, electrical fire, electrical insulation failure, VFDs, short circuit, fault current, Arch flash, fire alarm, electrocution, field investigation
Highly-experienced registered electrical engineer in the States of California and Texas. Currently serves as Senior Engineer for Travis County Sheriff's Office. Duties include but not limitted to: equipment failure analysis, writing technical reports, writing business case, project budget preparation, project managment, review and recommend expert solutions, electrical saftey, energy savings, promotes clean energy systems design for the 130 acres of Travis County Correctional Complex and Travis County Jail.
Worked internationally (Bangladesh, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and the USA). Experienced in applying British Standards, International Building Code, National Electrical Code (NEC), National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA), National Electrical Safety Code (IEEE SA) etc.
Have extensive experience in electrical, fire alarm and low voltage system design, project administration and management, supervision, reviewing electrical system design and plans, site electrical surveys, needs assessm...
Eric M. Simon, MEng
DEXTERITY INC.
SALT LAKE CTY, Utah
Medical Devices, Biomedical Engineering
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Product Design, Medical Devices, Laboratory Instruments, Materials Science, Failure Analysis, Plastics, Product Liability, Patent / IP, Dental, Surgical, Molding, Testing, Adhesives / Bonding, Cardiovascular, Orthopedic, Packaging, Enclosures, Drug Delivery, Optics / Glasses, Recreational Equipment
I have 38 years experience in the design, development, and production of medical devices, laboratory instruments, and other manufactured goods. My career as a consulting engineer and contract product designer, through my consultancy Dexterity Design, has provided me extensive experience in materials and biomedicine, primarily as applied to medical and biotechnical products. Additionally, I have experience with consumer, recreational, and industrial goods.
Specific expertise in biomaterials, mechanical design, diagnostic devices, and therapeutic tools. Award winning designer and developer of biomedical/biotechnical products and mechanical goods. Lecturer on product design and development. Experienced with FDA design controls and submissions. 27 yrs SolidWorks and CAD experience. 22 patents issued or pending; numerous products designed, produced, and marketed.
Expert witness in 13 cases (patent infringement, product liability, medical malpractice) with excellent outcomes. Prior lega...
Matthew Furlong, CBC, RBC
Construction and Building Code Compliance Expert
Först Consulting Group
Middleburg, Virginia
Construction Defects, Construction
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Forensic investigation, building pathology, failure analysis, technical reporting, construction claims, litigation support, insurance, building code, EIFs, stucco, building envelope, facades, rainscreen, infrared, moisture, structural capability, energy conservation, contract analysis
Mr. Matthew Furlong specializes in construction defect and failure analysis, forensic engineering, scientific investigations, technical report writing and expert witness testimony for construction claims and litigation matters. Mr. Furlong has 21 years of experience with construction, project coordination and design, remodeling, and field inspections of building systems for residential, and commercial low and high-rise properties. He has successfully completed more than 600 unique and custom projects while as a general contractor.
His builder background experience ranges from high-end new custom home construction, interior renovations and additions, to green building and energy efficient homes, historical renovations, timber-framing, and creating elaborate custom interiors in prestigious estate-sized homes. This experience gives Mr. Furlong the unique qualifications to testify as an expert in construction matters. As a professional consultant, Mr. Furlong provides services in the ...
Christian W. Knudsen, PhD MIT, PE
Patent Case Proficiency - Office/Courts Nearby
Knudsen Associates
Alexandria, Virginia
Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Chemicals
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Intellectual Property, Patent Analysis, Patent Infringement, Patent-Litigation Support, Patents, Petrochemicals, Specialty & Fine Chemicals, Plastics, Oil & Gas, Coal/Synfuels, Rubber, R&D, Laboratories & Testing, Environmental, Toxic Chemicals, Failure Analysis, Forensic Science
Fellow AIChE ● ACS ● ASME
45+ Years Experience ● MIT Trained ● 8 Patents
Broad R&D and corporate experience at Exxon, GE, Halcon SD. Ll
Executive service in synfuels development at the U.S. Dept. of Energy.
18 years owning and managing a private R&D chemical process development laboratory.
Tara L Pase
Bramel Engineering, LLC
Virginia
Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering
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Construction Defect, Concrete, Seismic, Retaining Walls, OSHA, Building Codes, Steel, Earthquake, Stormwater Management, Civil Engineering, Failure Analysis, Wood, Wind, Construction, Structural Engineering, Strength of Materials, Masonry, Foundations, Construction Accident, Design and Analysis
Civil/Structural Engineering
Construction Defects
Building Codes
OSHA
Failure Analysis
Strength of Materials
Concrete/Steel/Wood/Masonry Design
Concrete/Steel/Wood/Masonry Analysis
Seismic Design and Analysis
Wind Design and Analysis
Foundations and Retaining Structures
Grading and Soil Properties
Field Repair Designs
Stormwater Management
Component/Connection Design and Analysis
Construction Cost Estimates
Building Envelope (Moisture Barriers)
Construction Management
Registered Professional Engineer, State of New York, License No.087752
Registered Professional Engineer, State of Maryland, License No.42640
Registered Professional Engineer, Commonwealth of Virginia, License No.051210
Registered Professional Engineer, State of New Jersey, License No.24GE05239300
Mark R Webster, PE, MSME, MBA
Webster Engineering, LLC
Hubertus, Wisconsin
Mechanical Engineering, Equipment & Machinery
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Conveyors, Elevators, Material Lifts, Industrial Controls, Dynamic Analysis, Animations, Forensic Engineering, Intellectual Property, Freight Lifts, ASME Safety Standards, Failure Analysis, Hydraulics, Manufacturing, Products Liability, Lifting Systems, Material Handling, Machinery, Patents
Licensed Professional Engineer with more than 35 years of experience with conveyors, and a wide range of industrial machinery and control systems. conveyor systems, material handling systems, elevators, material lifts, vertical conveyors, shopping cart conveyors (adjacent to escalators), automated car parking systems, custom engineered machinery and systems. Board Certified Forensic Engineer. Chair of ASME B20.1 Safety Standards for Conveyors and Related Equipment, Member of ASME Board on Safety Codes and Standards, member of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers. Engineering specialties include machine design, dynamic system analysis and animation (multi-body physics, motion analysis), hydraulic lifts and systems, heavy mechanical drives for lifting and other material handling applications, finite element analysis. Very active in ASME safety codes and standards.
You can also find Failure Analysis Expert Witnesses in:
Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin