Mechanical Forensic Engineering Expert

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

James Laird, PE, is the founder of CAE Forensic (Clear Analysis Engineering, PLLC), a forensic mechanical engineering firm based in Bellingham, Washington. He has conducted over 2,000 forensic investigations across residential, commercial, industrial, and vehicle cases throughout the Pacific Northwest and nationally. Mr. Laird's practice focuses exclusively on mechanical engineering — failure analysis, fire and explosion investigation, and automotive forensics. He investigates failures in plumbing and appliances, HVAC and boiler systems, forklifts, scissor lifts, hydraulic machinery, agricultural equipment, and a broad range of consumer and industrial products. He is EDR-equipped for crash data retrieval and interpretation in automotive cases. All fire and explosion investigations follow NFPA 921 methodology. Mr. Laird holds three fire investigation certifications: IAAI-CFI (International Association of Arson Investigators), CFEI, and CVFI (National Association of Fire Investigators). Mr. Laird has provided expert witness testimony in state and federal courts. He serves both plaintiff and defense counsel, as well as insurance carriers, TPAs, and self-insured corporations. Reports are prepared consistent with Federal Rule of Evidence 702 and the Daubert standard. Mr. Laird holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech and a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Old Dominion University. He is licensed as a Professional Engineer in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina, DC, and South Carolina. CAE Forensic is based in Washington and primarily serves clients throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho and nationally.