Fire Expert Witnesses

Fire, Engineering - 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...

Mechanical Engineering, Failure Analysis - 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...

Insurance - Claims, Claims Handling, Standards and Practice, Property, Casualty, Restoration, Fire, Water, Mold, IICRC

With extensive experience across a broad sector of the property and casualty insurance industry, Sandra has unique insight and perspective into the challenges that arise in the insurance claims process. She has successfully guided both plaintiffs and defendants through hundreds of complex claims; both first and third party, litigated and non- litigated. With her extensive background in the fire and water restoration industry, combined with her outstanding communication and negotiation skills, Sandra excels in helping her clients get their cases RESOLVED.

Failure Analysis, Metallurgy - 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, HVAC, CPVC, Oil & Gas, Welding

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 ...

Fire - Fire origin and cause investigation, Arson, Explosion, Fire scene reconstruction, Bad faith claims, Fire prevention, Smoke alarm, Smoke detector, Fire alarm, Fire department procedures, Fire codes

I am an expert in fire origin and cause investigation, scene analysis, and reconstruction. My formal education includes a B.S. degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California (USC). In addition, I completed post graduate work at the National Fire Academy in the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program. I hold certifications as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) with The Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) as well as Chief Officer and Executive Chief Fire Officer through the California State Fire Marshal. I have attended numerous initial, advanced, and continuing education courses and seminars in various aspects of fire investigation. I have over 30 years of experience in the fire service, 23 years as a Fire Investigator, and have investigated more than 2,500 fires. I was previously a Task Force Officer with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) and am currently a California State Fire Marshal instructor for beginning and adv...

Electrical Engineering, Fire - Transformer, motor, generator, UPS, circuit breaker, switchboard, electrical fire, electrical insulation failure, short circuit, fault current, Arch flash, fire alarm, 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...

Nurse Anesthetist, Anesthesiology - CRNA, hospital liability, airway, fire, aspiration, awareness, EMR/EHR Audit trails, capnography, dental, endoscopy, colonoscopy, intubation, non-OR anesthesia, monitored anesthesia care (MAC), overdose, oversedation, positioning, post anesthesia care unit, PACU, central line, propofol, sedation

Yale-trained nurse anesthetist leader in active clinical practice. Clinical experience includes both operating room and non-operating room procedures. Head of CRNA quality and safety for Yale New Haven Hospital – a 1,500+ bed level 1 trauma center. Has reviewed numerous adverse events for deviations from standard of care. Extensive public speaking experience.

Fire, Failure Analysis - 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 no 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 failures. Fire and Building Code construction defect findings are supported by 40 years of working with national codes and standards. Gregory Cahanin also performs code compliance and development for property owners and manufacturers. At the National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA, Mr. Caha...

Fire, Engineering - 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...

Accident Reconstruction, Fire - premises liability, slip and fall, photometrics, product defect, roofing inspections, cause and origin, acoustic studies, black box download, evidence preservation

Mr. Marajh’s experience includes mechanical engineering positions in industry and with consulting firms. He conducts vehicle accident and mechanical component investigations for insurance companies, attorneys, and engineering firms. He has hands-on operational and troubleshooting experience with the full line of heavy construction equipment as well as passenger vehicles. Mr. Marajh has investigated vehicle and building fires for cause and origin analysis. As a consultant, Mr. Marajh applies the principles of design, analysis, testing, and safety to forensic evaluations involving industrial and consumer products, traffic accident investigation, and reconstruction. He has received specialized training in forensic mapping, fire cause and origin investigations, coefficient of friction testing, commercial roof inspections and maintenance of traffic design. Mr. Marajh has offered testimony via depositions and trials in state and federal matters. He has been recognized as a diplomat o...

Products Liability, Fire - Fires, Explosions, hazardous chemicals, Chemical burns,Toxic exposures, chemistry, chemical engineering, consumer products, industrial products, industrial accidents, materials science, cosmetics, hair relaxers, warnings & instructions, OSHA Codes, Standards, SDS, Patent Infringement, Trade Secrets

Experienced Consulting and Testifying Forensic Litigation Expert Witness. Products Liability and Personal Injury. Plaintiff or Defense; Federal and State. Incident Reconstruction, Complex Litigation, Early case consultation, International Experience. 25 years Industrial Experience. Consumer & industrial product development. Evaluation of hazardous chemicals & safety issues; Chief Scientific Advisor and Director of Technical & Regulatory Symposia for HBA (Health & Beauty, America), Academic Experience: Adjunct Professor Fire Science (15 years); Fire and Explosion Investigator (E-CFEI); Advanced Training (CFEI). Affiliate member National Academy of Forensic Engineers. Member: National Fire Protection Association, American Chemical Society, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Contributing Expert for ASTM Standards- Making Committees (American Society of Testing Materials), Peer Reviewer Professional Journals, Member: Center for Dermal Research, Rutgers University. Fellow...

Automotive, Products Liability - wiring, electrical, fire, defect, design, failure, electronics, battery, motor, module, engineering, connector, instrument, cluster, speedometer, HVAC, charging, alternator, starter, validation, vehicle, automotive, forensic,

Providing Expert Witness and Failure Analysis services for design, manufacturing or assembly defects and preventable errors. Will uncover root cause(s) of product defects to identify culpable party. My credible and clear Expert Reports and depositions have been key in achieving successful out-of-court settlements for my fire subrogation clients. Expert in Failure Analysis and Forensic Engineering of automotive electrical fires and accidents caused by electrical, wiring or electronics due to defects, design flaws or assembly errors. M.I.T. BSEE (ME minor), UD Mercy (MIT curriculum) MS in Product Development and Systems Engineering, and UD Mercy EngD Doctoral coursework completed. Over forty years of automotive electronic and mechanical product design, development, manufacturing and field failure analysis experiences. A Six-Sigma Black belt trained strategic and systems thinker, achieved millions of dollars in cost and quality improvements by designing and launching various elect...

Fire, Investigation - arson defense, explosions, fire codes, smoke alarm codes, life safety codes, fire prevention, fire department procedures, insurance claim denial; spoliation; firefighter injuries; firefighter fatalities.

As a past member of the Skokie, Illinois Fire Department for twenty-eight years, Mr. Agosti progressed from a Firefighter/Paramedic to the position of Deputy Fire Chief. Mr. Agosti has extensive experience in fire and arson investigation; fire prevention and life safety codes; fire department management, operations and safety; and firefighter fatalities and injuries . He has responded to hundreds of major fire and crime scenes and has testified in court on the conclusions of his investigations. Mr. Agosti’s fire department responsibilities included the review of all construction plans for compliance to fire and building codes. His expertise in building construction and fire code compliance, coupled with his knowledge of firefighting techniques and fire spread, lends a unique blend to his fire investigation capabilities. In addition to his fire department exposure to hundreds of fire investigations, Mr. Agosti has extensive experience in the private sector also. Over the past eight...

Fire, Safety - Fire Protection Engineering, Arson, Smoke Detectors, Fire Alarm, Fire System Failure, Fire Detectors, Carbon Monoxide, Fire Cause and Origin, Fire Resistance, Building and Fire Code, Explosion, Fire Safety, Means of Egress, Life Safety, Fire Sprinklers, Forensic Fire Analysis, Fire Sprinkler Leakage

Mr. Wheeler has practiced in Fire Protection Engineering, Fire Investigation, Fire Safety, and Building and Fire Codes for 46 years. His roles have included Insurance Risk Analyst, Building Commissioner, Building Inspector, Fire Protection and Building Code Consultant, Fire Protection System Designer, System Failure Analyst, and Forensic Fire Investigator. Mr. Wheeler's Expert Witness work includes analysis of events, written reports if requested, litigation support, mediation and arbitration support, depositions, and trail testimony. Mr. Wheeler's career experience includes approximately 220 cases, 65 depositions, and 32 trial testimony's. Mr. Wheeler works nationally and worldwide.

Civil Engineering, Construction Defects - 20 Years experienced Expert Witness, cause of origin, extent of damage, proper method of repair Variety of Perils: Hail, Wind, Fire, Flood, Accidental Discharge of Water, Soil Settlement, etc. Insurance Claims Property Damage Evaluations

Investigate residential and commercial sites to determine the cause and origin of structural failures, damages or defects. Analyze damages to structures that have been threatened by catastrophes. Inspect assigned buildings and sites, document existing site conditions, collection of evidence, and photographic documentation, utilize appropriate engineering survey, monitoring, and measuring equipment, research variety of technical resources, codes, standards, technical papers, text books, handbooks, internet. Inspections and analysis of building components and structures, preparation of testing requirements and procedures and preparation of condition reports. Experience in designs of low slope and steep slope roofing designs. Responsible for analysis and remedial design of structural failures and deficiencies. Review plans and specifications to identify conflicts and ambiguities. Perform and direct inspections of construction operations for compliance with specification and intent of ...

Fire, Engineering - 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...

Fire, Engineering - Fire Codes, Fire Engineering, Fire and Building Codes, Fire Alarm, Fire Protection, Fire Suppression, Building Fire Protection Systems, Sprinkler System Failures, Building Egress, Fire Protection Codes, Life Safety Codes, Life/Safety

Mechanical Engineering, Fire - Origin and Cause, Legal, Failure Analysis, Electrical Engineering, Equipment and Machinery, Forensic Science, HVAC, Construction Defects, Construction, Forest, Slip, Trip, and Fall, Products Liability, Premises Liability, Laboratories & Testing, Plumbing, Manufacturing, Investigation, OSHA, IBC

R. Craig Williams, PE BSME MSAE PHD(abd) CFEI CFII Principal Professional Engineer Serving All New England, New York, New Jersey, and Midwest Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator Mechanical, Electrical, Materials, HVAC, Fires, Explosions, Injuries & Death Licensure in: MA, CT, RI, ME, NH, VT, NY, NJ, FL, MI, OH, MO Mr. Williams is a mechanical, electrical, materials engineer with 38 years’ of practice in consulting, research, manufacturing, operations, product design, business development, failure analysis and forensic engineering. Over his many years of licensed experience, he designed, specified, maintained, operated, and evaluated mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and mobile equipment. He is an outstanding forensic investigative expert. His extensive heat transfer. fluid dynamics, fire dynamics, and materials science background allows superior failure, incident, fire, and explosion analysis. Experience in professional engineering consulting, engineering research , construct...

Building Inspection, Construction - Premises Liability, Property Litigation,Negligence Actions, Building Code, Wrongful Death,Residential & Commercial Structures,Fire,Electrical,Mechanical, Plumbing,Zoning,Slip & Fall,Workmanship,Water Testing,Building Inspection, Maintenance, Safety,Code Research, Cost Estimating

Tens of Thousands of Building Inspections performed. Certified Building Inspector, I.C.B.O - International Code Council Registered Building Inspector, State of MI Registered Building Official, State of Michigan Registered Plan Reviewer, State of MI 2009 International Accreditation Service Lead Evaluator Training 1998 Professional Development Committee, International Conference of Building Officials 1987 Rehabilitation Construction Specialist, National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials 1983 Licensed Residential Builder, State of MI 2010 International Accreditation Service, International Code Council, Building Department Evaluator, Construction Practices Assessment Team, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 2009 Faculty, Michigan State Univ., School of Planning, Design and Construction, Construction Management Program, Adjunct Instructor, Commercial and Residential Building Codes 1984 President, Professional Inspection Consultants, Inc. Premises Liability, Const...

Engineering, Safety - fire, shock, burns, fire investigation, appliances, design, testing, codes, safety, failure analysis, product liability, warnings & labels,

Specialize in design for safety, force failure testing, and product litigation support for the consumer goods industry. Knowledge source in the US on appliance fires, with specific detailed knowledge on dryer fires and their causes. Qualifications: Registered professional engineer in the state of Michigan Certified fire and explosion investigator (CFEI) Master certified in design for safety Master certified in force failure testing Certified in experimental statistics and statistical process control Member of the UL Standards Technical Panel for appliance codes related to clothes washers and dryers I worked in the consumer goods industry in appliances for over 28 years, which gave me the opportunity to serve on the dryer safety committee for the American Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), as well as work extensively with Underwriters Laboratory ( UL) and CSA. Recognized as a significant knowledge source in the US on dryer fires and their causes, I was instrumental in the deve...

Anesthesiology - trauma, orthopedic, regional, epidural, obstetric, ENT, neuro, pediatric, endoscopy, MRI, infection, fire, general anesthesia, outpatient, airway, ECT, ethics, consent, capacity, rural medicine, difficult airway, stroke, STEMI, ICU, nerve injury, acute pain, aspiration, awareness, cardiac arrest

Mayo Clinic educated and trained, Julie Rogers is a board certified anesthesiologist in her third year of private practice at a community hospital. She is an expert in obstetric, ENT, pediatric, ambulatory, orthopedic, cardiothoracic, plastic, neurosurgical, vascular, regional and monitored anesthesia care (MAC) anesthesia. Her current anesthesia practice is diverse, including all of these disciplines. She also teaches airway management to medical residents. Her background includes a PhD in science/pharmacology and a MA in ethics, which substantially deepen her expertise in anesthesiology. Her PhD work involved studying the mechanisms of drug molecules, which is integral to understanding anesthesiology. Her ethics specialties include informed consent, capacity determination and patient advocacy. She has published several peer reviewed papers as well as developed and taught courses in these areas. She has won awards for her many presentations. She has extensive writing ...

Investigation, Fire - Chimney, fireplace, heating appliances, furnaces, wood-burning, stoves, gas, inserts, gas logs, masonry heater

Eugene Padgitt is a Missouri State Licensed Private Fire Investigator, CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep, NFI Certified Gas Specialist, MHA Certified Heater Mason, and holds a Class DM Master Mechanical License. He has 40 years of experience in heating, venting, and masonry chimney and fireplace restoration and construction. He specializes in determining Origin and Cause of structural fires related to chimneys, fireplaces, and heating appliances. Eugene has completed hundreds of fire investigations and over 30,000 chimney inspections. He serves as an expert witness and consultant for fire investigation companies, insurance companies, and attorneys.

Security, Fire - Burglar Alarm, Alarm System, Security System, Alarm & Security, Central Station, Telephone Line Security, Fire Alarm, Smoke Detection, Carbon Monoxide, Panic & Holdup, Physical Security, Access Control, Video Surveillance Systems, Manufacturer Specifications, UL & NFPA Standards, Industry Standards.

A Master Alarm Technician, Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Board Certified in Security Management, Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Senior Engineering Technician, Level IV Certified (SET) in Fire Protection Engineering Technology/Fire Alarm Systems, Certificate Number 111275 from NICET, Level I and II Certified Engineering Technician, Fire Protection Engineering Technology/Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems (FASI&T) from NICET, Certified Homeland Security Protection Associate Level IV (CHPA-IV)by The National Sheriffs’ Association in partnership with The Global Society of Homeland and National Security Professionals. Appointed and Serves on twenty-two (UL) Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. Standard Technical Panels (STP) and is a former Principal Technical Committee Panel Member, Appointed by NFPA 72®, in the Special Expert Category, for The National Fire Alarm Code And The National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. As an ac...

Emergency Medical Services, Fire - EMS, EMT, Paramedic, Intubation, Response System Management, Cardiac Arrest, Airway, Chemical Restraint, Refusal of Care, Excited Delirium, Protocols, Trauma Care, Delay of Care, Sedation, Overdose, Wrongful Death, Negligence, Pediatric EMS, Ambulance Transport, Dispatch

Over the last 33 years my career path has included public and private sector Fire and Emergency Medical Services and now extends into leadership, incident management, design and implementation of immersive educational scenarios, physician training and emergency planning. In addition to managing the successful mitigation of countless scenarios and situations regarding a broad array of Emergency Services, I have gained valuable experience in several widely varying and vastly different aspects of my profession. As a Paramedic Supervisor for both a municipal, Fire-based EMS system (260 EMS providers) and a County Emergency Medical Services System (60 EMS providers) I have participated in the design and implementation of educational, operational, safety, quality improvement, and EMS policies and procedures for EMTs and Paramedics. Please consider a review of my CV for a detailed accounting of my areas of expertise and how I may assist you.

Maritime, Fire - Maritime / Marine Casualties, Admiralty, Maritime / Marine Collisions, Allisions, and/or Groundings, Marine fire / Marine fires / Marine Firefighting, Towing, Navigation Law, Underway Replenishment , Maritime Accident Investigations / Analysis / Consultation, Cargo Claims, Seaman Claims

CAPT Sean P. Tortora, M.S., U.S.M.S., is a Master Mariner with twenty-five years at sea. He is also an unlimited Master of towing vessels and Master and Commander of U.S Naval underway replenishment vessels. During his career at sea, CAPT Tortora had command of many different classes of vessels, including tankers, dry cargo, break bulk, ammunition, ocean towing, and salvage, special mission, as well as underway replenishment vessels. CAPT Tortora is a native of Long Island, New York. He is a graduate of Chaminade High School and holds a BS in Marine Transportation and MS, with honors, in International Transportation Management, both from the State University of New York Maritime College at Ft. Schuyler. He has served in the first Gulf War 1991-1992, Operation Noble Eagle—the response to the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, and Operation Iraqi Freedom—the second Gulf War from 2002-2010. CAPT Tortora’s decorations include U.S. Navy MSC-Command-at-Sea Designato...

Mechanical Engineering, Fire - Origin and Cause, Legal, Failure Analysis, Electrical Engineering, Equipment and Machinery, Forensic Science, HVAC, Construction Defects, Construction, Forest, Slip, Trip, and Fall, Products Liability, Premises Liability, Laboratories & Testing, Plumbing, Manufacturing, Investigation, OSHA, IBC

R. Craig Williams, PE BSME MSAE PHD(abd) CFEI CFII Principal Professional Engineer Serving All New England, New York, New Jersey, and Midwest Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator Mechanical, Electrical, Materials, HVAC, Fires, Explosions, Injuries & Death Licensure in: MA, CT, RI, ME, NH, VT, NY, NJ, FL, MI, OH, MO Mr. Williams is a mechanical, electrical, materials engineer with 38 years’ of practice in consulting, research, manufacturing, operations, product design, business development, failure analysis and forensic engineering. Over his many years of licensed experience, he designed, specified, maintained, operated, and evaluated mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and mobile equipment. He is an outstanding forensic investigative expert. His extensive heat transfer. fluid dynamics, fire dynamics, and materials science background allows superior failure, incident, fire, and explosion analysis. Experience in professional engineering consulting, engineering research , construct...

Trauma Surgery, Critical Care Surgery - Burn, Chemical Burn, Electrical Burn, Wound, TENS, SJS, Trauma, Critical Care, Steven Johnson Syndrome, Thermal Burn, Fire, Scald

Dr. Khandelwal is an internationally recognized, clinically active burn surgeon with over 12 years of experience, and has been in the administrative/director role of a burn center for over 10 years. He is currently the Chief, Division of Burn Surgery and Director of the Paul and Carol David Foundation Burn Institute at Akron Children's Hospital and has academic appointments at Northeast Ohio Medical University and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Dr. Khandelwal clinical expertise includes burns, complex wounds, trauma and critical care. He has multiple publications as well as national and international lectures/presentations at various conferences. As evidenced by multiple media appearances, he is a prolific public speaker and engages audiences well. Dr. Khandelwal has 10 years of experience as an expert witness for both plaintiff and defense. Dr. Khandelwal is the Co-founder and one of the Medical Directors of Camp Karma - India's first and only recreationa...

Failure Analysis, Engineering - 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

Fire, Products Liability - Origin and Cause, Fire, Explosion

Mr. Klitsch is a well-respected fire & explosion investigator in the industry, having been in the field for 25+ years. He has offered expert opinions in local, state, and federal courts, in both civil & criminal courts. His attention to detail and compliance with NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033 resulting in fact-based, solid opinions. Mr. Klitsch retired from the Pennsylvania State Police in 2012, after 20 years of honorable service to the citizens of the Commonwealth. Mr. Klitsch spent most of his public sector career investigating fire & explosion incidents. He has taught fire investigation-related classes to other investigators on a local, state, and national level. Mr. Klitsch is a former contract instructor at the National Fire Academy as well as for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their fire/arson-related curriculum. Mr. Klitsch is a Certified Fire Investigator and an Evidence Collection Technician through the International Association of Arson Investi...

Engineering, Construction - Standard of care, construction defect, construction delay, mechanical engineering, HVAC, Project Management, schedule analysis, manufacturing, product liability, power, refrigeration, fire, explosion, automotive, forensics, failure analysis, accident reconstruction, intellectual property, patent

Education • Drexel University, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Cum Laude – 1998 • Mechanical Systems, Machinery, Thermodynamics, HVACR. Electives – Psychology • Completed Drexel’s E4 Program, Technology with Practical Applications 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 Forensic Consulting Experience Warehouse Distribution Facility – Maryland - Evaluated a $10M (million) claim relating to purported construction defect claims by the 60...

Fire, Forensic Science - Fire Sprinkler Systems, Fire Protection Engineer, CFEI, Commercial Kitchen Fires, Dust Explosions, Fires & Explosions Analysis: Origin & Cause, Fire Suppression Systems, Industrial Process Hazards, Property Damage Claims, deflagration,

Senior Consulting Engineer Amy Anderson has over 20 years of property loss prevention engineering and experience specializing in fire protection. Amy graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Chemical Engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Fire Protection, as well as a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator. Amy has an extensive engineering background with experience evaluating a variety of buildings and occupancies, and advising clients on the prevention of property and business loss. While specialized in the evaluation of diverse chemical facilities, Amy is equally confident in textile plants, plastic production plants, warehouses, metal working facilities, commercial kitchens, offices and hospitals. Amy regularly investigates property damage claims involving fire protection systems and their potential failures. She consults with representatives of property owners, fire protection system installers, and fire protection inspection and service com...

Mechanical Engineering, Fire - Machine Design & Safeguarding, HVAC and Plumbing Systems for Commercial, Industrial & Residential, Fires & Explosions Investigator, Certified Machine Safety Expert, Process Engineering, Industrial Accident Investigation, Vehicle Fire Investigator, Piping

Senior Consulting Engineer Chad Jones is a licensed professional engineer in multiple states, a NAFI Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, NAFI Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator, and a Certified Machinery Safety Expert. He has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University. Chad has over 25 years of engineering experience including mechanical, process and manufacturing engineering. He has participated in and led industrial accident investigations and participated in in-depth process safety audits. This work has included equipment design, machine safeguarding, cost estimating and safety compliance. He has designed HVAC and plumbing systems for commercial, industrial, and private clients. Chad’s process experience includes the operation and control of continuous and batch polymerization equipment to produce nylon as well as expansion projects to add new equipment to increase production. His machine design experience includes utilizing diffusion pumps ...

Chemical Engineering, Fire - Process Safety Management, Chemical Release & Exposure, Chemical Fires & Explosions, Boiler Fires & Explosions, Energy Management, Refrigeration, Cooling Towers, Chillers, Ammonia Based Refrigeration Systems, Saturated Steam and Super-heated Steam for Cogeneration

Jennifer Morningstar is a licensed professional engineer in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma and West Virginia, and an NCEES Model Law Engineer. She has over 20 years of engineering experience. Her emphasis includes chemical release & exposure, OSHA compliance, boiler systems, industrial accident investigation, fires & explosions, product liability and scope of damage/cost to repair. She spent 16 years working at a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) manufacturer where she gained experience with distributed control systems (DCS) and programmable logic controllers (PLC). She is an OSHA-trained Process Hazard Analysis study leader and completed Root Cause Failure Analysis training to become an Incident Investigator. Jennifer authored procedures for lockout/tagout and confined space entry. She also managed capital expansion projects in excess of $1M. Jennifer then spent 3 years as an energy management consultant in a variety of industries including mineral...

Fire, Emergency Preparedness - Public Safety, Fire Chief, Fire Department, Fire Administration, Emergency Management, Firefighter, Fire Officer, Firefighting, HAZMAT, Fire Training, Fire Department Procedures, EMT

Brandon Fletcher is a respected Fire Chief, Fire Service Author, and National Speaker with over 20 years of emergency service experience. He is a designated Chief Fire Officer (CFO) and Chief Training Officer (CTO) through the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Chief Fletcher serves as a Commissioner on the Center for Public Safety Excellence Commission on Professional Credentialling. Additionally, he serves as a principal member of two National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) technical committees that develop national consensus standards for the fire service, the Fire Officer Professional Qualifications Technical Committee, and the Fire Service Occupational Safety Technical Committee.

Fire, Emergency Preparedness - Fire Administration, Emergency Services, Fire Department, Fire Training, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Apparatus, Firefighter Safety, Fire Safety, Organizational Leadership, Fire Chief, Public Safety, HAZMAT, Firefighter Training, Rural Fire/EMS, Fire Truck, Life Safety, Fire Department Driver,

Adam Hursh is a highly qualified and respected fire service professional as well as fire service author. He is a graduate of Columbia Southern University with a Master’s degree in Public Administration. He also holds a Bachelor in Fire Service Administration as well as an Associate in Fire Science, both from Columbia Southern University. Chief Hursh is also an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, with 15 years in the emergency medical services field. Chief Hursh is a designated Chief Fire Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Chief Hursh also serves as a nationally credentialed fire safety inspector, fire and life safety educator, safety officer, hazardous materials technician, and fire apparatus operator. He is an effective leader and can serve as a subject-matter expert both within the fire service and outside the fire service as needed.

Fire, Engineering - 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...

Electrical Engineering, Fire - Transformer, motor, generator, UPS, circuit breaker, switchboard, electrical fire, electrical insulation failure, short circuit, fault current, Arch flash, fire alarm, 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...

Mechanical Engineering, Forensic Science - Electrical Engineering, Energy, Equipment & Machinery, Failure Analysis, Fire, Laboratories & Testing, Oil and Gas, Products Liability, Product, Plumbing, Leak, Warnings & Labels, Guarding, CSST, Gas Explosions, Natural Gas, Propane, LPG, Forensic Engineering, Expert Witness

LICENSURE: -Texas Professional Engineer License #57023 -Colorado Professional Engineer License #24555 -Mississippi Professional Engineer License #17888 -Alabama Professional Engineer License #35693 -North Carolina Professional Engineer License #049314 -South Carolina Professional Engineer License #37169 -Virginia Professional Engineer License #0402061315 -Michigan Professional Engineer License #6201069726 -Minnesota Professional Engineer License #58020 EDUCATION: -BSME, University of Texas at Arlington, 1978 AFFILIATIONS: -MEMBER, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) -SENIOR MEMBER, National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE) -MEMBER, National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) -MEMBER, National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) -MEMBER, Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) -Pi Tau Sigma -Tau Beta Pi PRIMARY AREAS OF EXPERTISE: -Fire and Explosion Analysis Fuel Gas Fires and Explosions Residential, Commercial, Ind...