Failure Analysis Expert Witnesses: 43

As an arbitrator, structural/civil engineer, and expert forensic consultant with nearly four decades of experience, Casey Hemmatyar has provided extensive expert services for defendants’ and plaintiffs’ attorneys on numerous construction litigation matters throughout the United States and Canada.

He has been retained as an expert engineer in over one hundred litigation matters on single and class-action legal cases by the U.S. government, law firms, and insurance carriers at the State and Federal levels, working with both plaintiff and defendant sides.

A partial list of litigation cases is available upon request. His understanding of core engineering and legal concepts has enabled him to assist a wide range of clientele effectively. He brings diversified experience in structural and civil engineering design and forensic engineering, investigation, and evaluation.

He also conducts research, has assisted in the development of building codes and standards, and has supervised the construction of domestic and international projects. His experience includes special structures and new buildings as well as modifications, alterations, seismic/hurricane retrofits, and upgrades to existing structures. He has provided failure analysis, expert consultation, structural forensic investigation, and damage assessment services for numerous litigation and insurance-related matters.

He actively presents continuing education lectures to audiences of licensed engineers, architects, and general contractors on topics of structural and forensic engineering throughout North America. Mr. Hemmatyar has been the principal structural engineer on high-profile projects for prestigious clients, including NASA and other notable organizations.  Currently, he directs PSFEG and has served as Director for SEAOSC from 2011 to 2013.

His work encompasses a diverse range of structures, including hospitals,  educational institutions (including schools and universities), telecommunication centers, aviation facilities, government buildings, laboratories, as well as commercial, industrial, and residential structures.

Non-testifying consulting support for counsel on matters involving fall protection and access systems, including BMU, suspended, and permanent access systems (U.S. and International)

Rauch Safety & Engineering provides non-testifying technical consulting to counsel in matters involving fall protection systems, façade access systems (including Building Maintenance Units – BMUs), and permanent access infrastructure.

Engagements are typically initiated prior to expert designation to evaluate the technical validity of a claim, defense, or opposing position. This allows counsel to determine whether a matter is structurally sound before proceeding into formal expert pathways.

Work focuses on system failures, installation alignment, and responsibility across design, manufacturing, and construction, particularly where breakdowns occur between design intent and real-world conditions.

Scope includes analysis of:

• System design and engineering intent 
• Installation and commissioning conditions
• Lifecycle use and maintenance environments
• Alignment with applicable standards (OSHA, ANSI, IWCA)

RSE is engaged to:

• Evaluate case feasibility and technical merit
• Identify system failures, misalignment, and responsibility gaps
• Analyze construction defects and performance issues
• Review and assess opposing expert reports 
• Determine design vs. installation discrepancies 

RSE operates independently of contractors, manufacturers, and installers, providing unbiased technical evaluation grounded in real-world system behavior across the full system lifecycle.

All engagements are strictly non-testifying and available across U.S. and international matters.

Key Services

• Early Case Technical Evaluation (Fall Protection & Access Systems)
• Construction Defect & System Performance Analysis (Fall Protection & Access Systems)
• Failure Analysis – Fall Protection & Access Systems
• BMU / Façade Access System Review
• Suspended Access & Permanent Access System Evaluation
• Commissioning & Installation Condition Review (Fall Protection & Access Systems)
• Lifecycle & Maintenance Condition Assessment (Fall Protection & Access Systems)
• OSHA / ANSI / IWCA Standards Interpretation (as applicable to Fall Protection & Access Systems)
• Expert Report Review & Rebuttal Support (Non-testifying, Fall Protection & Access Systems)
• Design vs. Installation Discrepancy Analysis (Fall Protection & Access Systems)

Positioning Statement

RSE provides non-testifying consulting support to counsel requiring a clear, technically grounded understanding of fall protection and access systems and their real-world performance, particularly in matters where design, manufacturing, installation, and operational realities intersect.

Areas of Expertise:

Fall Protection Systems Failure Façade Access Systems Failure Building Maintenance Units (BMU) Failure Suspended Access Systems Failure Permanent Access Systems Roof Anchor Systems Failure Lifeline Systems Failure Suspended Platform Failure Construction Safety Failure Building Maintenance Accident Construction Defect Analysis Construction Dispute Support Design vs Installation Discrepancies

System Performance Failure Infrastructure Access System Failures Access System Commissioning Issues Installation vs Design Intent Conflict Contractor Responsibility Analysis OEM Responsibility Analysis OSHA Compliance Review ANSI Standards / IWCA Standards Failure Analysis Construction Systems Mechanical Building Systems Lifecycle System Analysis Commissioning Review Maintenance Conditions

View Rauch Safety and Engineering's Consulting Profile.

Expert Background: Dr. Thomas L. Read is the Principal and CEO at A. Read Consulting, LLC. He received his PhD. from Stanford University in 1972 and has over 25 years of manufacturing experience in electronics, metallurgy, factory safety, failure analysis, glass fracture, glass failure and bottle failure. As a member of the electronics industry, he has earned process patents and has an extensive background in manufacturing techniques. In parallel, Dr. Read has spent over twenty five years as a consultant to attorneys and engineers. He has given more than 100 depositions and has appeared in court numerous times. Company Profile: Read Consulting, LLC is a full service laboratory providing services in the following areas:

• Failure Analysis; Factory Safety and Personal Injury (including machine guards and manufacturing safety)
• Glass Failure Analysis - Glass Fracture, Glass Failures and Bottle Failure
• Metal and Ceramic Failure
• Grinding Wheel Failures
• Intellectual Property and Patent Disputes
• Product Liability and Product Quality
• Manufacturing Disagreements (such as Intellectual Property, Failed equipment and Contract Disputes)
• Reverse Engineering

Richard Fincher is a consulting and testifying expert witness with over 40 years of Engineering, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Software, Industrial Automation, and executive leadership experience. He provides expert witness and litigation consulting services in U.S. federal and state courts, international arbitration, the U.S. International Trade Commission, and international proceedings.

 Litigation Support - Mr. Fincher has prepared expert, rebuttal, and technical reports and has provided deposition and trial testimony. His engagements have included multi-billion-dollar semiconductor disputes, semiconductor equipment valuation, software copyright and source-code analysis, patent invalidity and non-infringement, automotive electronics failure analysis, industrial machinery disputes, immersive simulation systems, and manufacturing technology matters.

His technical work has included source-code review under stipulated protective orders, establishment of specialized PLC and electronics laboratories for independent testing, semiconductor manufacturing and equipment-market analysis, accelerated-life and specification testing, root-cause analysis, and evaluation of engineering, commercial, and industry-practice issues.

Areas of Expertise:

Semiconductor Manufacturing and Economics Semiconductor Equipment Valuation and Secondary Markets ASIC Cost & Manufacturing Economics Yield, Capacity, and Utilization Analysis Software IP and Source Code Copyright and Trade Secret Disputes

Patent Litigation Embedded Systems Industrial Automation and Process Control PLC Systems Product Reliability Electronic Failure Analysis

Background Experience - Mr. Fincher’s industry experience includes leadership roles as VP of Engineering, CTO, General Manager, and senior engineering manager in semiconductor, electronics, software, and manufacturing organizations. He has led engineering and technology operations across the U.S., Europe, China, India, and Australia.

He holds an MBA from SMU Cox School of Business, an MS in Computer Science from SMU Lyle School of Engineering, and a BS in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Dallas. He is a PMP – Project Management Professional and a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt.

Consultants. Experts. Innovators.™

Operating from more than 110+ offices around the globe, we provide services to corporations, insurance companies, law firms, and government agencies. 

Our quantum and delay experts are experienced in the following areas:

Adjudication Arbitration Assistance in the Preparation of Pleadings Attendance at Hearings Compilation of Evidence Conciliation Deposition Disclosure and Discovery Dispute Advisory Boards (DABs)

Dispute Management Strategy Implementation Dispute Resolution Boards (DRBs) Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) Expert Determination Factual Witness Statements Litigation Mediation Structured Negotiation Tactical Dispute Management Advice

Whether the matter relates to construction or insurance, we bring years of valuable industry experience to help our clients limit long and costly formal proceedings. Our experts can operate individually or collaboratively as an integrated team, providing clients with unbiased assessments of construction delays and their cost implications and contract dispute assistance. Backed by evidence and research, Rimkus experts serve as impartial voices, presenting compelling arguments and providing professional testimony that sheds light on the critical intricacies of complex, global issues.

Rimkus Global Services Overview

OUR EXPERT SERVICES EXPERTISE

DELAY EXPERTS

Construction delays can have significant financial implications and lead to strained relationships on a project. Rimkus delay experts understand schedules, project management, and contractual obligations. We can analyze complex timelines, identify causation, measure the effect on the project’s deliverables, and provide expert opinions that stand up to scrutiny in legal proceedings. Our Delay Experts are experienced in the following areas:

• Extension of Time Assessment
• Disruption Analysis
• Project Planning
• 4D Modelling and Visualization

QUANTUM EXPERTS

Quantum disputes require a unique set of skills and expertise. Rimkus’ quantum expert witnesses specialise in evaluating and quantifying the financial loss or damage from a variety of matters, including breaches of contract, valuation issues, or financial loss claims. In addition, our team is often engaged on expert advisory commissions, helping clients build an appropriate commercial strategy to navigate a complicated or contentious issue and assisting the client in achieving its targets. Our quantum specialists are well-versed in all aspects of dispute resolution, whether through litigation, arbitration, adjudication, mediation, or complex negotiation. Several members of the Rimkus quantum team are multilingual, allowing us to help clients from jurisdictions across the globe. Our Quantum Experts are experienced in the following areas: 

• Contract Administration
• Damages Claims 
• Quantity Surveying Best Practice
• Quantum Assessment and Analysis
• Loss and Expense Claims 

Visit our full suite of: Delay and Quantum Expert Services.

GLOBAL OFFICES

Rimkus operates from 110+ offices worldwide, with headquarters in the following cities.

Australia Grosvenor Place, Level 31 225 George Street Sydney NSW 2000 Phone: +61 2 9290 1495 Email: APEnquiries@rimkus.com

Malaysia Menara Citibank Suite 20.04 Level 20, 165 Jalan Ampang 50450 Kuala Lumpur Phone: +60 3 9212 1204 Email: APEnquiries@rimkus.com

New Zealand Level 2, 1 Broadway Newmarket Auckland 1023 Phone: +64 9 5201929 Email: APEnquiries@rimkus.com

Singapore  138 Market Street Level 5, CapitaGreen 048946 Phone: +65 6016 6057 Email: APEnquiries@rimkus.com

United Kingdom 5th Floor 40 Lime Street London EC3M 7AW Phone: +44 12 5767 6107 Email: EurEnquiries@rimkus.com

United States 12140 Wickchester Ln Ste 300 Houston Texas Phone: +1 800 580 3228 Email: Expert@rimkus.com

View a full list of Rimkus Office Locations.

View Rimkus Forensic Expert Services Profile. 
View Rimkus Life Sciences Expert Services Profile.

Christopher M. Daft, PhD, is an award winning, Oxford Educated scientist whose areas of expertise include medical imaging, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, medical devices, sensors, MEMS, signal processing, and image processing. He holds 23 United States Patents with 20 applications pending, Dr. Daft has diverse industry experience including multi-nationals such as GE, Medtronic, Fujifilm, Samsung, and Siemens as well as several start-ups. 

He has testified at trial 5 times and been deposed 15 times.

Dr. Daft has been an Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Senior Member since 2004. He has three years of experience teaching electrical and computer engineering at the University of Illinois. 

Dr. Daft holds a BA and MA in Physics from Oxford University as well as Doctorate from Oxford in Materials Science.

Litigation Support - Dr. Daft provides litigation support in the areas of Intellectual Property and Medical Devices including Imaging, particularly Medical, Patents, and more. His experience includes a variety of cases in the areas of wearable electronics, imaging systems, and surgical technology. Dr. Daft has extensive deposition and trial testimony experience.

Areas of Expertise:

Design Engineering Electrical Engineering Electromagnetic Engineering Microelectronics Medical Imaging Electronics Semiconductors

Medical Devices Sensors Software Engineering MEMS Signal Processing Image Processing Physics

View Dr. Christopher Daft's Consulting Profile.

Mechanical Engineer - Turbomachinery Expert. Gas turbine engines, steam turbines, jet engines, compressors, pumps, expanders, generators, cogeneration, combustion equipment, diesel engines, and reciprocating compressors. 

Failure analysis, stress analysis, mechanical design, design analysis, troubleshooting, performance analysis, durability assessment. Access to metallurgical laboratory. Experienced Expert witness. 

Please see our Service List at https://sbkushnick.com/servicelist.pdf for a concise description.

Thomas W. Caldwell, PE, has over 40 years of experience in Materials Research and Development, Process and Product Development, and Manufacturing Operations in the Precision Cast and Machined Products industry.

Mr. Caldwell has designed and manufactured components for consumer and industrial products, including safety-critical applications such as aircraft landing gear brakes, seat belt lockup devices, windshield wiper, and window lift motor systems. He has experience creating and guiding technology development and manufacturing partnerships in Europe and Asia, licensing and selling intellectual property and creating supply chains in China.

Mr. Caldwell has lectured in the USA, Germany, Switzerland, and India on manufacturing premium quality metal products and manufacturing processes, and was a technical paper peer reviewer for 20 years for the Society of Automotive Engineers. A United States patent holder, he has published peer reviewed research in electrochemistry and materials processing, and has written and spoken numerous times on the subject of Materials Selection.

Litigation Support - Thomas W. Caldwell, PE, is a testifying and consulting expert for both plaintiff and defense counsel. His cases involve product failure for ferrous and non-ferrous alloy products such as hand tools, recreational and exercise equipment, fire fighting apparatus, rotating industrial machinery, construction hardware, piping, and lighting fixtures. Mr. Caldwell utilizes destructive and non-destructive methods for insuring product integrity.

Areas of Expertise:

Design Engineering Materials Failure Analysis Materials Engineering Mechanical Engineering Metallurgy Power Tools Products Liability Design Defects

Manufacturing Defects Fitness for Use Equipment Operation and Maintenance Accident Reconstruction Material Selection Manufacturing Process Design and Scale Up Safety Component Product Quality Control Safety Component Quality Systems Management

View Thomas A. Caldwell's Consulting Profile.

Bransford Pickett, PE, DFE, BSc, MScBA, has over 25 years of experience as a Mechanical Engineer. SEFS expertise includes design and review of material handling equipment, material handling management, and ship board systems. SEFS offers litigation support services for Accident Investigation and Reconstruction covering failure analysis, process simulation, regulatory compliance, equipment reliability, and personal injury / safety. His materials handling and engineering services are offered to attorneys, insurance and end user companies nationally and internationally.

Mr. Pickett is a member on the American Society of Mechanical Engineers B30 committee on Safety Codes and Standards for cranes and rigging as well as a member of several subcommittees. He is also a member of American Society of Mechanical Engineers P30 Committee- Planning for the Use of Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Cableways and Lifting Accessories. ASME BTH Standards Committee.

Mr. Pickett is a Professional Engineer, and holds a BSE from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and a MScBA in Finance from San Diego State University, as well as a board certified Diplomate Forensic Engineer. He has qualified as an expert witness in the State of New York Supreme Court and the State of California Supreme Court.

Accident Investigation:

• Man baskets, Forklifts, Scissors Lifts, Aerial Lifts, Rigging Gear, Hydraulic Jacks, and Hydraulic / pneumatic Lift Systems, Automotive Lift Systems, Conveyors, Pallet and Packages Conveyors, Pneumatic Systems, Machine tools, Boats, Barges, and Elevators
• Tower, Mobile, Bridge, Truck, Portal, Container, Jib and Floating Barge Cranes, and Derricks
• Operator training compliance to National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators, NCCCO, requirements for tower crane, mobile crane, overhead crane, articulating crane operator training and certification, signal person, and rigger certification
• Compliance covers applicable national and international standards that include the ABS, ASTM, ASM, ASME, ANSI, WSTDA, ALI, etc. and DIN, EN, FEM to list a few. National regulations include state and federal OSHA requirements as well as DOE, military specifications and standards

View Bransford Pickett's Consulting Profile.

Cassandra K. Moody, MS, PE, the President and Principal Engineer of Time For Change, LLC., is a professional engineer with nearly 15 years of Pipeline Engineering and Operations experience encompassing Integrity Management Program (IMP) responsibilities.

Litigation Support - As a proficient expert in the midstream pipeline industry, Mrs. Moody has represented both plaintiffs and defendants on a variety of cases, both by testimony and through expert opinion reports. In-the-ditch pipeline operator expertise sets her apart from other desktop “experts.” Mrs. Moody’s retained engagements as an independent engineering expert have resulted in favorable resolutions for 100% of her clients to date.  Mrs. Moody is an effective communicator who excels at presenting complex information simply, both written and verbally.

Subject Matter Expertise:

Pipeline Integrity Management Midstream Pipeline Design Midstream Pipeline Operations Pipeline Project Management Pipeline Safety Management Systems

Risk and Threat Assessment Continuous Improvement Change Management Principles Regulatory Compliance Failure Analysis

Background Experience - Prior to establishing her own consultancy firm, she served in various regional operations engineering capacities, leading people and managing projects for a midsize North American pipeline operator as an Operations Engineer. Mrs. Moody has performed practical operations analysis of new and existing pipeline systems and facilities, of both natural gas and hazardous liquid product types, from operability optimizations, cost consciousness, and regulatory compliance perspectives throughout her career. She offers innovative solutions to achieve safe and efficient operations while communicating visionary changes in processes and procedures through training and encouragement across all levels of organizations to result in lasting, favorable change.

Mrs. Moody's company maintains national and local certifications as a Women’s Owned Small Business (WOSB), Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE), and is recognized as a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) in the state of Texas. She was a founding leadership team member of Young Pipeline Professionals, USA (YPP USA) and is active with the Society of Women Engineers – Houston Section (SWE) where she enjoys encouraging the next generation through activities such as Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day outreach events. 

Mrs. Moody attributes her ability to support a wide variety of projects to her broad education foundation where she earned undergraduate Bachelor of Science degrees in Biochemistry and Genetics from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering through the University of Houston. She is registered with the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors as a Mechanical Engineer.

Dan W. Wall, BSME, specializes in the fields of Accident Reconstruction, Biomechanics and Motor Vehicle Injury Causation, Human Factors, and Injury Prevention in Motor Vehicle Design. Mr. Wall is fully accredited with ACTAR (Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction), ACTAR No. 1140.

Dan Wall has conducted scientific and engineering analysis of motor vehicle collisions since 1987 for both plaintiff and the defense in civil and criminal cases. A qualified expert witness since 1987, he has offered litigation support services to insurance companies and attorneys in Arizona, California, Colorado, Tennessee and Louisiana and has testified in both Civil and Federal Courts.

Mr. Wall's past cases have involved commercial vehicle design and analysis, insurance investigations, low speed collisions and injury analysis, motorcycle collisions and rider analysis, vehicle handling and dynamics, seat belt analysis and injury mitigation, tire failures and rollover analysis, general accident reconstruction, and roadway analysis. He has conducted human factor analysis including reaction and perception, environmental effects, and general driver behavior. With a large library and the tools needed to do all types of motor vehicle reconstruction investigations, Mr. Wall is an asset to any team.

Dan Wall currently owns and rides a Harley Davidson Ultra Electra Glide Classic motorcycle and has gone through various levels of motorcycle training. He also has extensive experience as a boat operator and Marine Instructor.

For more information, visit www.wallaccidentreconstruction.com

Also view Dan Wall's article in Attorney At Law Magazine at http://attorneyatlawmagazine.com/phoenix/2014/01/17/accident-reconstruction-expert-dan-wall/

Areas of Expertise:

Mechanical Engineering Biomechanics Human Factors Accident Reconstruction Failure Analysis Forensic Investigation Motor Vehicle Design Dynamics and Handling Motorcycles Commercial Vehicles Rollovers Signage

Conspicuity Low Speed Collisions Marine Safety Bicycles Slip and Fall Accidents Pedestrians Accidents Tire Failure Seat Belt Issues Road Defects Off Road Driving Accidents Construction Zones Product Liability

View Dan Wall's Consulting Profile.

Erik Roeder has 40 years of troubleshooting, repair and maintenance of mechanical and electrical issues including Automotive, RV, Light Truck, and Marine. He provides a combination of hands-on work along proven forensic skills.  As an expert witness, his cases ldeal with Mechanical; Electrical; RV Systems and Envelopes; Vessel Propulsion; Systems; and Post Incident/Post Repair Inspections. Erik's opinions and testimony have served plaintiffs and defendants state and federal courts.

Automotive Expert Witness with 18+ years as owner of Reflex Automotive in Hooksett, NH. Specializing in Automotive Repair Disputes, Insurance Claims, Warranty Analysis (Magnuson-Moss), and Dealer vs. Independent Service Practices. 

Deep technical knowledge in European vehicle diagnostics, particularly Audi and Volkswagen systems, as well as all domestic and Asian makes. Pioneered digital vehicle inspections using photo and video documentation. 

Won 2 trials. 200/hr case review, 250/hr deposition.