Recreation & Sports Accidents Expert Witnesses

Dr. C.J. Abraham, P.E. is a Certified Professional Chemical Engineer with over thirty five years of international experience consulting to insurance companies, municipalities, government agencies, and the legal profession. He provides consultation to International corporations in the areas of New Product Development, Manufacturing, Packaging, Warnings and Instructions. 

Dr Abraham's services include Expert Witness Testimony for both Plaintiff and Defense in matters involving Personal Injury and Product Liability. 

Areas of Expertise:

Construction Accidents OSHA ADA Labor Law Human Factors Household / Industrial Products Safety Engineering

Retail Store Safety Industrial Hygiene Textiles Fires / Explosions / Flammable Fabrics Slips / Falls Recreational / Sports Accidents Toxic Exposures

Richard A. Young, is an Aquatics Safety expert with over 30 years of public, institutional, commercial, water park, and high-end residential pool experience. A California State Contractor, his background includes aquatic facility water treatment planning, design, equipment sales, installation, and troubleshooting.

Certifications and Affiliations

• Certified Pool Operator (National Swimming Pool Foundation)
• Aquatic Facility Operator Instructor (National Recreation and Park Association)
• Technical Adviser for the Professional Pool Operators of America
• Member, National Association of Aquatic Consultants
• Member, National Park and Recreation Association
• Member, California Pool and Spa Association

Mr. Young teaches one of the two national professional pool operators courses, develops problem solving pool mechanical equipment, and speaks at state and national conferences on pool safety and filtration systems. He has published over 30 writings in industry texts and periodicals, and is the managing editor of the 6th edition of the Aquatic Facility Operator's Manual for the National Recreation and Park Association "AFO" course.

Litigation Support - Richard Young is uniquely qualified to provides expert witness services to counsel representing both Plaintiff and Defendant. He has completed mechanical work at over 500+ public, institutional and large commercial aquatic facilities. This work included total mechanical renovations comprised of recirculation, filtration, heating, chemical control and chemical feed systems.

Services Include:

• Pool Design and Construction Review
• Mechanical Water Systems Analysis
• Accident and Drowning Analysis
• Pool Assessments and Reports

Recent Swimming Pool-Related Cases:

• Patron Injuries
• Operator Injuries
• Drowning, Near Drowning
• Pool Related Accidents
• Construction Disputes

B.E.C. Consulting, LLC was established in 1982. Since that time, we have provided top-level consulting engineering services and accident reconstruction to our clients; law firms, insurance companies, state and local agencies, manufacturing companies, and clients who are seeking product design analysis and other engineering related services. Our engineers represent a broad range of engineering disciplines which enables us to work on a variety of cases using the team approach. The teams at B.E.C are comprised of Engineers, Technical Specialists, Graphics Specialists, as well as Research and Administrative Personnel, so that each case is given personal attention and is handled efficiently and effectively. Our offices are located in Tallahassee, Jacksonville and Venice working in almost every state in the United States, including Alaska. 

Areas of Expertise:

• All Areas of Accident Reconstruction - Including Automobile, Tractor-Trailer, Motorcycle/Bicycle & Pedestrian
• Engineering Consulting
• FARO 3-D Scanning
• Black Box Downloads
• Construction Zone / Roadside Safety
• Industrial Equipment
• Failure Analysis
• Product Design
• Product Development
• Material Handling System
• Biomechanical Analysis
• Slip / Trip / Fall
• Computer Animation, Electronic Graphics

Every aspect of our firm is designed to serve our clients needs; conference rooms for mediations and depositions, a research and testing lab, secured evidence storage, facilities for expert inspections, and easy access to airport and hotel facilities for our out-of-town clients. We are truly a full service engineering firm. Because of this team approach and a commitment to customer service, B.E.C. has attained regional and national recognition as a leader in forensic engineering services and new product development. This excellent example and tireless dedication to serving our client’s needs has resulted in a devoted client base and reputation second to none. 

Dr. Charles Benedict, P.E., founded Benedict Engineering Company in 1982 and our name has since changed to B.E.C. Consulting, LLC. He has over 35 years experience in the fields of product and machine design and analysis, vehicular accident reconstruction of all types, and product and system failure analysis. He has designed, developed, manufactured, and tested more than sixty different products and machine systems. Dr. Benedict is well respected in the fields of forensic engineering, product and machine system design and analysis and patenting.

Expertise:

Biomechanics Occupant Kinematics Vehicle Restraint Systems Vehicle Controllability Material Handling Patent Infringement

Automobile Accidents Pedestrian Accidents General Engineering Product Design Fire and Explosion Analysis Tractor / Trailer Accidents Electrical Issues

Frank J. Smith, owner of Elite Fitness Consulting Services, has over 40 years of practical experience in the Fitness and Sport Equipment industries. He is available to testify as an Expert Witness in legal matters relating to Fitness Training, Fitness Equipment and Product Safety. Mr. Smith's clients include Academic Institutions, Insurance Companies, Health Clubs, Corporations and Private Persons. Fit Witness can help you resolve legal difficulties with health clubs and sporting facilities.

Mr. Smith's noted background makes him a qualified, impartial Expert on behalf of both Plaintiff and Defense. He served on the President's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports for 7 years, developing, organizing, implementing and supervising six national symposiums on "Employee Health & Fitness. Mr. Smith was also invited by the White House to give a presentation to 650 medical doctors during the "Fitness in America - The Medical View" symposium.

Areas of Expertise:

Fitness & Exercise Accident Reconstruction Fitness & Exercise Equipment Selectorized Equipment Cardio Equipment Sauna's and Steam Rooms Fitness Facility Design Free Weight Equipment

Plate Load Equipment Equipment Design Equipment Use Flooring Private Trainers Equipment, Warnings & Facility Signage Fitness Equipment Instruction of Use

View Frank Smith's Consulting Profile.

Based on over 50 years of experience, Bill Uhl helps attorneys with standard of care, safety and training issues regarding ATV, utility vehicle/side by side, snowmobile, motorcycle dirt bike and other off-road vehicle accidents. Mr. Uhl also assists attorneys with cases regarding recreational facilities and tours using all-terrain vehicles and other recreational off-road vehicles (ROVs). Other cases have dealt with safety training for customers, trail route maintenance, mechanical maintenance, motocross racecourse design and construction safety, dual sport bikes, street bikes, quads, and mountain bike trails.

Mr. Uhl has been a Sr. Instructor for OHVtraining.org, designated a “Preferred Training School” for over 25 years, training off-highway vehicle users in agencies as diverse as all branches of Military Special Forces, government agencies, Honda ATV test riders, Quest, T-Mobile, Kinder Morgan Natural Gas Pipeline Company and power plants. He was also inducted into the AMA International Hall of Fame for his on and off course expertise

Mr. Uhl has been the co-owner, operator, and lead mechanic of a retail store selling OHVs and street bikes for 26 years. He has been sponsored by OHV companies to represent the U.S. in international competitions, winning 5 gold medals for the U.S. Racing over 150,000 miles in the most rugged terrain around the world, Mr. Uhl has been named "Enduro Rider of the Year" by Motorcycle Magazine and been honored as a "Cross Country Legend" by the AHRMA national organization. He has also been designing, constructing, and maintaining recreational trails for over 20 years.

Litigation Support: Since 2004, Mr. Uhl has completed over 78 Off-Highway Vehicle cases, working for both plaintiffs and defendants, helping attorneys identify case merits, writing reports, preparing exhibits and providing depositions and trial testimony. He also helps attorneys understand Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines for OHVs. He simplifies complex information about safety and risk issues related to incidents and injuries so they are easy for both attorneys and jurors to comprehend.

Areas of Expertise:

ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle), Quad, Four-Wheeler UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle), Side by Side, RZR Snowmobile Motorcycle Dirt Bike Mountain Bicycle Dual Sport Motorcycle Motocross Track Design Motocross and closed-course competition Street Bike Motorcycle accident Standard of care Human factors Ergonomics

Analyze merits of a case Content of off-road vehicle owner / operator’s manuals Content of AMA’s off-road Competition Rulebook Guided ATV Tour accidents / lack of maintenance or safety training Guided UTV Tour accidents / lack of maintenance or safety training Guided Snowmobile Tour accidents / lack of maintenance or safety training ATV, Snowmobile & UTV rental accidents / lack of maintenance or safety training Inadequate safety training for your off-road vehicle The physics of operating off-road vehicles Training & skill development for off-road / off-highway vehicles Instructor training for ATV, UTV, snowmobiles & motorcycle dirt bikes Motorized and non-motorized trail construction and maintenance Off-road vehicle (ORV) Accident site inspection

View Bill Uhl's Consulting Profile.

Ken Tannar’s Golf Expertise is unique in the legal world. As an Errant Golf Ball expert, Mr. Tannar can analyze and give advice on potential damage produced by errant golf balls. 

Mr. Tannar provides litigation support services on all cases involving golf club / ball interactions. Using a highly accurate golf ball projectile model, Mr. Tannar can determine the “zones of danger.” including:

- Golf Netting Safety Height - Topographic Errant Ball Analysis - Adjoining Property Errant Golf Ball Safety Determination

Harvey C. Voris’ entire engineering career has been devoted to the Fitness Industry. He has over 35 years of Fitness Equipment Design experience and has been issued 7 U.S. utility patents.

Mr. Voris has a Bachelors of Science in Engineering from UCLA with a specialization in Bio Structural Mechanics. His Masters in Engineering is from Cal State Long Beach where he specialized in Fatigue and Failure Analysis. Mr. Voris has spent 21 years devoted to the development and promotion of safety standards for the fitness industry. He has authored numerous standards and has chaired the ASTM committee devoted to fitness standards development since 1995.

Litigation Support - Mr. Voris provides engineering analysis and accident reconstruction related to consumer and fitness products and facilities. His services are available to attorneys representing both plaintiff and defense. With 35 years of experience, a biomechanics background, and extensive experience in design and product testing, Mr. Voris speaks with authority on the following critical issues:

Product Liability - Patent Development - Patent Infringement - Facility Risk Management - Standards Compliance

View Harvey Voris' Consulting Profile.

Steven Pietropaolo, PE, CFEI, CFII, President & CEO, is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of New York, amongst others. He is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator and a Certified Fire Investigator Instructor.

Mr. Pietropaolo has over 25 years of hands on engineering experience including electrical, mechanical, materials, safety, fire protection, and construction. He has knowledge of codes and standards used in construction and industry including building codes, safety codes, and industrial codes. He also has extensive experience in Utility Company procedures / equipment and investigating major incidents involving electrical, gas, steam system failures, and construction accidents.

Litigation Support - Mr. Pietropaolo has testified as an expert witness many times in cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Federal Courts. He has been retained on numerous large multimillion-dollar property damage cases as well as fatal accidents and fires / explosions including those that resulted in injury.

Areas of Expertise:

Fires / Explosions Fire Protection Systems Construction Defects / Failures Construction Accidents Equipment Failures

Product Liability / Warning Property Loss Subrogation Personal Injury - Slips / Fall Electro / Mechanical System Sports / Recreational Accidents

View Steven Pietropaolo's Consulting Profile.

Mari S. Truman, PE, has more than 37 years of experience in Orthopedic Product Design and Development. As Principal Engineer with her company, Orthobiomech, LLC, she acts as an R&D design and development consultant to the orthopaedic industry and an injury biomechanics and medical device forensic expert.

Ms. Truman's design experience includes implants and instrumentation systems used to repair fractured bones, torn ligaments and/or to reconstruct spine, knee, wrist, hip, ankle, elbow, thumb based cmc, and other finger and toe joints for many of the USA based orthopaedic conglomerates and a few Asian, Australian and European firms.

Having designed and developed implants and instruments used for both human joint reconstruction and skeletal trauma repair, Ms. Truman is named on 12 Orthopaedic Patents and frequently gives talks on implant design and injury biomechanics on topics such as: knee and thumb-based joint surfaces and kinematics, joint design, rapid prototyping, medical device design control, and injury biomechanics.

Litigation Support - Ms. Truman has been providing Forensic Impact and Injury Biomechanics and Orthopedic Biomechanics to the legal industry for over 15 years. She draws on her strong knowledge of FDA and ISO EN13485 compliant design control processes, failure modes and effects analysis, clinically relevant tissue loading, and design safety assurance, including device performance requirements and warnings, during her medical device litigation reviews. Ms. Truman has a strong knowledge of the production and quality assurance processes used in the manufacture, cleaning, and sterilization of medical devices and the effects of such processes on product performance.

Analysis of Traumatic Injuries Related To:

Falls and Fall Recovery Vehicular Collisions Assaults and Fights Projectile Impacts Occupation or Workplace

Failed Medical Implants Assistive Devices Orthotics Consumer Products Sports and Recreation, Occupational Overuse / Injury

View OrthoBioMech LLC's Consulting Profile.

Pool Operation Management (POM), founded in 1980, is an Aquatics Safety and Risk Management firm that is nationally recognized for pool consulting services including liability and risk management, compliance with governmental regulations, facility operations, mechanical questions, and personnel requirements.

Trevor A. Sherwood II has extensive experience in the swimming pool industry, with over 20 years of experience in service, consulting, training and education, code regulations, development and expert witness. He has contributed to aquatic textbooks and related articles, influenced State Recreational Bathing Codes and national conference presentations. He has provided leadership to such organizations as National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF), Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA), Community Association Institute - New Jersey Chapter (CAI), New Jersey Apartment Association (NJAA), New Jersey Parks and Recreation Society (NJPRS), Pennsylvania Parks and Recreation Society (PRPS) and New Jersey and Massachusetts Health Departments. He has been retained by attorneys for both Plaintiff and Defense.

Mr. Sherwood's extensive swimming pool consulting experience qualifies him to appear in court on the following matters:

Swimming Pool Deaths - Drowning, Diving Chemical Exposure Chemical Fires / Hazards Pool Paint

Pool Equipment Patent Infringement Pool Light Electrocution Deck and Pool Surfacing Fitness Club Hot Tub Issues

View Consulting Profile.

Quality Forensic Engineering, LLC is a full-service forensic engineering and accident reconstruction firm, specializing in  reconstruction of accidents involving passenger vehicles, tractor-trailers, pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles.  Each senior engineer at Quality Forensic Engineering, LLC has over 20 years of experience in the industry.  Our engineers provide expert analysis for roadside safety concerns, construction zones, industrial  equipment, occupant kinematics, premises liability, code violations, product design, and vehicle controllability. Industrial accidents, workplace safety, and slip / trip / and fall accidents are also our specialties.

We utilize the latest technology for documenting evidence and retrieving data including FARO 3D scanning, aerial drone imaging, and black box downloads.  Our forensic experts are mobile, supporting clients all over the U.S., and our headquarters is located in Tallahassee, Florida with a satellite office in Jacksonville, Florida.

Dr. Brian Pfeifer, P.E.,

With over 20 years of experience investigating and testifying in cases involving a variety of forensic engineering issues, Dr. Pfeifer is a leading expert in accident reconstruction, roadside safety, maintenance of traffic, and analysis of mechanical systems, and product failures. Dr. Pfeifer has a strong background in the design, development, and implementation of roadside safety hardware including guardrails, bridge rails, and crash cushions. Over 33 patents have been filed worldwide on behalf of Dr. Pfeifer and associated colleagues who invented safer guardrail systems and terminals, vehicle storage systems, shipping container handling systems, and material handling and storage methods.  Dr. Pfeifer has published numerous papers to various organizations including the Transportation Research Board and Port Technology International, covering topics ranging from new guardrail systems, energy absorbing guardrail terminals, and breakaway mechanisms incorporated in traffic signs to material handling technology.  Dr. Pfeifer’s expertise has been shared with many organizations such as the Florida Justice Association, Palm Beach County Justice Association, American Bar Association, Defense Research Institute, and Alabama Defense Lawyers Association with presentations he’s made on topics including vehicle collisions, bicycle accidents, roadway constructions zones, and accident reconstruction expert witness utilization. Dr. Pfeifer is a registered Professional Engineer in three states and stays current with learning new technology in the field of forensic engineering.  He has refined his skills and knowledge of accident reconstruction and roadside safety by taking dozens of continuing education courses over the span of his career.

Expertise:

Vehicle Collisions Tractor / Trailer Collisions Bicycle Accidents Pedestrian Accidents Motorcycle Accidents Occupant Kinematics Roadside Safety/Guardrails

Construction Zones Black Box Analysis Product Failure Analysis Premises Liability Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) evaluation  Restraint System Analysis

Ms. Traci Campbell, P.E., CXLT,

Ms. Campbell, is an Industrial engineer with specialties in industrial accident reconstruction, including slip, trip, and fall analysis, human and environment interaction, forklifts, applicable standards and guidelines, and workplace-safety issues.  Her expertise also includes vehicular accident reconstruction involving automobiles, trucks, tractor-trailers, and recreational vehicles, as well as, product failure analysis.

Expertise:

Industrial Accidents Slip / Trip / Fall Retail Facility Safety Human and Environment Interaction OSHA Regulations >ADA Regulations ANSI / ASTM / Building Codes Workplace Safety Guarding & Warnings Forklifts and Construction Equipment Theme Parks / Recreation Safety and Facilities

Automobile Collisions Tractor / Trailer Collisions Bicycle Accidents Motorcycle Accidents Pedestrian Accidents Occupant Kinematics Airbag and Black Box Analysis Product Design / Failure Analysis General Engineering

Mr. Chris Yates, P.E.,

Mr. Chris Yates, P.E., is a Mechanical Engineer with specialties in accident reconstruction, including electronic module downloads for both automobile airbag modules and tractor-trailer electronic control modules.  His expertise includes auto accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and other roadway accidents.  His expertise also includes seat belts, occupant kinematics, product failure analysis and other general engineering issues.

Expertise:

Automobile Accidents Tractor / Trailer Accidents Bicycle Accidents Pedestrian Accidents Airbag and Automobile Black Box Analysis

ECM and Tractor-trailer Black Box Analysis Occupant Kinematics Roadway Safety Product Design / Failure Analysis >General Engineering

Douglas Baumgarten, M.S., offers consulting and expert witness services related to Fitness, Health Clubs, Exercise Equipment, Personal Training and Sports. Mr. Baumgarten is a graduate of Harvard University and California University of Penna. (M.S. Exercise Science). He is a certified Health/Fitness Director (Amer. Coll. of Sports Medicine), Performance Enhancement Specialist, Medical Exercise Specialist, Bike Fitter, cycling coach, and baseball/softball official.

Mr. Baumgarten has 35+ years in the fitness industry, as personal trainer, manager, consultant, equipment dealer, President of a large fitness company, and owner of SportFit Consulting. He has over 12 years' experience as a legal expert, on cases from equipment accidents to health club employee conduct. He works with both plaintiffs and defendants, and has testified in civil and criminal courts.

Mr. Baumgarten has contributed to Fitness Management magazine, Boardroom magazine, Club Management magazine, and other publications. His expertise also includes facility design and layout, as well as exercise equipment safety and efficacy.

William B. Stetson, MD is an Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in Sports Medicine with an expertise in Arthroscopic and Reconstructive Surgery of the shoulder, knee, elbow and ankle. Dr. Stetson is an Associate Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. He spends over 90% of his time in clinical practice and research and has over ten years experience as an expert witness and in reviewing complex medical-legal issues.

He is the Team Physician for the USA Men's and Women's Olympic Indoor Volleyball Teams and accompanied both teams to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England. He is a former athlete himself, a two time All-American volleyball player at the University of Southern California (USC). He is also a recipient of the NCAA's prestigious Silver Anniversary Award, given to former NCAA athletes who have gone on to distinguish themselves after graduation.

Areas of Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialization:

Knee Arthroscopy Shoulder Arthroscopy Rotator Cuff Repair ACL Reconstruction Treatment of Arthritis

Knee Ligament Reconstruction Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation Shoulder Impingement / Bursitis Meniscus Repair and Meniscectomy Elbow Arthroscopy

View Dr. Stetson's Consulting Profile.