Safety Mechanical Engineer Expert Witness

Expert Witness No.208

California

Experience

1990 - Present
Consulting Forensic Mechanical Engineer
A Private Consulting Company in Los Angeles, CA

Summary

Principal of firm established to provide independent investigation and expert testimony utilizing over 45 years of professional experience in mechanical safety and engineering, research, inspection and testing.

Primarily involved with studying performance, determining defects, reconstructing accidents, evaluating construction, analyzing failures, discovering hazards, confirming intended use, misuse, abuse and/or safety violations in consumer products, industrial equipment, construction materials, their components and accessories.

Recognized for successfully completing over one thousand diverse assignments, averaging one per week, from a balanced base of defense attorneys and consumer/trial lawyers. The primary areas of expertise and the specific subjects of relevant cases are described in the accompanying lists of examples for the major experience categories. These include:

Consumer Products such as bicycles, wheelchairs, appliances, garments, toys, food and beverage containers, displays & medical devices.

Industrial & Construction Equipment such as ladders, scissor lifts, carts, conveyors, large hydraulic and pneumatic apparatus, excavators, mixers, storage shelves, truck lift gates.

Playground Facilities such as slides, swings, climbers, inflatable bouncers, enclosed play structures, protective uniforms, swimming pools and spas.

Premises Liability such as for stairs, walkways, railings, fences, slippery surfaces, tripping over risers, mezzanines, disabled persons provisions.

Furniture Collapse such as office chairs, pedestal tables, hotel mattresses, hospital beds, home entertainment centers, children’s cribs, stroller carriages.

Machinery & Tools accidents involving machine guarding, energy release as in extruders, compressors, saws, presses, brakes, lathes, nail guns, grinders.

Gates, Doors & Windows malfunction causing crushing, pinching, stumbling, laceration, amputations, glass breakage, shattering, child fall retention.

Burn & Combustion injuries such as electric shorts, gas fires, room heaters, ignition of clothing & drapery, scalding by hot liquids, coffee makers, cigarette lighter hazards.

Qualified as expert witness in Superior Court Districts of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego, Riverside, Ventura, San Luis Obispo and Sacramento. Testified, 100+ times before County, State and Federal Courts in CA, NV, AZ, ID, TX, DE and NJ. Expert 208 Helped resolve the preponderance of designated cases with frequent testimony at 235+ depositions and 30+ arbitrations and mediations.

Long term member of relevant professional societies; contributed to promulgation of product performance safety standards and codes by activity on designated committees; participated in forensic engineering seminars and maintained proficiency by reviewing literature and journals. Enjoys productive relationship with local complementary scientific and technical laboratories, specialized forensic consultants and referral groups to expand capabilities.

Career

1985 - 1989, Group Vice President, U.S. Testing Co./ S. G. S. North America, Inc.

Complete charge of the California Division of this European based, worldwide conglomerate of independent commercial testing laboratories, inspection and certification bureaus. Achieved ten-fold growth in capabilities and revenues while maintaining continuous profitability. Supervised the consulting, technical, scientific, sales and management functions. Participated during all major tests and evaluation of clients’ products and materials. Assisted with preparations and testified as expert in litigation. Active in development of national and professional standards. Undertook extensive overseas travel to coordinate the international testing programs and certification projects.

1972 - 1984, Vice President & General Manager,United States Testing Company, Los Angeles

Developed innovative mechanical, physical, chemical, flammability and electrical testing procedures. Progressively enlarged the laboratory facilities, acquired modem equipment, trained senior staff, and obtained accreditation by Code authorities. Introduced programs to evaluate numerous consumer products and various construction materials for their engineering failure analyses.  Reviewed compliance with Building Codes, Federal and Military specifications. Prepared, approved or published an extensive number of reports to clients summarizing test findings, research studies,  as well as, forensic opinions and conclusions.

1968 - 1971, Division Manager & Chief Engineer,United States Testing Company, New Jersey

Initially organized the Product Evaluation Department in the Engineering Division. Promoted to establish the California Division for this national firm. Introduced new programs to test assorted consumer products, building materials, mobile homes, bicycles, furniture, carpets, appliances, glazed doors, tools, lawn mowers, toys, industrial safety equipment, burn rate and flame spread measurement. Set criteria for comprehensive analysis, evaluation by testing, formatting reports, marketing and advertizing.

1966 -1968, Sales Engineer & Equipment Designer,B-K Electrical Products Inc., New Jersey

In charge of the specification and manufacture of standard or customized electric power distribution switchboards, conductor ducts, busbars and machinery control panels with safety interlocks for new and renovated industrial and commercial buildings.

1962 - 1966, Assistant V.P. & Product Manager, Sonneborn Division / WITCO Chemicals Co., Inc

Engineering, technical and managerial liaison with oil refineries which specialized in pure grade bases for lubricants, medical/cosmetic products, petroleum fuel additives and surfactants. Supervised research laboratory developing applications of advanced chemicals for high temperature corrosion inhibition to metals and marine furnace liners as well as air pollution suppressants. Directed the sales force and published product technical literature.          

Enterprises

1996 - Present, Principal & Consulting Engineer, A Private Company in Beverly Hills

Acquire and manage the renovation and upgrading of single or multiple residential properties. Utilize the engineering and practical experience plus familiarity with relevant Code requirements to economically affect the modernization of these homes.

1972 - 1987, Managing General Partner, Forest Hills Associates, Los Angeles

Owned, improved and profitably managed a series of medium-sized apartment buildings.
Initiated and installed measures to ensure tenant comfort and safety, mitigate earthquake hazards, achieve energy savings and maximize space utilization. Coordinated these efforts with various engineering disciplines, government agencies and skilled trades contractors.

Education:

1960, University of London, Woolwich, England
Bachelor of Science in Engineering, First Class Honors

1966, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

2002, Strassford University, London, England
Doctorate (Honorary) in Mechanical Engineering

1978 - 1987, Courses in Safety Engineering, Human Factors, Computers, Economics, Lab Management, R.E. Appraisal, and initiate Ph.D. U.S.C. and U.C.L.A. Extensions, Los Angeles, CA

1990 - Present, Fellow, National Academy of Forensic Engineers

1955, Diploma in Automobile Engineering, B.I.E.T.

1962, Adjunct Professor for Heating and Air Conditioning
Newark College of Engineering, NJ

1952-1956, Lieutenant & Chief Instructor for Armored Vehicle Mechanics
Israel Army Ordnance Corps

2004 - Present, Docent, Petersen Automotive Museum, Los Angeles

Extensive overseas and interstate travel for business and studies to Europe, China, Latin America, Middle East & Australia with fluency in several languages

Membership:

American Society of Mechanical Engineers Intl.

American Society of Safety Engineers, Consultant

National Society of Professional Engineers, Private Practice

California Society of Professional Engineers, L.A. Chapter

American Society for Testing and Materials Intl.

Committee E-5, Fire Standards

Committee E-30, Forensic Sciences

Committee F-8, Sports Equipment, Facilities & Bicycles

Committee F-13, Safety, Traction, Slip, Trip & Fall

Committee F-15, Playground Safety, Public and Home

National Fire Protection Association

International Code Council/Intl. Confer. Building Officials

Forensic Expert Witness Association, California

American Council of Independent Laboratories

British American Business Council

Los Angeles Athletic Club

British Institute of Engineering Technology

Credentials:

Registered Professional Engineer

California, License # Available upon request

New Jersey, License # Available upon request

National Forensic Center, Testing & Evaluation Specialist

L.A. County Bar Association, Experts & Consultant Directory

California Lawyers Directory - Expert Witness

Awards:

Imperial College of Science, University of London,
Postgraduate Engineering Research Studentship

ASME International, Life Membership in recognition of long term affiliation and practice of mechanical engineering

Citizen Ambassador to Peoples Republic of China on Mission for Management Division of ASME

City of Beverly Hills General Plan Topics Committees, Member of Environmental Sustainability Subcommittee

Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Member of Board of Governors, Building Committee and Heart Families’ Volunteer

Patents

Available upon request