March 3, 2010

Don't Get Burned by Hiring the Wrong Fire Expert
Engineering Experts and Transportation Claims/ Litigation
Meet the Expert: Peter Chen, M.S.M.E, P.E., C.F.E.I.

On the Scene E-Newsletter Edition 104 Vol.I (PDF Version)

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Don't Get Burned by Hiring the Wrong Fire Expert

Every year in America over 4,000 people die and another 20,000 are injured in fires. Sadly, around 80 percent of fire deaths occur in homes and could have been prevented. Below are a few statistics from FEMA's Fire Administration for 2008 U.S. fires (numbers unavailable for 2009):

* There were an estimated 1.5 million fires in 2008.

* In 2008, fires killed more Americans than all natural disasters combined.

* There were 118 firefighters killed while on duty.

* Direct property loss due to fires was estimated at $15.5 billion.

* Intentionally set structure fires resulted in an estimated $866 million in property damage.

How do these fires start? They can be caused by electrical appliances, light fixtures, heaters, chemicals, lightening strikes, cooking, arsonists, etc. and now even smoke detectors have come under scrutiny.

However, to determine the actual cause of the fire, you need knowledgeable and well-trained fire & explosion investigators. Do not get burned by hiring someone with an untrained and inexperienced eye because they may interpret the scene incorrectly and cause blame to be placed inappropriately, resulting in unreliable opinions.

How do you as a claims manager or attorney keep this from happening on your case? Do not hire the least expensive firm (they may not employ highly experienced investigators and engineers).

DO HIRE:

•  Engineers/investigators with fire investigation certifications.

•  A firm who employs licensed engineers in a variety of disciplines with investigative experience.

•  Engineers/investigators that follow the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) standards.

•  Firms that insist on case peer review by knowledgeable fire origin and cause investigators and engineers.

CED, a multi-faceted, forensic engineering firm meets the “Do Hire” criteria. Our engineers/investigators work on a variety of fire & explosion investigations. One of our major fire & explosion cases involved a large 1,500 lb. test vessel that blew 1,000 feet in the air with parts scattered as far as ¼ mile away from the explosion site. We performed engineering calculations, completed a site inspection, and our engineer/investigators were able to reconstruct 98 percent of the test vessel. Using our experience and expertise, we provided the client with strategies for implementing additional safety controls to help prevent future accidents and to understand the root cause of a given failure.

CED's experience also includes fire origin and cause determination in houses and commercial buildings, malfunctions resulting in vehicle and boat fires, mechanical and electrical equipment fires, and household appliances. Also, Dr. Clyde Richard, founder of CED, is one of the leading experts on portable kerosene heater fires.

The bottom line: hire an engineer/investigator that follows NFPA standards, has experience and is certified in fire investigations and you will be well on your way to obtaining the correct answer and preparing a solid case.

For more information on how CED Investigative Technologies can assist you, please click on the "Live Chat" button for immediate assistance, send us an email request at Case Manager or call us directly at (800) 780-4221.

Engineering Experts and Transportation Claims/ Litigation

Trucking, railroad, aviation, and maritime are the most common modes of commercial transportation. Typically, there are several aspects of transportation accidents that require engineering experts in litigation. CED engineering experts may be involved in any or all of the following aspects of transportation litigation:

•  Rules of the road/navigation issues

•  Human Factors associated with operation of equipment

•  Mechanical aspects of engine propulsion

•  Engine maintenance/Standard of care issues

•  Accident Reconstruction

Navigation of vessels, travel on roadways, or through aerospace involve rules and protocol for safe transit. Of course, there is also stability issues associated with safe loading of transportation platforms as well as safe stopping distances associated with various speeds. Engineers investigate equipment failures and accidents involving these factors. Engineers also opine on the 'Human Factors' associated with humans and the equipment they operate. Visibility, perception & reaction time, and even guarding and warning labels may be contributing factors to transportation claims and litigation.

Engineers are the appropriate experts to opine upon the mechanical aspects of engine operation and propulsion. Many CED mechanical engineers have experience designing and operating the engines that provide propulsion for aviation, maritime, and trucking. Oftentimes, litigation associated with engines involves material science, specifically metallurgy (analysis of failed metallic components). Specific reasons for failure or quality of manufacturing can be determined under a high power electron microscope.

Maintenance records oftentimes uncover contributing factors to equipment failure. Engineering experts understand the machinery and associated maintenance/service requirements, as well as potential lack of attention and proper standards of care. Historical issues with equipment or recalls are also areas where an engineering expert can provide opinions to help resolve a claim or litigation.

Finally, accident reconstruction is a science in itself and often leads to resolution of compelling reasons as to why the equipment failed or how the accident happened. Engineering experts can re-create the accident/failure under same conditions or present worst case scenarios to qualify likelihood of events. An output of accident reconstruction is usually the force at play in the accident/failure. These forces can be inputs for a biomechanical engineer to opine on the likelihood of injuries sustained in the accident.

Transportation claims and litigation are often complex scenarios and may involve several technical aspects. CED recognizes this fact and has assembled a team of engineering experts who have a vast history of transportation experiences and professional engineer's licenses ranging from mechanical to chemical.

Meet the Expert: Peter Chen, M.S.M.E, P.E., C.F.E.I.

Peter Chen, P.E. is a one of CED's Certified Fire and Explosion Investigators, Certified Accident Reconstructionist and Mechanical Engineer with a background in aerospace design, analysis, product development, manufacturing, testing and validation. Mr. Chen obtained both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in mechanical engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. While pursuing his Master's degree, he focused his education and research on Tribology - the study of friction, lubrication and wear of devices. His studies attracted the eye of the country's leading jet engine manufacturer, Pratt & Whitney/United Technologies.

Mr. Chen worked over a decade at Pratt & Whitney on military engine programs. During his career, his role and responsibilities continuously grew in size and complexity. His titles and roles ranged from analytical engineer, design engineer, applied mechanical testing of engine components, ground, flight testing of engines, manufacturing engineering, lubrication systems engineer, structural design engineer, and finally to Integrated Product Team Leader of a major engine Module. Mr. Chen was part of the JSF (Joint Strike Fighter) program for developing a short takeoff, vertical landing engine which was a competitive program between Lockheed Martin and Boeing Aircraft and was featured on the award-winning program NOVA on the Public Broadcasting Service network.

After leaving Pratt & Whitney, Mr. Chen joined CED as a mechanical engineer to

apply his knowledge and aerospace experience to such areas as industrial machinery accidents, human factors, product liability, accident reconstruction, slip and fall accidents, auto accident reconstruction, and fire cause and origin. Mr. Chen is a JLG certified trainer for boom lifts and aerial work platforms. Mr. Chen attended the IAAI Forensic Fire Analysis Seminar and the Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) System Technician Course.

Since his arrival at CED, Mr. Chen has investigated a variety of fire-related cases. His background in mechanical engineering and aerospace experience give him the technical skills to successfully provide inclusive investigations and expert witness testimony when determining cause and origin of fire-related cases.

To learn more about Peter Chen please visit our website at www.cedtechnologies.com or click Case Manager to send an E-mail Request.