Expert Witness

Over the years, we have provided litigation support and expert witness testimony in personal injury, toxic tort, and environmental pollution liability cases to support clients on mishap investigations, plant closures, decommissioning projects, construction of high rise metropolitan structures, cleanup after man-made and natural disasters, enhancements to underground railroad tunnels, corporate policy, procedures, and programs, and provide a critical review of onsite inspections, audits, and surveys.

Dioxin and Furan Exposure in Retired Railroad Workers with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL) and Other Metastatic Cancers

Our staf was tasked to construct a retrospective longitudinal investigation of several railroad workers who contracted NHL while operating diesel locomotives. The evidence supported a combined effect of exposure to chlorinated solvents from nearby NPL sites, tidal flow from nearby streams and tributaries, contact with chlorinated solvent in the railroad ties, and dust generated during the operation to remove and replace the railroad ties and stone gravel. Exposure most likely occurred in dust generated from this operation and contact with contaminated materials without using respirators and protective equipment.

Hazard Identification and Risk Quantification in a Regional Upstream Oil/Gas Producer

Workers on offshore installations were exposed to a wide range of occupational health and safety hazards and the risks were quantified to determine an appropriate strategic management plan. These workers were exposed to chemical, biological, radiological, human factors and ergonomic hazards along with psychosocial hazards from fatigue, long hours, job stress, and other considerations. Based on a review of the company policies, written programs, operating procedures, training and education, and selection of controls, recommendations were made based a rank order of the risks and the need to make changes in management practices before a catastrophic event occurred.

Manganese Fume Exposure in Carbon Arc Welding of a Architectual Structure

Certified welders did most the welding in a job shop where as non-certified welders tack welded parts togther to improve productivity. Welders worked extended workshifts to meet the production demand. While welding on carbon steel, these certified welder were exposed to manganese fume levels above established exposure guidelines. The welders did not wear respirators and medical surveillance was not provided by management. Both workers complained of neurological issues, which may or may not be related to their occupational exposure. Overhead smog hogs were either disfunctional due to the lack of maintenance or simply were turned off. There was no other general dilution or mechanical exhaust ventilation provided to these workers. Training and education relativeth health hazard was not provided.

Fipronil Exposure from Misapplication of Insecticide Sprayed Inside a

Residence - Health Hazard to Children

A homeowner hired a pesticide applicator to erradicate ants and other insects from their home. The certified applicator sprayed a product designed from subterrain application either indoors or outdoors. Puddles of the liquid insecticide were found on the kitchen floor and other areas of the residence. After consult with the homeowers, they left the premises with their 6-month and 2-year old children. Surface sampling found residue of fipronil throughout the house. After a six-month delay, a consultant for the insurance company validated the exposure. Medical surveillance was recommended for the children but not the adults based on the level of exposure. A remediation plan was established to clean most of the nonporous surfaces and discard many of the porous materials. Some of the furniture could be cleaned based on a protocol of vacuuming and steam cleaning. Post-remediation verification was suggested.