Find the Right Expert for Every Case

Highway Safety Engineer

I am an experienced highway safety engineer with two engineering science degrees and over 44 years’ experience in traffic safety research, highway and traffic engineering design, roadway maintenance and traffic data analytics. I have taught at the University of Michigan and the Engineering Society of Detroit. I hold a certificate in Accident Reconstruction for Engineers from Northwestern University’s Transportation Institute and I am a Professional Civil Engineer. My litigation experience includes more than 120 personal injury cases in 28 states since 1996. I have significant experience in designing, constructing, and maintaining urban intersections, including the design, construction, operation and maintenance of traffic control devices. When I was employed as a senior traffic engineer at Midwestern Consulting, LLC I was the designated lead design engineer approved by the Michigan Department of Transportation to design intersection improvement projects including application of geometric design standards. When I was employed as Director of Transportation for the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan I was responsible for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of all traffic control devices in that city. I am knowledgeable in the application of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

CPA, ABV, MBA, CFF

William G. Brandt, CPA, ABV, MBA, CFF is a forensic economics expert specializing in litigation support and loss calculation. With a career encompassing financial analysis, expert testimony, and economic analysis, he brings a strategic perspective to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating economic damages, assessing financial losses, and evaluating whether opposing expert reports are defensible. Mr. Brandt has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the Pacific Northwest, involving cases such as life care plan valuations, product liability, and wrongful death claims. His Master of Business Administration in Finance & Economics, along with certifications as a Certified Public Accountant, Accredited in Business Valuation, and Certified in Financial Forensics, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving economic damages and financial losses.

Short Term Rental Property Mgmt Safety Expert

Eric P Thibodeaux, Certified Safety Professional, Certified Hazardous Materials Manager is a Short Term Rental Property Management Safety expert specializing in premises liability and hospitality safety. With a career spanning safety engineering, property management, and risk assessment, he brings a comprehensive framework to litigation work involving safety standards and liability. His work centers on investigating short-term rental safety, assessing property management practices, and evaluating whether safety protocols meet industry standards. Mr. Thibodeaux has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving short-term rental safety, multi-family property management, and hospitality safety. His Master of Public Health in Occupational Safety & Health, along with certifications as a Certified Safety Professional and Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of responsibility in disputes involving vacation rental safety and property management practices.

President and Owner

Larry W. Cormicle, P.E. is a construction engineering expert specializing in construction defects, construction schedule delays, and construction contract disputes. With a career spanning general contracting, construction management, and real estate development, he brings a comprehensive framework to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating construction methods and means, assessing construction CPM scheduling, and evaluating whether construction industry practices meet the standard of care. Mr. Cormicle has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements throughout Iowa, involving construction defects, construction schedule delays, and construction contract disputes. His M.S. in Civil Engineering in Construction Engineering and Management, along with his certification as a Certified Instructor for the Associated General Contractors of America, Lean Construction Education Program 2.0, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of standard of care in disputes involving construction engineering and management.

PE

Karl L. Linck, PE is a food process engineering expert specializing in packaging and processing equipment and systems litigation. With a career spanning technical consulting, engineering management, and industry-specific compliance, he brings a multifaceted perspective to legal matters involving food industry operations. His work centers on investigating equipment performance, assessing compliance with sanitary standards, and evaluating whether contract performance obligations have been met. Mr. Linck has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving cases in the food processing and packaging industries. His MS in Engineering Management, along with his Professional Engineer certifications in WI, IL, AZ, CA, FL, and ID, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of responsibility in disputes involving food process engineering and equipment compliance.

AIA, NCARB

James V. Hanna II, AIA, NCARB is an architecture and construction defects expert specializing in construction claims and disputes. With a career spanning architecture practice, ADA compliance, and building code analysis, he brings a comprehensive perspective to litigation work involving technical aspects of the built environment. His work centers on investigating construction defects, assessing compliance with design standards, and evaluating whether standard of care deviations have occurred. Mr. Hanna has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across Georgia and Florida, involving multifamily, hospitality, and commercial property disputes. His Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Tennessee, along with his AIA and NCARB certifications, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of standard of care in disputes involving waterproofing, ADA compliance, and building code adherence.

Associate Professor and Expert Witness

Francesco Biondi, PhD is a Human Factors and Cognitive Ergonomics expert specializing in distracted-driving analysis and driver-monitoring evaluation. With a career spanning human-machine interaction, cognitive workload assessment, and transportation safety, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to litigation work. His work centers on investigating driver distraction, assessing cognitive workload, and evaluating human-machine interface usability. Mr. Biondi has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across North America, involving transportation safety, human-machine interaction, and cognitive ergonomics. His Doctorate in Psychological Science applied to Human Factors, along with his extensive research and consulting experience, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving driver distraction and cognitive workload.

Senior Corporate Executive

David J. Brotman, FAIA is an architectural and engineering firm management expert specializing in strategic planning and project management litigation. With a career spanning mixed-use and commercial architecture, strategic planning, and project management, he brings a comprehensive framework to analyzing complex architectural disputes. His work centers on investigating standard of care deviations, assessing construction document compliance, and evaluating whether architectural detailing meets industry standards. Mr. Brotman has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving mixed-use and commercial architecture, strategic planning, and project management cases. His B.S. in Architecture from The University of Cincinnati, along with his designation as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of standard of care in disputes involving architectural and engineering firm management.

JD, TEP, MCIT

Daniel (Dan) FitzPatrick, JD, TEP, MCIT is a fiduciary (trust & estate) duties and liabilities expert specializing in fiduciary litigation. With a career spanning fiduciary leadership roles at premier financial institutions, he brings a strategic perspective to litigation work involving complex trust and estate matters. His work centers on investigating fiduciary breaches, assessing trustee responsibilities, and evaluating whether industry standards have been met. Mr. FitzPatrick has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across state and federal courts, involving fiduciary breach claims, trust administration disputes, and estate management cases. His JD from Vanderbilt University, along with his Master Certified Independent Trustee designation, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of responsibility in disputes involving fiduciary duty and trustee liability.

CEO & Managing Partner

Erik Laykin CHFI, CEDS, CFLC, JMG is a digital forensics and cyber crime expert specializing in trade secret investigations and intellectual property disputes. With a career spanning complex investigations across financial services, technology, and international trade, he brings a multidisciplinary investigative framework to litigation work. His work centers on investigating intellectual property theft, assessing cyber crime impacts, and evaluating whether corporate espionage has occurred. Mr. Laykin has been retained in over 100 expert witness and consulting engagements globally, involving intellectual property, cyber crime, and financial services risk. His degree in Political Science, along with certifications as a Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator, Certified Electronic Discovery Specialist, and Certified Forensic Litigation Consultant, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of responsibility in disputes involving digital forensics and trade secret theft.

Maritime Operations Specialist

Captain Andy Robertson, USCG 100 Ton Master, ABYC Marine Systems Technician, ABYC Marine Electrical Technician is a maritime operations specialist expert specializing in vessel operation and navigation practices, small craft collision and grounding analysis, and boating under the influence (BUI) cases. With a career encompassing pilot boat maneuvers, ferry operations, and marine systems diagnostics, he brings a multifaceted perspective to litigation work involving maritime safety and compliance. His work centers on investigating vessel handling and safety protocols, assessing mechanical and electrical failures, and evaluating whether standard of care in recreational and commercial boating was upheld. Mr. Robertson has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements nationwide, involving commercial vessel operation, BUI, system failure, and regulatory compliance cases. His B.A. in Psychology from UNC Wilmington, along with his ABYC Marine Systems Technician Certification and ABYC Marine Electrical Technician Certification, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of responsibility in disputes involving maritime operations and safety compliance.

Solar Product & Project Expert

Christopher Klinga P.E. is a solar structural engineering expert specializing in the structural analysis, integration, and performance of architectural solar solutions. With a career spanning solar product development, structural engineering, and photovoltaic system design, he brings a comprehensive understanding of solar integration challenges to litigation work. His work centers on investigating wind load analysis, assessing solar performance, and evaluating whether building code compliance has been met. Mr. Klinga has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving solar PV systems, rooftop solar wind failures, and hybrid ballast systems. His Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado, along with his Licensed Professional Engineer designation in Colorado, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving solar performance and structural engineering.

Construction Management Professional

Christopher Grundy, LEED AP is a construction management expert specializing in contractual disputes and construction oversight failures. With a career spanning project and delivery management, cost control, contracts and procurement, and sustainability oversight, he brings a comprehensive framework to analyzing construction-related litigation. His work centers on investigating construction delays, assessing contract compliance, and evaluating whether industry standards were met. Mr. Grundy has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, Canada, and South Africa, involving federal, educational, and multi-family construction projects. His BSc. (Hons) Civil Engineering in Civil Engineering, along with LEED Accredited Professional and DBIA Professional certifications, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of responsibility in disputes involving construction defects, procurement irregularities, and delay and disruption analysis.

Construction Safety Consultant and Expert Witness

Frank Cumsky, MBA is a construction safety consultant and expert witness specializing in construction-related injury litigation. With a career spanning project management, site safety coordination, and regulatory compliance, he brings a comprehensive understanding of construction safety standards and legal frameworks to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating construction accidents, assessing compliance with New York State Labor Laws and OSHA regulations, and evaluating whether safety violations contributed to incidents. Mr. Cumsky has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across New York, involving construction accidents, safety compliance, and regulatory adherence. His Masters of Business Administration from Baruch College, along with certifications such as the NYC Buildings Site Safety Coordinator License and OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety and Health Training, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving construction safety and compliance.

MSME, PE

Brian M. Davis, MSME, PE is a mechanical engineering and forensic engineering expert specializing in products liability and failure analysis. With a career spanning gas turbines, automotive engineering, and medical device design, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to litigation work. His work centers on investigating component failures, assessing mechanical design compliance, and evaluating whether engineering standards were met. Mr. Davis has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving automotive, marine, industrial, and medical device cases. His MS in mechanical engineering, along with certifications such as Certified Six Sigma Greenbelt and Material Review Board certification, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving mechanical systems and engineering practices.

PE

John R. Puskar, PE is a fuels and combustion systems risk management expert specializing in gas piping and combustion equipment safety. With a career spanning engineering consulting, safety inspections, and risk management, he brings a strategic engineering perspective to litigation work. His work centers on investigating root causes of explosions, assessing compliance with safety codes, and evaluating whether negligence contributed to incidents. Mr. Puskar has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across North America, involving cases such as industrial explosions, boiler failures, and gas piping incidents. His BEME in Mechanical Engineering from Youngstown State University, along with certifications such as Certified Energy Manager and Certified Cogeneration Professional, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving combustion equipment and gas piping systems.

Principal Consultant

Lee E. Sale, P.E. is a mechanical engineering expert specializing in failure analysis of mechanical equipment and systems. With a career spanning commercial, heavy industrial, manufacturing, oil and gas, and shipbuilding sectors, he brings a multifaceted engineering perspective to litigation work. His work centers on investigating equipment failures, assessing compliance with engineering standards, and evaluating whether mechanical systems met operational requirements. Mr. Sale has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving cases related to cranes, rigging, heavy transport, and industrial facilities. His B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Louisiana State University, along with certifications such as Certified Overhead Crane/Hoist and Rigging Inspector and Certified Mobile Crane Operator, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving mechanical equipment failures and accidents.

Lecturer, Co-Founder

Jonathan E. Hochman, Ph.D. is an Internet and Cybersecurity expert specializing in disputes related to technology startups and securities fraud in the technology industry. With a career spanning internet marketing, digital forensics, and website development, he brings a multifaceted perspective to litigation work. His work centers on investigating digital platform vulnerabilities, assessing cybersecurity protocols, and evaluating whether privacy standards have been breached. Mr. Hochman has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving cases related to internet marketing, e-commerce, and digital forensics. His Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science from Yale University, along with his Biomedical Research – Basic certification from CITI Program, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of responsibility in disputes involving internet and cybersecurity issues.