DJS Associates, Inc.

Asphalt Chip Spreader Drive System Failure Analysis

2007-01-11T16:06:00.000-05:00

Case Synopsis:
The front of a chip spreader was impacted by a Toyota Corolla,
driven by the decedent, resulting in fatal injuries
to the driver of the Corolla. At the time of the incident,
the chip spreader was parked on an asphalt road
with its brakes engaged. The plaintiffs alleged that the collision
between the Corolla and the hydraulically powered chip spreader
damaged the chip spreader propulsion and braking system.

Expert Analysis:
Expert reviewed the repair records, manufacturer's specifications and the hydraulic
schematics. The expert also analyzed and compared damages and repairs (scope & type) to the
hydraulic system designs and operations.

Conclusion:
The expert demonstrated that damages could not
have been caused by collision.
The plaintiff's expert report was inconsistent
with hydraulic schematics.

Key Factors:
(1) Understanding and analyzing hydraulic system schematics.
(2) Comparison of maintenance and repair records over the operating life of the equipment.
(3) Identifying errors in the plaintiff’s expert report.
(4) Preparing a clean, comprehensive report of the findings.

Tomas Cocchiola, PE, CSP:
Mechanical engineering; design engineer of hydraulically
powered machinery and equipment primarily used in trucking, construction, refuse handling
industries and chemical process plant facilities; cranes / forklifts.

Frederic Blum, CFEI, BSME : Engineering investigation and analysis of mechanical
malfunctions, industrial accidents, domestic accidents, as well as product and machinery
evaluation with regard to safety and guarding.

Harris Gross, PE:
Diversified engineering, safety, residential construction, and home
inspection; child / toddler safety with emphasis on the home environment;
equipment, improvement of existing equipment design to improve efficiency and
designing new equipment.

Thomas Cocchiola, PE, CSP
Harris Gross, PE
Frederic Blum, CFEI, BSME

DJS Associates, Inc.
http://www.forensicdjs.com
1603 Old York Road,Abington, PA 19001
Phone : 215-659-2010
Toll Free: 800-332-6273
Fax: 215-659-7156
experts@forensicdjs.com
Carl M. Berkowitz, Ph.D, PE, AICP
Posted by DJS Associates, Inc. at 3:03 PM
Division: Automotive Engineering,

Platform-to-Railcar Gap Accident

2007-01-11T15:03:00.000-05:00

There are numerous trip and fall accidents associated with the gap between the platform
and the railcar. These falls occurs when an object or the nature of the
walking surface prevents or delays the passenger's rear leg from moving forward to achieve a safe footing at the instant the foot makes contact with the surface ahead.

Safe walking requires perfect timing in the transfer of support and balance from one leg to the other, the slightest change can result in an imbalance that can result in a serious fall as the body continues to move forward.

There are two aspects to the platform gap:
the vertical difference between the car floor and platform surface elevation and the horizontal separation of the railcar from the platform.

Today's rail transit equipment uses mechanical and automatic car floor leveling systems to maintain the car floor nearly level with the passenger platform. This is an important safety feature because when the railcar floor is above the platform and it creates a tripping hazard for passengers boarding the vehicle; and when the car floor is below the passenger platform, it is a tripping hazard for passengers exiting the railcar.

Most falls are initially precipitated by a trip
and if the gap is wide enough,
extension of the passenger's leg might fall into the gap space.
Most modern transit systems, with proper design and construction of platforms, together with proper maintenance and proper car floor leveling devices can attain vertical and horizontal gap clearances which make it unlikely that a passenger will trip on the car doorsill or platform, or that a passenger's foot will pass between the car and the platform.

It is clearly recognized by the rail passenger industry
that the gap between a passenger railcar and the
passenger platform is a critical interface where
dangerous passenger falls can occur.

Carl Berkowitz , Ph.D, PE, AICP:
Transportation Education / Safety and Security;
Planning and Administrative Engineering
Carmen Daecher, MSc:
PennDOT Field Issues; Transportation Planning and Safety;
OSHA Regulations
Leo Santowasso, PE, PP, CME:
Transportation Planning and Safety; Municipal
Engineering; Land Surveying
Robert R. Reed, CDS:
Industrial Training Coordination; Terminal Management,
Hazardous Materials Transportation

DJS Associates, Inc.
http://www.forensicdjs.com
1603 Old York Road,
Abington, PA 19001
Phone : 215-659-2010
Toll Free: 800-332-6273
Fax: 215-659-7156
experts@forensicdjs.com

Carl M. Berkowitz, Ph.D, PE, AICP

Athletic Trainers

2006-12-21T10:11:00.000-05:00

David G. Yeo, D.P.E. :: Expert Network,

Key Issues:
College athletic trainer was allegedly negligent in the management of an injury to one of his football players. Plaintiff developed an infection, allegedly after suffering an injury.

Expert Analysis:
Upon review of records, as well as examinations and interviews, it was determined that the treatment by the trainer could not have caused the Plaintiff's infection.
Plaintiff dove head first into a mud puddle a few days following initial injury and sustained two large cuts that were never reported to the trainer.

Result:
Trainer provided the proper standard of care in his evaluation and management of the injury. Case against the trainer was dismissed.

DJS Associates, Inc.
http://www.forensicdjs.com
1603 Old York Road,
Abington, PA 19001
Phone : 215-659-2010
Toll Free: 800-332-6273
Fax: 215-659-7156
experts@forensicdjs.com
Posted byDJS Associates, Inc.

Virtual World: High-Definition Surveying [ HDS ]

2006-12-21T10:08:00.000-05:00

Andrew Durian, BSME

A delivery truck approaching a four-way intersection impacted a bicyclist approaching from the street to his right. The truck operator claimed that overgrown bushes that came right up to the edge of pavement blocked his view of the approaching bicyclist.
The collision reconstruction engineer was called in immediately to document the physical evidence. Data was captured using traditional methods of surveying and photography. The importance of the geometry of the bushes and the perishable nature of this data were immediately recognized. For this reason, it was decided to also perform a 3-D laser scan of the area as well, which could be correlated to the other data.
Soon afterward, the bushes were cut back by the owner, but the accurate and detailed 3-D data captured through the laser scan provided documentation of the scene at the time of the accident. At a later time, the reconstruction engineer, from his desk, was able to look at the scene in a 3-D virtual world, as if he were actually there at the time of the accident. This allowed him to evaluate the effect of the bushes as a sight obstruction from virtually
any point of view.

Tractor-Trailer : Brake Failure

2006-12-21T10:05:00.000-05:00

Ronald E. Tomasetti, CDS

Case Synopsis:
While operating a CMV (Commercial Motor Vehicle), the driver entered a steep grade (18%) as he descended down the hill and his brakes failed. The driver of the tractor-trailer tried to slow the vehicle by riding the guiderail. However, the driver lost control when the right front steering tire caught one of the metal posts supporting the guiderail. The tractor-trailer then crossed over into oncoming traffic, striking several vehicles before it came to rest against a bridge support. As a result of the tractor-trailer striking several vehicles, numerous injuries occurred, as well as two deaths.

Expert Analysis:
After reviewing the vehicle maintenance records, driver vehicle inspection report, and deposition transcripts of the driver and maintenance manager, it was discovered that the driver failed to perform a proper pre-trip inspection (didn't check his brakes or do an "Air Leak Test" as required by FMCSA (392.7, 396.11, and 396.13), and the maintenance department had an "UNQUALIFIED" (FMCSA 396.25) mechanic perform the brake repairs the evening before the truck was dispatched.

Results:
The case settled with a substantial settlement against the trucking company and its driver.

DJS Associates, Inc.
http://www.forensicdjs.com
Automotive Engineering
1603 Old York Road,
Abington, PA 19001
Phone : 215-659-2010
Toll Free: 800-332-6273
Fax: 215-659-7156
experts@forensicdjs.com
Posted byDJS Associates, Inc.
Trucking/ Tractor-Trailer

"Black Box" Data and the Left-Turn Case

2006-12-21T10:02:00.000-05:00

Steven M. Schorr, P.E.

Case Description:
A southbound Cadillac Escalade was attempting to turn left at a signal controlled intersection. While executing its left turn, the Cadillac was contacted on the right side by a northbound Ford pick-up truck. The Ford pick-up truck operator testified that as he approached the intersection, the already moving southbound Cadillac suddenly turned left into his path, not providing him with sufficient time or distance to avoid it. The Cadillac operator testified that he was not "already moving," and did not "suddenly turn" into the pick-up truck's path, but rather he was stopped completely at the signal, accelerated normally into his left turn and was struck. The Cadillac operator claimed he was within the intersection for enough time to allow the pick-up truck to easily avoid him.

Expert Analysis:
Both vehicles had airbags and both airbags deployed. The airbag module (The Cadillac's Sensing & Diagnostic Module [SDM] and the Ford's Restraint Control Module [RCM]) were downloaded for each vehicle. The downloaded data indicated that in the five seconds prior to airbag deployment, the Cadillac was decelerating from 30 mph to 15 mph. The SDM showed no indication that the Cadillac was stopped at any time in the 5 seconds prior to impact. The crush data and the RCM download of the Ford indicated change in velocity and "g" forces were consistent with the Ford was not traveling at, or above, the 35 mph speed limit. The SDM and RCM data were then correlated to other available physical evidence, including the damage to both vehicles, the points of rest positions of the vehicles and the point of impact position of the vehicles.

Result:
The SDM ["black box"] data from the Escalade indicated that the Cadillac did not stop prior to entering the intersection and as such, the testimony of the Ford operator, that the left-turning Cadillac was not turning for sufficient time and distance to be avoided was reasonable and credible. Further, the testimony of the Cadillac operator, that he stopped prior to accelerating through the turn, was not credible when compared to the "black box" data and the physical evidence. The RCM data from the Ford and the available physical evidence confirmed that the Ford pickup truck did not exceed the speed limit.

DJS Associates, Inc.
http://www.forensicdjs.com
Automotive Engineering
1603 Old York Road,
Abington, PA 19001
Phone : 215-659-2010
Toll Free: 800-332-6273
Fax: 215-659-7156
experts@forensicdjs.com
Posted by
DJS Associates, Inc.
at 9:43 AM
Division: Automotive Engineering

Construction Site Accident

2006-12-21T09:43:00.000-05:00

Construction Site Accident
Thomas J. Cocchiola, P.E., C.S.P.

Case Synopsis:
A specialty subcontractor furnished sheet piling along with the services of a technical representative for a major road building project. After the sheet piling was delivered, the general contractor asked the technical representative to help set the piling in place. The technical representative was fatally electrocuted while a piece of sheet piling was being lowered into place.

Expert Analysis:
The sheet piling was being handled and set in the ground near an overhead electrical distribution line. The task was being performed after the general contractor shut down the rest of the job site due to inclement weather. The construction manager neglected to inform the local utility company about the sheet piling work. The construction equipment handling the sheet piling accidentally approached one of the energized electrical lines while the technical representative was holding it.

Result:
Engineering analysis and expert testimony demonstrated that the general contractor had violated state safety regulations as well as OSHA requirements regarding work in the vicinity of high voltage lines. A jury decided in favor of the plaintiff's estate.

DJS Associates, Inc.
http://www.forensicdjs.com
Forensic Engineering Services

1603 Old York Road, Abington, PA 19001
Phone : 215-659-2010
Toll Free: 800-332-6273
Fax: 215-659-7156
experts@forensicdjs.com

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES IN DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Are You Current?

2006-10-06T12:31:00.000-04:00

Technology is changing our world exponentially.
From wireless computer networks, to "EZ Pass" toll collections,
we experience these advancements everyday.
These changes also affect the way your
expert views the "three-dimensional" world in which he/she works.
In all fields of science, engineering and medicine, new technology
is allowing for additional and more detailed data collection,
resulting in more specific and accurate analysis of the available data.
For example, in the field of collision reconstruction,
technology has enabled the engineer to view the world
in three-dimension, allowing for a more realistic and accurate analysis.

The technological advances begin in the filed where data
is no longer simply collected by hand. Field surveys are completed
using computer driven Total Station survey equipment.
The equipment records a measured position in three-dimensions.
A Laser Scanner, the most sophisticated measuring device available,
also takes three-dimensional measurements,
but at a speed of 1000 points per second.
The laser scanner can be used to create accurate
three-dimensional models of almost any object.
Once properly collected, the data can be utilized through classic
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) techniques to produce realistic
two-dimensional and three-dimensional exhibits,
models and animations in an accurate and cost-effective manner.
Digital technology allows video and photographs to be stored
and utilized on a computer. This technology allows the images to be
e-mailed/printed/plotted for whatever purpose is desired.

As a result of the ability to work with images on the computer,
engineers have the ability to take accurate
three-dimensional measurements from photographs or video tape
through Photogrammetry. The ability to create a three-dimensional
"world," through the available data collection and analysis techniques,
allows for the analysis and presentation of how a vehicle or
pedestrian may move within that "world."
This type of analysis is aided by the use of
Computer Reconstruction Programs, which are based
on the laws of physics. The use of new technology is
NOT cost prohibitive. If your goal is truly to evaluate
how the incident occurred, it becomes critical to be
sure that your expert, regardless of his or her field of expertise,
has available to them all that technology has to offer.

Steven M. Schorr, PE

DJS Associates, Inc.
http://www.forensicdjs.com
Forensic Engineering Services
1603 Old York Road,
Abington, PA 19001

Phone : 215-659-2010
Toll Free: 800-332-6273
Fax: 215-659-7156
experts@forensicdjs.com

Dodge Ball Case Study

2006-10-06T12:07:00.000-04:00

Case Synopsis:

Prior to school starting, children were permitted to enter the building and secure and sign out a playground ball for their enjoyment. The plaintiff, fifth grade girl, along with some of her friends played a game of "line dodgeball" near an alcove of the building. One teacher engaged the plaintiff in conversation from inside the building while speaking through a window. In doing so, the girl turned her head to speak to the teacher. While she was being distracted, one boy threw the ball from approximately sixteen (16) feet away. The hard rubber ball struck her in the left eye. She is blind for life in that eye today.

Expert Analysis:

The plaintiff's expert witness met with the child at the attorney's office to interview the parents and the child. After the interview was conducted, the meeting reconvened at the school site to take photographs and measurements. Within the expert's report, it was noted the concept of the game of "dodgeball" is inappropriate for students to play with a rubber ball. Since this game was around an alcove of the building, one teacher in a different area of the playground would not be able to supervise the game. Inappropriate supervision existed, since the teacher on playground duty may have prevented the game from being played. Also, the teacher inside the building had a duty to stop play, prior to speaking with the plaintiff.

Result:

This case settled out of court. Specific supervision was not afforded to the game itself, since the foreseeable consequence would be in dodgeball of getting hit in the head region.

Do you have a case where you need a recreational expert?
We have the right consultant for you…

( Thomas Bowler, CPSI, NPPS SAFE Certified )
Playground safety / equipment liability; playground supervision;
physical education; water safety instructor; athletics / recreation

( Thomas Griffiths, ED.D. )
Aquatic / water safety; pool safety;
lifeguard safety standards; scuba diving

( David Yeo, D.P.E. )
Athletic trainer; strength & conditioning specialist;
physical education; coaching; rehabilitation /
prevention & treatment of injuries

DJS Associates, Inc.-
http://www.forensicdjs.com

Expert Network
1603 Old York Road,
Abington, PA 19001

Phone : 215-659-2010
Toll Free: 800-332-6273
Fax: 215-659-7156
experts@forensicdjs.com

Negligent Hiring and Falsification of Driving Hours

2006-10-06T10:37:00.000-04:00

Case Synopsis:

A Jeep traveling west on the Pennsylvania Turnpike spun out of control, after trying to avoid debris that had fallen onto the highway, after a heavy rain storm. He came to rest in the passing lane facing east with its lights on. The first tractor-trailer steered around the debris, which was blocking the right lane of travel, and avoided striking the disabled Jeep. The tractor-trailer then pulled his commerical motor vehicle ( CMV ) to the shoulder of the roadway and activated his emergency signals. A second tractor-trailer, traveling at a high rate of speed, avoided the debris but failed to see the Jeep and impact occurred causing sever bodily injury to the occupants of the jeep. Atmosphere conditions at the time of the accident indicated that it was dark (nighttime) and that the roadway was wet.

Expert Analysis:

After review of the driver qualification file and log book entries, it was discovered that the trucking company failed to perform proper background investigations and administer the driver road test by a component person, failed to audit log book entries and permitted the driver to make false entries on his record of duty status as required by 49-Code FMCSR (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations).

Result:

The case was settled in favor of the plaintiff.

Ronald E. Tomasetti, CDS

DJS Associates, Inc.-
http://www.forensicdjs.com
Trucking/ Tractor Trailer
1603 Old York Road,
Abington, PA 19001

Phone : 215-659-2010
Toll Free: 800-332-6273
Fax: 215-659-7156
experts@forensicdjs.com

Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Forklift Incident

2006-10-06T09:59:00.000-04:00

Case Synopsis:

A forklift operator is moving a large load onto a truck from a loading dock meant for larger trailers. The truck moves forward and the forklift, with the operator, fell off the dock causing injury to the operator. A reconstruction of the accident was conducted to evaluate the forklift operator's testimony as to how the collision occurred. A Laser Scan, (three dimensional imaging) was performed of the loading dock, the forklift and the truck in question.

Analysis:

Initial measurements were extracted from the scan including relative heights of various parts of the loading dock, the gate, and back of the truck. Using this data, an initial analysis was completed. At a later time, further analysis was needed. All the additional data required was already recorded in the scan. A three-dimensional model was quickly completed using the scan of the dock, truck and forklift and the load that was being moved.

Result:

By recreating the scene and walking through the forklift operator's actions in the virtual world, it was demonstrated that the incorrect manner in which the forklift operator loaded his cargo would have resulted in the operator's inability to view his approach to the dock's edge and truck. His inability to see ahead compromised the validity of the operator's testimony of what he saw with regard to the location of the stopped truck. Not only was this an invaluable reconstruction tool in evaluating the operator's view, and most specifically the location of the stopped truck, but it was also able to be quickly turned into an animation.

Andrew R. Durian, BSME

DJS Associates, Inc.
http://www.forensicdjs.com
Laser Scanning Technology : HDS

1603 Old York Road,
Abington, PA 19001
Phone : 215-659-2010
Toll Free: 800-332-6273
Fax: 215-659-7156
experts@forensicdjs.com

Airbag Electronic System Operation

2006-10-06T09:15:00.000-04:00

Case Synopsis:
A suit was brought against an independent automotive repair shop with allegations of defective workmanship. The plaintiff alleged that the front airbags in his vehicle failed to deploy during a single vehicle collision and that the defendant shop owner was negligent in servicing the airbag system just weeks before the incident.

Expert Analysis:
The defense expert examined the vehicle and incident site and determined that the airbags should not have deployed in what was largely a side impact collision. An examination of the airbag electronic system revealed that the system was operating as designed and further, that the recent diagnostic and repair procedures utilized by the repair shop indicated conformity to the manufacturer's standards.

Result:
The defense was able to show that the collision did not meet the criteria for airbag deployment and that the recent vehicle service was not related to the incident in any way. Plaintiff withdrew his complaint shortly before a motion for summary judgment.

R. Scott King, BSME-

DJS Associates, Inc.-
http://www.forensicdjs.com
Automotive Engineering

1603 Old York Road,
Abington, PA 19001
Phone : 215-659-2010
Toll Free: 800-332-6273
Fax: 215-659-7156

experts@forensicdjs.com