Category: Audio-Video Forensics Audio Forensics: An Accurate, Arguable and Authentic Approach to Understanding Audio Evidence TASA ID: 620 In the following article, I will describe what works and does not work for two of the main activities of audio forensic experts: voice identification and audio authentication. I will also review and break down the steps and processes I employ and explain why I believe audio forensics is a valuable tool in litigation. Read more
Category: Athletics The Quick Athletic Risk Management Checklist TASA ID: 33 Safety is boring. No one gives out trophies for the team with the fewest injuries in a season. Fans don't yell, "We're number one, we're number one - in safety!" Safety only becomes exciting when there is a problem. The following quick checklist is offered to help keep safety - boring. Pass this on to every coach and athletic director. Read more
Category: Accident Analysis / Reconstruction, Athletics, Premises Liability, Safety Inappropriate Buffer Zones in Sports and Recreation May Lead to Litigation TASA ID: 658 A young girl in a daycare gymnasium ran to access a low trampoline which was in close proximity to an unpadded wall. She tripped on the egress of the mat ramp, sustaining a head injury. Three of the gymnasium walls were padded, while the fourth was not padded, thus creating a double standard of care. There have been many sport/recreation litigation cases in which the proximate cause for the injury is related directly to inappropriate safety zones on the court or field, or in the gym. Read more
Category: Architecture, Construction, Engineering Claims Involving the Built Environment: How Architects and Engineers Can Advise Attorneys TASA ID: 971 The built environment is full of hazards, costs and losses from which claims can arise. When an injury or loss occurs in an existing portion of the built environment or during construction, an architect or engineer can provide valuable insight in helping an attorney to sort out the issues associated with the physical conditions in the built environment. Read more
Category: Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Safety Forensic Engineering Investigation of a Long Span Wooden Truss Failure During Erection TASA ID: 1134 With about one third of the long span wood trusses in place for a 60' by 100' building being constructed as a convenience store, the trusses already erected fell over like dominos injuring three laborers. The three workers sued a number of parties involved in the project including the crane rental company and the manufacturer and supplier of the trusses, claiming that they shared responsibility for the accident and that they should have taken action to prevent the collapse. The author was retained as an expert witness for the crane rental company. Investigation and analysis of available facts established that the crane rental company was not responsible and should have had no liability. Read more
