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Low Speed Collision - Experts Reconstruct Crash to Determine Injury Causation
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Vehicle Repair – Expert Investigates Engine Failure to Determine Cause
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Inattentive Driving – Expert Investigates Pedestrian Strike in Crosswalk
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Mall Security - Expert Investigates Assault in Mall Parking Lot
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Maria Bella, AFOIT, CPOI, LGI
Sports & Recreation Expert specializing in Aquatic Safety: Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, Waterparks, Resorts, SCUBA Diving—Drowning, Diving Injuries, Disease Transmission, Equipment Operation, Chemical Handling

Maria Bella is an expert in sports and recreation and specializes in aquatic safety. She is one of only four Aquatic Facility Operator Instructor Trainers in the world and has been active in the aquatics industry for more than 30 years. Bella holds a degree in Aquatic Engineering, has designed swimming pool complexes, and has participated in the research and development of chemical treatment systems.

In addition to providing forensic consulting, Bella owns two companies created to increase safety at swimming areas. She personally provides instruction to directors of college/university, municipal, school district, hotel/motel, and water park facilities in standard of care for plant operations as well as training and supervision of lifeguards and maintenance staff. Bella is an authorized instructor for the American Red Cross, National Swimming Pool Foundation, and National Recreation and Park Association. She is active in several national standards writing committees, including the Center for Disease Control Model Aquatic Health Code and the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals Suction Entrapment Prevention committees.

In addition to operating aquatic facilities for nearly three decades, Bella coached competitive swimming for 15 years and worked with athletes ranging from novice through national caliber. She is a member of the World Waterpark Association (WWA), National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO), and is an Executive Board Member of Professional Pool Operators of America (PPOA). Bella holds numerous national and international certifications, and has been qualified to testify in state and federal court.

Related Articles/Documents
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Legionnnaires Disease - Expert Investigates Outbreak at Hotel Hot Tub
    • Legionnnaires Disease - Expert Investigates Outbreak at Hotel Hot Tub

      A man attending his high school reunion held at a national hotel chain in South Carolina was exposed to Legionella bacteria and contracted Legionnaire’s disease. Robson Forensic aquatics safety expert, Maria Bella, AFOIT, CPOI, LGI, was retained to determine if the operation of the hotel hot tub violated the standard of care and was dangerous in a manner that caused the transmission of Legionella bacteria.

      View Full Case HERE

  • Diving Board Injury - Expert Investigates Injury at Amusement Park
    • Diving Board Injury - Expert Investigates Injury at Amusement Park

      A patron at a local amusement park was injured when he dove from an elevated board into a swimming pool and struck the pool bottom with his face. He sustained an abrasion to his forehead and lacerations to his nose and the area above his upper lip. The plaintiff’s expert claimed that the actions of the local amusement park were unreasonable and caused this injury. Robson Forensic aquatics safety expert, Maria Bella, AFOIT, CPOI, LGI, was retained to determine if the amusement park violated standards of care for aquatic facilities in a manner that caused the diver’s injury.

      View Full Case HERE

  • Waterslide – Expert Investigates Collision in Waterslide Run-Out
    • Waterslide – Expert Investigates Collision in Waterslide Run-Out

      A physician broke his arm while attempting to exit the run-out at the end of a waterslide. After the victim completed his descent of the slide, he rose to his feet and was struck by the following rider; his legs were knocked out from under him and he fell upon the edge of the waterslide, fracturing his humerus. Robson Forensic aquatic safety expert, Maria Bella, AFOIT, CPOI, LGI, was retained to determine if the waterpark operated the subject waterslide in a manner that caused this incident.

      View Full Case HERE

  • Ten steps to reducing liability at your aquatic facility
    • Ten steps to reducing liability at your aquatic facility

      Well run swimming pools are an attractive amenity that can dramatically increase revenue. Improperly run aquatic facilities will increase liability instead, and an overlooked hazard can lead to tragedy. Following is a list of ten commonly overlooked items that are easy to address, and when given proper attention, may save money on insurance costs, and will save lives.

      View Full Article HERE

  • Summer Injuries - Robson Forensic
    • Summer Injuries - Robson Forensic

      The activities of summer may seem routine, but according to a leading safety organization, people are more likely to be injured in the summer than any other time throughout the year. Around the house, activities as routine as mowing the lawn or cooking on a grill can cause severe injuries. Swimming, water sports, and boating can result in drownings. A celebratory fireworks display can lead to severe burns or traumatic injuries.

      View Full Mailer HERE

  • Child Supervision - Robson Forensic Experts
    • Child Supervision - Robson Forensic Experts

      A child’s safety depends in large part on the quality of adult supervision. Effective supervision is much more than merely watching children play.

      View Full Mailer HERE

  • Indoor Swimming Pool Air Quality - Expert Article
    • Indoor Swimming Pool Air Quality - Expert Article

      Natatoriums, Pool Water Chemistry, Health Effects of pool Off-Gassing, Pool Operations Solutions, Chemical Solutions, Indoor Air Quality, and HVAC System Solutions

      View Full Article HERE

  • Child Safety - Robson Forensic Experts
    • Child Safety - Robson Forensic Experts

      Robson Forensic has 20 years of experience analyzing aspects of cases and claims that are unique to child injuries. Our sports, recreation, facility design and product experts are active in organizations promulgating standards and procedures aimed at protecting children from injury.

      View Full Mailer HERE

  • Boating and Recreation Safety - Robson Forensic Experts
    • Boating and Recreation Safety - Robson Forensic Experts

      When you have cases involving recreational boating, aquatics, or summer recreation, we can help. Our specialized marine and aquatic experts possess extensive experience and training in watercraft design, performance and operations and stand ready to assist your litigation/subrogation.

      View Full Mailer HERE

  • Just Add Water
    • Just Add Water

      It's the hottest trend to hit the hospitality industry in decades: to increase heads in beds, just add an indoor waterpark to a hotel. It works so well that some chains have come up with their own formula to expedite the process

      View Full Article HERE