Robson Forensic Library

Captain Jeffrey J. Fischer testified on behalf of plaintiff counsel in a case involving one worker who suffered injuries and another who died during a mooring accident at the port in Mobile, AL. Captain Fischer addressed the actions of the 3rd Mate, the person in charge of the after mooring station, as to the responsibilities and duties of the ship when mooring.

Highway engineering expert, James Shultz, P.E., provided investigation and testimony that helped in securing a positive decision for his client in a crash case involving icy roadway conditions. The crash involved a stretch of highway that was negligently maintained; overgrown vegetation over and under the guardrails prevented proper drainage, thus causing ice to form, covering the roadway throughout a distance of about 100 yards. Crash reconstruction showed that the accident’s primary cause was an icy roadway.

A 31-year-old truck driver was driving a front discharge concrete mixing truck when the front right tire blew out. The vehicle veered off the road and hit a shallow embankment. Upon impact, the drum of the concrete mixer broke into the cabin of the vehicle and crushed the driver. Emergency personnel found the driver dead.

Gary Derian, P.E. was retained to investigate the crash and determine if the failed tire was negligently retreaded and installed by the local service station.

This matter settled for $3,000,000.

A 57-year-old diabetic journeyman pipefitter, was hired to work on the overhaul of an industrial furnace. On the day of his injury, the victim worked approximately 10 hours, spending the better part of the day standing on and off the throat of the furnace in order to replace burners in the refiner. The inside temperature in the throat that day was raised to approximately 2000 degrees. When he went home after work and removed his work boots, he discovered that the soles of his feet had been seriously burned. Industrial Hygienist, Ron Schaible, was retained to determine if the manufacturer created a dangerous condition that contributed to the plaintiff’s injuries.

Three teens injured in a drunken-driving accident settled their auto-negligence and dram shop claims for a combined $2.3 million.