Category: Fire Investigation Expert Witness
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Expert Fire Investigator’s testimony determining the point of origin and cause of the fire found reliable
The Court denied a Daubert motion to exclude a fire investigator’s testimony on the origin and cause of a destructive fire. It found the investigator qualified through extensive experience investigating fires. Minor flaws in his analysis provided fodder for cross-examination but did not warrant exclusion. Competing expert conclusions created a battle of the experts for…
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Multiple expert challenges in case involving recreational vehicle explosion leading to critical injuries
The plaintiffs challenged the defense experts on multiple fronts. They moved to preclude certain testimony of James J. Keough, Jr. regarding the RV design and accident, arguing his opinions lacked sufficient basis and methodology. But the court found Keough relied on extensive materials and technical experience, applying a reliable methodology. It emphasized vigorous cross-examination, not…
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Court limits fire and battery expert testimony in fatal laptop battery explosion case
This case arose from a December 2015 apartment fire in Everett, Washington that was allegedly caused by a lithium-ion laptop battery manufactured by Hewlett-Packard (HP). The plaintiff insurance company brought subrogation claims against HP for negligence and strict product liability under Washington law. The plaintiff retained two expert witnesses who opined that the fire was…
