Mechanical engineers play a vital role in nearly every aspect of modern life – cars, computers, cell phones, satellites, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, and millions of other machines and components that are used for countless purposes. This means that mechanical engineering encompasses a vast range of different disciplines and specializations.
When you have a litigation case that involves a machine, moving part, or advanced mechanical feature, there is a good chance that having an expert witness from a relevant mechanical engineering field will be beneficial.
The Importance of Expert Witnesses
You probably already know that expert witness testimony can make or break civil and criminal cases. Judges and juries understand that expert witnesses are objective third parties with specialized knowledge, and an expert’s testimony weighs heavily in most cases.
The right expert witness provides a comprehensive yet easy-to-understand explanation of relevant facts that gives context and clarity in otherwise confusing circumstances. Testimony from a skilled mechanical engineering expert witness is powerful and persuasive because it is backed by expertise and bolstered by objectivity. Additionally, mechanical engineering fields are incredibly technical, so having someone who can explain your case’s concepts and facts in layman’s terms will be helpful.
Choosing the Right Mechanical Engineering Expert
Because there are so many various fields and specializations under the mechanical engineering umbrella, it is crucial that you choose the expert who is most closely related to the topics in your case. As mentioned, mechanical engineering is technical and complex, and it can be difficult for people unfamiliar with the field to understand the difference between specializations.
To navigate this complexity, Alpine Engineering has created a Mechanical Engineering Expert Witness Glossary to guide attorneys and other legal professionals in choosing the most appropriate type of expert.
Why is aligning yourself with the right type of mechanical engineer important for the success of your case? It’s the same concept as legal specializations. An attorney who practices only family law may be able to represent a client in a personal injury claim, but they are unlikely to fill that role as well as a personal injury lawyer. If you need a mechanical engineer expert to testify in a motor vehicle accident case, a conveyor systems engineer would not be as sound of an expert witness as an accident investigation expert.
Mechanical Engineering Expert Witness Glossary
This glossary provides a brief description of some of the most common mechanical engineering specialties needed for expert witness testimony. It is intended to provide a baseline of understanding to help you decide who to contact for your case and how they may be able to help.
If you have questions about a mechanical engineering specialty not included in the glossary, Alpine Engineering & Design, Inc. can help. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the field of mechanical engineering and to assist you in locating the right kind of expert. Call us at (801) 763-8484 to discuss your specific witness needs, or contact us on our website.