Design Expert Witnesses

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Design expert witnesses practice in a variety of fields, including product development, industrial design, architecture, engineering, and user experience. Some of the most common specialties include human factors, safety design, packaging, instructions, and visual communication. They can opine on the effects of design choices on usability, safety, compliance, consumer perception, and alleged defects.

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Average Design Expert Witnesses Court Fees

Review Fee

Deposition Fee

Court Fee

  1. Design & Construction Management Expert Witness

    Review Fee
    $200/hr
    Deposition Fee
    $250/hr
    Court Fee
    $250/hr

    This highly qualified architect and construction manager has more than 40 years of experience in design, construction management, contracting, and business management in the US and internationally. He qualifies as an expert witness in state and federal courts. He has experience in all aspects of design for residential, medical, food-service, retail, commercial and industrial projects.

    CEO/Architect, A Private Architecture Firm

    Postgraduate Studies (PGS), University of Houston

    Bala Cynwyd,

    Pennsylvania

  2. Engineering Expert Witness

    Review Fee
    $250/hr
    Deposition Fee
    $350/hr

    This highly qualified engineer has over 15 years of consumer products engineering experience. He has held many prestigious positions at such companies as Electrolux and General Electric and currently owns and is a lead engineer of a highly successful electronics design firm.

    Owner and Design Engineer, A Major Consumer Electronics Company

    Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE), University of Louisville

    Smithfield,

    Kentucky

  3. Structural Engineering Expert Witness

    Review Fee
    $125/hr
    Deposition Fee
    $250/hr
    Court Fee
    $250/hr

    This expert has been a practicing engineer for nearly 25 years. A registered Professional Engineer in good standing in 45 states (including Florida), he is a member of several professional engineering societies, as well as the International Sign Association and the Mid-South Sign Association. He has worked for a number of large engineering firms and industrial manufactures, and he currently serves as an Engineering Manager at an engineering firm that is a leader in the sign industry.

    Engineering Manager, Sign Engineering Firm

    Bachelor of Science (BS), Tennessee Technological University

    Smyrna,

    Tennessee

  4. Food Facilities Expert Witness

    Review Fee
    $300/hr
    Deposition Fee
    $400/hr
    Court Fee
    $400/hr

    This highly qualified expert has over 25 years of experience in food service consulting with over 15 years of experience in foodservice distribution and operations management. He holds an A.A. in Foodservice Management from Iowa State University. A member of both the Foodservice Consultants Society International and the Construction Specifications Institute, he has published a book on food services operations and is a past President of the FCSI World-Wide Board. He also worked as Managing Director for a restaurant buying group that consisted of over 350 member restaurants. He currently works as President for a foodservice management consulting company.

    President, A Restaurant Design and Foodservice Management Consultancy

    Associate in Arts (AA), Iowa State University

    Dubuque,

    Iowa

  5. Entrepreneur & Design Expert Witness

    Review Fee
    $250/hr
    Deposition Fee
    $450/hr
    Court Fee
    $500/hr

    This expert is one of the top innovators in the U.S. specializing in cranial protective system technology, materials technology, design, and manufacturing. He has invented, designed, engineered, and manufactured multiple products being used today in sporting goods, and has been a consultant and contractor for prime military contractors and private firms.

    Director and Chief Technology Officer, A helmet systems design and engineering firm in TX

    Bachelor of Arts (BA), Texas State University-San Marcos

    San Antonio,

    Texas

  6. Mechanical Engineering Expert Witness

    Review Fee
    $320/hr
    Deposition Fee
    $375/hr
    Court Fee
    $375/hr

    This engineer is an expert in the areas of fire causation and consumer product defects as well as construction materials and workmanship issues. He has specific expertise with installation and maintenance of household appliances including stoves and ovens. He belongs to a number of societies in the engineering field including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the National Academy of Forensic Engineers. He is currently a private engineer specializing in design, failures, building code and ADA compliance issues, and human factors.

    Mechanical Engineering, An engineering consulting company in AZ

    Bachelor of Science (BS), Arizona State University

    Phoenix,

    Arizona

  7. Gas Station & Fuel Systems Expert Witness

    Review Fee
    $450/hr
    Deposition Fee
    $450/hr
    Court Fee
    $450/hr

    This expert has extensive experience in fuel system design, storage, and dispensing systems. He has spent many years as a gas station expert, constructing gasoline service stations for major oil companies and public agencies. He has been involved with numerous societies in the gas station safety/construction industry, and is certified to handle all gas station related materials. Currently, this expert consults on fuel system installation, design, and safety at his own firm.

    Owner, A fuel systems consulting firm in CA

    Rancho Mission Viejo,

    California

  8. Koi & Goldfish Fish Valuation Expert Witness

    Review Fee
    $200/hr
    Deposition Fee
    $200/hr
    Court Fee
    $400/hr

    This koi valuation expert graduated from the College of Aquaculture at Alexandria Technical Institute. He trained in Niigata, Japan with a number of the top koi producing farms selecting koi to grow to a larger size and harvesting competition fish. He currently owns and operates 3 private koi farms in Florida. Over 20 years experience in wholesale and retail sales, design and build.

    Founder, Aquatic Nutrition Manufacturer

    Alexandria Technical Institute

    Eustis,

    Florida

  9. Civil Engineering Expert Witness

    Review Fee
    $200/hr
    Deposition Fee
    $200/hr
    Court Fee
    $200/hr

    This expert received his Masters degree in 1997 at McMaster University and in 2004, he was awarded his PhD from Carleton University. His PhD contribution resulted in significant changes in the 2005 National Building Code of Canada, NBCC. During his graduate studies, he taught several courses including Engineering Mechanics, Surveying, Highway and Transportation, Bridge Design, and Properties of Material. He joined Alfred Benesch & Company, a consulting company in the US, as a lead bridge engineer. He gained over seven years of bridge design experience. He has wide experience in bridge rehabilitation and design, and is knowledgeable in American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and Federal Highway Association (FHWA) policies and design standards. His personal experience includes highway bridge analysis and design, rehabilitation and construction, and scour analysis for bridges.

    Associate Professor, A New Jersey Engineering College

    Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Carleton University

    Mount Laurel,

    New Jersey

  10. Architecture Expert Witness

    This expert is a registered professional architect, earning his degree from the University of Florida. He has worked in various architectural capacities, including design and safety. He is a former president of a corporation involved in both the design and construction of projects in the commercial and residential markets, and is currently the head of an architectural firms specializing in a similar space. His chief areas of expertise include forensic reconstruction of on-premise injury, construction/architecture defects, ADA compliance, building code compliance, construction disputes, premises liability, professional standard of care, document review, coefficient of friction testing, and water intrusion in structures.

    Architect, Private Architectural Firm

    Bachelor of Architecture (BArch), University of Florida

    Georgia

  11. Mechanical Engineering Expert Witness

    Review Fee
    $350/hr
    Deposition Fee
    $350/hr
    Court Fee
    $350/hr

    This highly qualified expert holds both a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Carolina where he was summa cum laude. He is a Certified Plant Engineer and a Certified Training Instructor for Aerial Work Platforms and Rough-Terrain Forklifts. He was enlisted in the United States Navy for 12 years where he was responsible for operating, repairing, and managing nuclear power plants and personnel. He has also served as Director of Engineering, Chief Engineer and has also held the position of Senior Design engineer responsible for manufacturing and new product development. Through his work experiences, he gained an extensive background in welding and fabrication of products and he manages his current company's product testing lab, specifically treestands and associated equipment. He is a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers and a Certified Fire Protection Specialist. He has also earned numerous Navy and Marine Corps medals.

    Mechanical Engineer, A PA Treestand Engineering Consultancy

    Master of Science (MS), University of South Carolina

    Annapolis,

    Maryland

  12. Farm Equipment Design Expert Witness

    Review Fee
    $250/hr
    Deposition Fee
    $500/hr
    Court Fee
    $500/hr

    This highly qualified expert has years of experience in agricultural systems management and occupational safety. He received his BS degree in agricultural systems management and his MS degree in environmental pollution control from Pennsylvania State University before receiving his PhD degree in agricultural and biological engineering from Purdue University. He chaired the ergonomics, safety and health committee at the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and is a member of various other professional associations, including the Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America. He has published 10+ peer-reviewed journal articles and is an associate editor for three renowned agricultural research journals. He lectures both nationally and internationally and received several honors for his outstanding work, including the NIOSH-NORA partnering award for worker health and safety. Currently, he is an assistant professor of agricultural systems engineering and agricultural and occupational health at a major university in Nebraska.

    Associate Professor, A University in NE

    Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Purdue University

    Plattsmouth,

    Nebraska

  13. Motorized Shade Design Expert Witness

    Review Fee
    $250/hr
    Deposition Fee
    $300/hr

    From 2004 to 2012, this expert dedicated his career to the development of lighting controls and motorized window shades and blinds. Having earned a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Lafayette College, he holds 8 US patents for the design of mechanized light control systems. His career has been centered around new product development. He has experience across several additional industries, including, surgical implants and instruments, mechanical piping, and industrial hose products, both as an engineer and product development team leader.

    R&D Engineer, A Pennsylvania hose and fittings company

    Bachelor of Science (BS), Lafayette College

    Allentown,

    Pennsylvania

  14. Furniture Design Expert Witness

    Review Fee
    $295/hr
    Deposition Fee
    $395/hr
    Court Fee
    $395/hr

    This expert is a designer and educator. He is a partner at a company dedicated to sustainable practices in design for production. He is principal of a design studio. He has been a member of the faculty at a RI design school in the Departments of Industrial Design, Interior Architecture and Furniture Design and previously served as interim dean of the Division of Architecture + Design. He is currently head of the Furniture Design department. His work has been shown in over 100 exhibitions, including 10 solo exhibitions, and is included in several private and public collections such as the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and the National Museum of American Art at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. His furniture has been included in dozens of publications such as the New York Times and Newsweek. His work has also been featured in books and catalogs such as New American Furniture and Now I Sit Me Down.

    Professor, Top Tier Art/Design School

    Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Rhode Island School of Design

    Providence,

    Rhode Island

  15. Automotic & Electronic Manufacturing & Design Expert Witness

    Review Fee
    $250/hr
    Deposition Fee
    $400/hr
    Court Fee
    $600/hr

    This expert is a multi-disciplined inventor with dozens of patents and applications, and a seasoned business creator with 23 years of experience in various areas of Automotive Electronics, Consumer Electronics, and Electronic Product Design. In 1991, he established a design, manufacturing and distribution facility for his dozens of inventions. He is currently a consultant working primarily in the litigation context of electronics.

    Consultant, A private business and product manufacturing consultancy in CA

    Bachelor of Science (BS), Northeastern University

    Malibu,

    California

  16. Engineering Expert Witness

    Review Fee
    $225/hr
    Deposition Fee
    $225/hr
    Court Fee
    $225/hr

    This expert is an experienced manufacturing engineer with a solid background in 3d modeling, design, layout, and detail for products, tooling fixtures, special machinery, robotics, and conveying systems. He has held numerous senior engineering and design positions throughout his career at firms such as American Conveyor, Adaptive Manufacturing, and ABB Robotics. Currently, he is a lead project engineer at a top engineering firm.

    Lead Project Engineer, Top Engineering Firm

    Bachelor of Science (BS), National Institute of Technology (NIT)

    Massapequa,

    New York

  17. Dock Engineering & Design Expert Witness

    Review Fee
    $225/hr
    Deposition Fee
    $225/hr
    Court Fee
    $225/hr

    This expert is a registered Professional Engineer in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Ohio with 40+ years working in structure design for marinas and waterfront facilities. Currently, he represents clients in special projects, expert testimony, marina/waterfront design, and regulatory matters through his personal consulting business. The expert earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of South Carolina and later completed some graduate coursework in Coastal Engineering and Construction Contracts and Law at The Citadel. He is a Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and a Fellow in the American College of Forensic Examiners. In addition, he has presented at many waterfront/marina design seminars and has authored numerous technical articles on design issues.

    President & Owner, A Marina Design Consultancy

    Graduate Coursework, The Citadel

    Mount Pleasant,

    South Carolina

  18. Security & Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Expert Witness

    Review Fee
    $460/hr
    Deposition Fee
    $460/hr
    Court Fee
    $460/hr

    This expert is an independent security consultant with international experience in crime prevention, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), security management and premises liability litigation support. Formerly the Principal Consultant and Executive Vice President at IPC International Corporation, a security firm, he entered the field as a Detective with the Baltimore Police Department. He holds a Bachelor's degree from the American University and completed graduate level work at several institutions, including the Advanced CPTED curriculum at the National Crime Prevention Institute. His practice has included urban environments, race tracks, traditional and mixed-use shopping centers, parks, residential, and commercial facilities; he has instructed in CPTED and crime prevention for police departments, private security entities, corporate management and facility staff at all levels, and supported plaintiff and defense litigation related to premises liability, and security adequacy.

    Consultant, An independent security and crime prevention consultancy in TX

    Bachelor of Arts (BA), American University

    Kerrville,

    Texas

  19. Architecture & Design Expert Witness

    Review Fee
    $250/hr
    Deposition Fee
    $250/hr
    Court Fee
    $250/hr

    This expert is a licensed architect and highly experienced executive with a successful 30+ year career in the New York design, construction, and facilities management industry. Prior to his current role, he has held various positions with the government of New York City, including the Office of the Mayor, Department of Design and Construction and the Department of General Services. He is currently the Principal at an architectural and design firm based in Long Island, NY.

    Principal, An architecture and design consulting firm

    Master of Science (MS), State University of New York

    Port Washington,

    New York

What Can a Design Expert Witness Opine On?

User Research

Gathering insights on user needs.

Wireframing

Creating low-fidelity design layouts.

Prototyping

Building interactive design models.

Usability Testing

Evaluating design effectiveness with users.

Visual Design

Crafting aesthetics and branding elements.

Responsive Design

Adapting layouts for various devices.

FAQs for Design Expert Witnesses

What is a design expert witness?

A design expert witness is a qualified professional who explains design standards and practices in legal cases. They assist by reviewing plans, analyzing defects, and testifying to clarify complex design issues.

In what types of cases might the assistance of a design expert witness be beneficial?

A design expert witness is beneficial in product liability, patent and IP disputes, design defect claims, consumer safety cases, and industrial or UX design litigation.

How can a design expert witness strengthen liability arguments?

A design expert witness strengthens liability arguments by explaining design flaws, safety standards, and causation in clear, credible terms that support your legal claims.

What qualifications should counsel seek in a design expert witness?

Counsel should seek a design expert witness with advanced design education, industry experience, prior testimony, strong communication skills, and case-specific technical expertise.

How does a design expert witness evaluate product safety compliance?

A design expert witness evaluates product safety compliance by reviewing designs, testing data, standards, and warnings to confirm they meet relevant safety regulations and industry norms.

What is Expert Institute’s process for selecting design expert witnesses?

Expert Institute delivers a tailored approach to connect you with top-tier experts. We identify actively practicing professionals who meet your exact criteria for specialty, experience, litigation background, fee structure, credentials, location, and more.

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