This case involves a worker fatality during an excavation project. A career employee of a plumbing company was working to lay a pipe at a condominium construction site. The employee was working in a trench about 8 feet deep when the sides of the trench suddenly collapsed. The employee’s crew members attempted to dig him out of the trench but the process took 13 minutes. The employee suffocated to death. Although it had been raining on the day of the incident, no protective gear or cage was used to secure the trench prior to the accident. An expert in construction and contracting was sought to review this matter and determine if safety protocols were adequately adhered to.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. Do you have homebuilding construction experience?
2. Have you worked as a general contractor?
3. Could you describe the responsibilities to subcontractors and the general public on a work site?
Expert Witness Response E-110018
I have spent 30+ years as a general contractor and 17+ years as a court-qualified expert witness. Over the course of my career, I've been involved in more than 300 cases. I've reviewed the information provided and believe that I would be able to assist you in this case. As a 30-year general contractor, my experience covers all aspects of the construction process, including excavation safety issues. I am also currently a site safety inspector and trainer for a large midwestern developer that has been constructing numerous projects in the area over the last 2 years.
About the author
Victoria Negron
Victoria Negron has extensive experience in journalism and thought leadership in the legal space, with a background crafting content, whitepapers, webinars, and current event articles pertaining to the role of expert witnesses in complex litigation matters. She is a skilled professional specializing in B2B product marketing and content marketing. Currently, she serves as an Enterprise Product Marketing Manager at Postman, and previously held the position of Technical Product Marketing Manager at Palantir Technologies, where she developed her skills in launch strategies, go-to-market strategy, and competitive analysis.
Her expertise in content marketing was further refined during her tenure at the Expert Institute, where she progressed from a Marketing Writer to Senior Content Marketing Manager, and eventually to Associate Director of Content & Product Marketing. In these roles, she honed her abilities in digital marketing, SEO, content strategy, and thought leadership.
Educationally, Victoria holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida - Warrington College of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, Art, and Hispanic Studies from Hamilton College. Her diverse educational background and professional experience have equipped her with a robust skill set in product marketing, content development, and strategic marketing initiatives.
