Human factors experts focus on how people interact with their environment and consider principles of psychology, design, and usability to optimize safety and performance. Traffic safety human factors experts strive to answer crucial questions regarding road user behavior, expectations, capabilities,…

In the media, the phrase “forensic linguistics” is usually narrowly applied to document interpretation and author identification. This is probably because of the high-profile criminal cases that have involved writing, including Son of Sam, Zodiac killer, JonBenet Ramsey, and Unabomber.…

In forensic science, subjective judgments will always play a role in how experts analyze and interpret impression evidence. Although subjective judgments are not wholly problematic, they increase the likelihood for bias when additional contextual information is introduced—even if this information…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently issued warning letters to seven companies selling fraudulent COVID-19 products.  These products—which pose significant health risks to consumers and violate federal law—include supplements, herbal teas, tinctures,…

With the advance of AI in the medical device field, questions have risen as to whether medical device makers may risk future liability following recent FDA efforts. AI medical devices are innovative and groundbreaking. However, potential liability questions center on…

Computer simulation can be a very powerful tool in a variety of fields, from accident reconstruction and biomechanics to fire investigation and product design. But computer simulations can also be full of unrealistic assumptions and use invalid techniques. If an…

Aging of the population will confront lawyers with questions about their clients’ competence to execute wills, sign contracts, assign powers of attorney, and make decisions about their healthcare, finances, or living situation. Sometimes clients are presumed to possess decision-making abilities…

Key points that are beneficial to understanding most riding accidents arose during a case in which I was recently asked to render an expert opinion. First, the emotional state of the equine is of paramount importance at the time of…

The prevalence of falls among the elderly presents a major public health problem.  According to The Joint Commission, a non-profit organization that accredits healthcare facilities and programs, falls resulting in serious injury are among the top 10 unanticipated events reported…

One of the most common reasons for psychiatric hospitalization is for patients determined to have an elevated risk of suicide. The goal of psychiatric hospitalization is to reduce that risk. Yet quality-assurance reviews of clinical records and analyses of litigated…