Manufacturing as an Expert Witness: Electrical Engineering & Product Liability

Manufacturing defects, quality control failures, and supply chain disruptions can have significant legal and financial consequences. In cases involving electrical engineering, GPS technology, telecommunications, and product liability, expert witnesses play a critical role in evaluating manufacturing standards, identifying defects, and assessing compliance with industry regulations.

Discovery Engineering specializes in providing expert witness testimony and forensic analysis for attorneys, insurers, and corporate clients involved in litigation related to manufacturing failures. With expertise spanning electrical systems, industrial automation, and telecommunications, Mark offers insight into root cause failure analysis, regulatory compliance, and liability assessment in legal disputes.

Key Areas of Expertise in Manufacturing Litigation

Failure Analysis in Electrical and Consumer Products

Manufacturing defects in electrical devices can cause injuries, property damage, and regulatory violations. Expert witnesses evaluate component failures, circuit malfunctions, and design flaws using forensic analysis techniques.

Real-World Example: Circuit Breaker Malfunction in a Product Recall

A manufacturer faced a class action lawsuit due to arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers tripping under normal load conditions. The expert witness examined firmware, hardware design, and compliance with electrical codes to determine the root cause.

GPS and Telecommunications Failures in Manufacturing

Manufacturing processes often rely on GPS tracking, cellular data, and wireless networks for logistics and automation. When these systems fail, manufacturers may face legal claims related to production delays, supply chain issues, or product tracking failures.

Real-World Example: GPS Malfunction in Logistics

A company involved in fleet management experienced GPS data inconsistencies, leading to disputes over delivery times and routing. The expert witness assessed telecommunications protocols, geofencing failures, and data integrity in GPS-based tracking systems.

Industrial Automation and Robotics in Manufacturing Disputes

Modern manufacturing relies on automated systems, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), and industrial robotics. When system failures occur, determining liability requires expertise in control systems engineering and software analysis.

Real-World Example: Industrial Robot Malfunction

A manufacturing facility suffered production delays due to robotic arm failures, resulting in contractual disputes with suppliers. The expert witness investigated software logic, hardware malfunctions, and compliance with safety regulations.

Electrical Fires and Safety Compliance in Manufacturing Facilities

Poor electrical system design, faulty installations, or substandard components can lead to manufacturing plant fires, electrocutions, and equipment damage. Expert witnesses analyze safety compliance, fire hazards, and product safety certifications.

Real-World Example: Electrical Fire in a Production Facility

A factory experienced a fire linked to overheating electrical panels. The expert witness evaluated compliance with NFPA guidelines, wiring regulations, and thermal management protocols.

Investigative Techniques and Expert Methodologies

Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA)

Expert witnesses conduct failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and forensic electrical inspections to determine why a manufacturing defect or system failure occurred. Techniques include:

  • Destructive and non-destructive testing of electrical components
  • Signal processing analysis to detect faults in communication systems
  • Thermal imaging to identify overheating risks

Compliance with Industry Standards

Manufacturers must comply with regulatory guidelines, including:

Forensic Data Recovery for GPS and Telecommunications

Manufacturing disputes involving tracking data, location services, or cellular networks require forensic analysis of:

  • GPS logs and metadata for supply chain tracking disputes
  • Cellular network communication records to validate machine-to-machine (M2M) transactions
  • Signal interference analysis in production environments

How Manufacturing Expert Witnesses Assist Legal Teams

Expert witnesses support law firms and insurance companies by providing:

  • Technical assessments of defective products and failed manufacturing processes
  • Deposition and trial testimony based on scientific methodologies
  • Expert reports following Daubert and Frye standards for admissibility in court

Case Study: Manufacturing Defect in Consumer Electronics

  • Issue: A manufacturer recalled thousands of smart home devices due to power supply failures causing overheating.
  • Analysis: The expert examined PCB design, voltage regulation circuits, and thermal dissipation.
  • Outcome: Findings proved a manufacturing defect, leading to a successful resolution for the plaintiff.

Why Manufacturing Expertise Matters in Litigation

Manufacturing disputes often involve complex technical issues that require engineering expertise to determine liability. Whether a case involves electrical failures, GPS tracking disputes, product liability claims, or safety compliance violations, an expert witness provides the technical foundation for legal arguments.

For attorneys, insurers, and corporations involved in manufacturing-related litigation, partnering with an experienced electrical engineering expert witness ensures that evidence is analyzed rigorously and presented effectively in court.

How to Get Started

If you’re a lawyer or litigator looking to get clear insights on complex technical evidence – Call (720) 593-1640, email mark@discoveryengineering.net or send a message and Discovery Engineering will discuss your specific needs to see if our expert witness testimony services are a good fit for your case.

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