Professional Responsibility as an Engineering Expert Witness

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Upholding Standards of Care in Legal Disputes

When legal disputes arise involving engineering failures, code compliance, or product design, the role of the expert witness becomes critical. At the heart of this responsibility is a commitment to accuracy, ethics, and the evaluation of whether professionals in the field met their obligations under recognized engineering practices.

This article explores how Discovery Engineering approaches matters of professional responsibility and how expert analysis helps courts and legal teams determine whether an engineer upheld the appropriate standard of care.

What Is Professional Responsibility in Engineering?

In a legal context, professional responsibility refers to the ethical and technical obligations engineers must follow when designing, building, testing, or maintaining a product or system. These responsibilities include adhering to established codes, using sound engineering judgment, and providing appropriate recommendations or warnings to clients. Whether working with complex electrical systems, telecommunications infrastructure, or GPS data, engineers are expected to uphold the integrity of their profession through diligence and competence.

When those responsibilities are questioned in a court of law, expert witnesses can play a pivotal role in helping attorneys, judges, and juries understand whether the actions (or inactions) of an engineer met the required standard of care.

The Role of the Expert Witness in Standard of Care Evaluations

An expert witness is a technical professional with the qualifications and experience to offer opinions on matters within their area of specialization. These opinions often involve assessing whether a fellow professional acted in a way consistent with accepted industry practices. In engineering cases, this means determining whether an individual or company followed relevant codes, such as the NEC (National Electrical Code), IEEE standards, or NFPA safety guidelines.

At Discovery Engineering, electrical engineering expert witness services frequently involve reviewing technical reports, drawings, communication records, and test data to determine whether the engineer or technician followed proper procedures. The core of this work involves a rigorous assessment of the facts to decide whether the engineering standard of care was met. In some cases, this may include answering questions such as: Did the engineer use proper design methods? Were safety codes followed? Was the client adequately informed of technical risks or limitations?

Attorneys rely on these evaluations to support claims of negligence, defend against unfounded allegations, or reach fair settlements.

Common Cases Involving Professional Responsibility

Legal cases involving professional responsibility in engineering typically center around allegations of negligence, code violations, or failure to perform appropriate due diligence. Discovery Engineering is often engaged in matters involving:

• Product liability, such as failures in electrical devices or components
• Faulty design or improper installation of electrical or telecommunication systems
• Accidents caused by failure to follow safety procedures or code requirements
• Cases where engineers gave misleading or incomplete guidance to clients

For instance, an attorney might hire an expert to determine whether a residential electrical contractor used outdated methods, leading to a fire, or whether a consulting engineer failed to follow geolocation best practices in a GPS-based asset tracking system.

With expertise in electrical engineering, telecommunications, and failure analysis, Discovery Engineering is uniquely positioned to provide insight in these types of cases.

Characteristics of a Reliable Expert Witness

Being technically proficient is only part of what makes someone an effective expert witness. The most credible professionals combine deep knowledge with integrity, clear communication, and composure under pressure. At Discovery Engineering, these traits are a key part of how expert opinions are formed and delivered.

Key characteristics of a responsible expert witness include:

• Extensive technical experience relevant to the case
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to remain calm and professional during depositions or cross-examinations
• A commitment to delivering fact-based opinions rooted in sound engineering and objective technical analysis
• Avoiding speculation or conclusions beyond one’s expertise

Legal professionals value experts who can explain complex topics in plain terms and present consistent, well-supported conclusions. This clarity not only builds trust in court but also helps ensure that justice is served based on reliable technical insight.

Discovery Engineering’s Approach to Professional Responsibility

At Discovery Engineering, cases involving engineering standard of care expert evaluations are approached with careful attention to technical facts and ethical responsibility. Founder Mark McFarland has decades of experience working in fields such as electrical systems, cellular data analysis, RF communications, and product liability. He is often asked to assess whether other professionals followed accepted engineering standards or deviated from best practices in a way that contributed to a failure, accident, or dispute.

Mark’s evaluations typically begin with a comprehensive review of the case documents and technical materials. After identifying the relevant codes and industry standards, he assesses whether the engineer in question followed them and whether their actions were consistent with what a reasonable professional would have done in similar circumstances. Importantly, Mark provides his honest opinion to every client. His commitment to ethical practice ensures every client understand the technical strengths and weaknesses in their case.

Discovery Engineering maintains a clear commitment to objectivity and credibility. Every expert opinion (whether delivered in court or through written reports) is grounded in sound engineering principles and supported by transparent, well-reasoned analysis.

The Legal Impact of Responsible Expert Testimony

A well-supported expert opinion can make or break a case. Judges and juries often depend on expert testimony to understand technical failures, compliance issues, or design flaws. When engineering expert witness opinions are delivered clearly and credibly, they can lead to early settlements, favorable rulings, or the prevention of future harm by highlighting systemic issues in products or procedures.

For example, if an electrical device failed and caused personal injury, the question of whether the manufacturer met their design and safety obligations becomes central. An expert witness from Discovery Engineering might analyze the circuitry, review documentation, and examine compliance with UL or IEC standards. If the product design fell short, the expert’s findings could support a plaintiff’s claim or help the defense demonstrate that the failure was unforeseeable.

Beyond the courtroom, responsible expert analysis reinforces public safety, professional ethics, and technical excellence. By holding engineers accountable—or defending those who acted appropriately—experts help ensure the profession maintains high standards.

Integrity and Expertise in Engineering Litigation

Cases involving engineering negligence consultant services require more than technical knowledge. They demand transparent technical analysis, clear communication, and a disciplined focus on professional responsibility. At Discovery Engineering, professional responsibility is not just a subject matter—it is a guiding principle.

When courts, attorneys, and insurers need to know whether an engineer met their responsibilities, Discovery Engineering offers the clarity and expertise to answer that question with confidence. From electrical code compliance to telecommunications expert witness work, every opinion is built on decades of industry experience and a firm commitment to truth.

To learn more or request a consultation, contact Discovery Engineering today.