Print this page Basics on Forensic Engineering - Part V
Ruben A. Gomez, P.E.
Course Outline
Two cases are highlighted in this course which reflect the importance of good communications, both verbal and written, as well as the importance of attention to detail and the effective follow up to maintain the case active and alive as it goes through all its stages of development.
The first case had to do with a fall from a chair. The cost of treatment of the resulting injuries and perhaps the lure of additional monetary compensation drove a claimant to act against one of her close friends. The second case described was a slip & fall incident which took place in a pavilion located within the recreational facilities of a housing project in the City of West Palm Beach, Florida.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
After completing this Part V of the series, the reader will achieve mastering of the following objectives:
- Differences and similarities between a design engineer and a forensic engineer;
- How the two engineers visualize the function of an engineering product;
- Learning the orderly process to create a comprehensive report;
- The disciplined methodology of evidence flow analysis; and
- Getting familiar with the evidence analysis towards meaningful conclusions.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for engineers of all disciplines, architects and/or general contractors.
Benefit for Attendee
Attendees will learn how to look at the forensic cases from the perspective of the forensic practitioner. They will also learn how to evaluate their own ability to become expert witnesses in a court of law.
Course Introduction
The forensic engineer needs to be an effective communicator, both in his oral and in his written presentations. Oral communication skills are an invaluable tool for an impacting testimony in the courtroom in front of a judge or a jury.
On the other hand, when a well written report is produced as result of a thorough forensic investigation, it becomes a tangible record of his work, and the quality of such report reflects his competency on the subject(s) at hand.
Course Content
The course content is contained in the following PDF file:
Basics on Forensic Engineering - Part V
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Course Summary
This last part of the series titled Basics on Forensic Engineering has been mostly dedicated to put emphasis on the fact that communication skills are an important and very desirable quality for a forensic engineer to have.
In this course we describe how those communication skills have a far reaching effect on three different levels. First, the oral communication used as a tool of public service and concern for the community. Second, the same verbal skill as an avenue of effective testimony in a court of law; and third, the written report as a tangible record of the engineer’s work abilities.
Related Links and References
In addition to the recommended material listed in Section 6.0 of this course, we also highly recommend a careful and thorough review of parts I through IV of this series.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
