Omnia Forensis Ingenariae 
"All Things Forensic Engineering"
News and Views for the Forensic Engineer
and Their Legal/Insurance Clients
Richard A. Rice, PE - Editor
Edition XXXI - February 2019
Editor's Thoughts
Oregon PE Board Slapped Down by Judge
The Oregon Board for Professional Engineers has been told by a judge to leave a Republican candidate for Governor alone just because he calls himself an engineer. Allen Alley is, in fact, a degreed Mechanical Engineer. So why would a progressive state like Oregon go after a Republican candidate after another judge found that the Oregon Board wrongly went after a degreed engineer from Sweden involved with a red light camera. I will let you political pundits espouse on that one.

In my humble opinion, it is the existence of the "Industry Exemption" that confused the Oregon Board. The "Industry Exemption" allows degreed engineers to work for industry without obtaining a Professional Engineers license. In my opinion, the "Industry Exemption" kills people and wastes billions of dollars. Only licensed Professional Engineers have the legal duty to protect life and property.

To read more about this, click here.
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Again, thank you. If you have suggestions for OFI, please email me any time. 

Sincerely,

Richard A. Rice, PE
#forensicengineer
#mutualengineering
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In the News...
The Proper Care and Feeding of Your Expert Witness
Preparing your expert witness for deposition and trial are extremely important steps for a successful case. This article explains five critical steps in that preparation. Click Here.


Vermont Gas Forced to Show PE Involvement
In the aftermath of the recent killer gas explosions in Massachusetts, the Vermont Public Utility Commission is asking Vermont Gas to show that a PE signed off on a pipeline in Vermont. The construction work in MA was not signed off by a PE...and something got missed!!!

Professional Engineers are required by law to protect life and property. This responsibility costs money that many companies in industry do not want to pay. As a result, billions are lost and people die. It is that simple. Click Here.

How to Choose the Right Expert Witness
Safra Ducreay provides an interesting article on how to choose the right expert witness for your case. If you work as an expert witness, you should read this for what you should be working on. Click Here

Subrogation News In Alabama
The Alabama Supreme Court got involved in a case where a plaintiff failed to prosecute a case, but an insurance company lien holder kept the case going.

"So You Call Yourself an Engineer?"
The Oregon Supreme Court, in addition to embarrassing the Oregon PE Board, has determined that while anyone can call themselves an "Engineer", only licensed individuals can call themselves "Professional Engineers." This is a step in the right direction. Perhaps, someday, the courts will require that ALL engineering be performed by PE's. One can only hope. Click Here.

Is the PE License Worth It?
Obtaining a Professional Engineer's license is the second smartest thing I've ever done (I love you, Barbara!!!). This is a great article about the virtues of PE licensure. The summary of the article says it best:

"Although the road to obtaining a PE license is long, intense, and difficult, and the maintenance of it is a lifelong commitment, this certification offers engineers a slew of valuable opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach."

The Growth of Forensic Meteorology
What was the weather at the time of the incident? What was the visibility? Were there tornadoes or lightning in the area? The answers to these and other questions could make or break your case. As a result, Forensic Meteorology has become imperative to insurance and legal professionals. Click Here .

Construction Deaths are Up
The recent economic growth has caused an expansion of construction activity. Along with more construction, there are more construction deaths. This article addresses what officials in North Carolina are doing about it. Click Here .

Daubert is Gone in Florida
The Florida Supreme Court has determined that old Frye, not new Daubert, will be the standard by which to evaluate technical expert witnesses. Click Here .

Expert Referrals
I have the privilege to work with many great forensic experts in the United States, Asia and Europe in the fields of Accident Reconstruction, Electrical Failures, Mechanical Failures just to name a few disciplines. Please allow me to refer to you one of these court tested experts for your next insurance claim or legal matter. There is no charge to you. I do not get a finders fee from anyone. This is my way of helping you. Plus, I can help my Forensic Engineering colleagues. Please email me or call 404.395.7441.  

Note:  No warranties, expressed or implied, are made to the suitability of any expert referred to you. Do your homework to make sure you have the right expert.
...about the Editor
Richard A. Rice, PE is President and Forensic Engineer for Mutual Engineering, Inc. - MEI. Because of 30+ years of continuous civil/structural design services, and his early and continued exposure to his friends and families many construction businesses, Mr. Rice is uniquely qualified to provide Civil/Structural Forensic Engineering services to the insurance, legal, and construction industries. Services include building design and construction, roadway design and construction, building inspection and code compliance, building/foundation collapse, construction site incidents, and other property loss subjects. Mr. Rice is a licensed professional engineer in several states, and a Fellow and Board Certified Diplomate of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE). Mr. Rice has written a novel and numerous technical articles published in professional journals for NAFE, the National Association of Subrogation Professionals (NASP), and the Georgia Defense Lawyer Association (GDLA). Please call/email Mr. Rice or visit his company's webpage:

Richard A. Rice, PE - Civil/Structural Engineer
Mutual Engineering, Inc. - MEI
13009 Panhandle Road
Hampton, GA 30228
(Phone): 404.395.7441

Email:   mutual@bellsouth.net  
Website:   MutualEngineering.com

Click Here for Client Testimonials (Updated)

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