Dr. Rankin has over 25 years experience in installing and rebuilding machinery. Dr. Rankin presently holds 4 patents in cutting tools and safety items. He holds a BS in Manufacturing Engineering Technology, a MS in Technology and a PhD in Safety Engineering. He is available for accident investigation, testimony and industrial consulting. He is a contributing editor and writer for trade publications and on major web-based forums in the industrial sector. Dr. Rankin has experience in primary and secondary woodworking including sawmills, debarkers, conveyors, head saws, bandsaws and round saws. He also has experience with metalworking machinery and a full array of cutting tools.

Background

Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:
A: BS Manufacturing Engineering Technology 1982

MS Technology 1996

PhD Safety Engineering 2006

OSHA Certificate Western Carolina University 1982

Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
A: Lake Norman Home Builders Association
National Association of Home Builders
North Carolina Home Builders Association

Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
A: Taught machine operation 1983 until present. 1983-1986 Michael Weinig field training. 1986- present field training to groups from 1- 75. During this time taught classes at the following: University of Kentucky, Quicksand, KY; Robert C Byrd Hardwood Technolgy Center, Princeton,WV; Fox Valley Technical College, Oshkosh,WI; Grinderman's Association Training Center, Troutman, NC; Speaker at Grind-Tec MarsHill, NC 2007,2006; Stiles Machinery, Greensboro, NC 2006; Trade show speaker including Anaheim, CA; Grand Rapids, MI; Greensboro, NC; Portland, OR and others over the last 20 years. Technical writer and contributing editor for Wood Digest, a leading magazine in woodworking since 1986. Technical advisor for Solid Wood Machinery Forum on www.woodweb.com, the largest website in woodworking.

Q: Have any of your accreditations ever been investigated, suspended or removed? (if yes, explain)
A: No

Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?
A: 3

Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
A: Accident investigation of an industrial woodworking machinery accident.
Accident investigation involving a semi-truck loaded with steel.
Accident investigation of an industrial sawmill machinery accident.

Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
A: 1

Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
A: 2

Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
A: 1

Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
A: June, 2007

Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?
A: None as of yet

Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
A: None

Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
A: less than 3

Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
A: Consulting, accident investigation and reporting, site inspection, pre-accident and post-accident services.

Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
A: $250

Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
A: $250

Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
A: $350

Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
A: $350

Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
A: Travel expenses charged as follows:

Mileage $.72/mile
Meals $60/day
Motel $85/day or actual whichever is higher
Airfare at actual
Rental car at actual
Tolls at actual
Other expenses at actual
Copy fees $.10 per page b/w $.75 color after initial report
Initial Report included in hourly fee
Phone charges in 6 minute increments.

References

Dan Gibson
Gibson and Behman
One Faneuil Hall Marketplace
South Market 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Phone (617) 723-9170
Fax (617) 367-8697

Publications