Hello, I am commonly involved in many different automotive issues, but my expertise is forensic locksmithing and the origin and cause of a vehicle fire. Although I represent any side as an expert, it is more common for me to be retained as an expert witness/consultant for criminal defense and for plaintiffs as it relates to insurance claims and reported stolen vehicles.
When opposing the forensic experts from the insurance company, often it appears as though the insured is guilty to being party to the theft claim. What I commonly find is that these experts cannot support their opinions with fact. It is popular to see the expert state his opinion was based on scientific certainty, when in fact, assumption was used instead of science.
At this point in time, since the early 90's and performing thousands of forensic examinations for insurance companies, my reports were only questioned in court twice and we prevailed on both cases. When opposing the insurance experts, my record is 70-4.
I have qualified as an expert witness in the areas of auto theft, forced entry, vehicle fire, forensic locksmithing, burn debris analysis and more subjects related to vehicle cases: CA,CO,IN,IL,OH,OR,MA,NJ,NY and Federal Court. I seek only the truth.
My firm supplies services in 49 states. Geographical areas most commonly served: CA,NV,IL,WI,MO,MI,IA,OH,IN,NE,MN,MA and FL.
I supply an unbiased assessment of the potential opposing forensic expert's report and give the pros and cons so that you have the information on the vehicle so that you can proceed.
I translate the confusing technical jargon into understandable language. I have been accused all too often of having a devote passion for what I do, which in turn, makes me very good at my subjects.
Of course it is a team effort to win a case, but I do love to be on the prevailing side!
Not only am I capable of scrutinizing the opposing expert's report, but I supply pertinent questions relating to the case for opposing experts.
I also am very aware of the major firms across the US and have transcripts and other details on them.
If you want to have fun, don't turn down these vehicle theft denial cases. Take them and enjoy yourself!!!
Background
Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:A: ASE Certified
Forensic Locksmith
Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator
Board Certified Forensic Examiner
Certified Forensic Auto Theft Examiner L-5
Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator
Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
A: International Association of Auto Theft Investigators
International Association of Arson Investigators
International Association of Forensic Auto Theft Examiners
National Association of Fire Investigators
South Carorlina Insurance Fraud Investigators
Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
A: I train law enforcement, insurance companies about auto theft and forensics to determine how a reported stolen vehicle was last operated. I have many published articles, manuals and books. I authored a 1,300+ slide training course that has been endorsed by a fire arms and tool mark examiner from the US Army Crime Lab.
Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?
A: Over 100 times--record 70-4 and there were mitigating circumatances to the 4 losses. One was that instead of reviewing my testimony the night before court, the attorney thought it was more important to go to a baseball game.
Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
A: Auto Theft and Fraud Expert, Forensic Vehicle Analyst, Vehicle Fire Origin and Cause Expert, Vehicle Component Failure Analyst, Expert in last operation of a reported stolen vehicle, Forced Entry Expert, air bag expert and many other disciplines related to vehicles.
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
A: 40%
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
A: 60% of my work involves reporting on claims for the insurance companies. Have only had to represent an insurance client 3 times to support my conclusions after thousands of claims.
Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
A: Over 20
Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
A: 5/2007-- The opposition is scared enough of what I can do for damage that they had 4 legal boxes of extrinsic evidence on me, plus 18 deposition transcripts spanning 8 years. A motion to exclude me was produced as to how I could not testify on 26 statements in my affidavitt. Interestingly enough on 8/2007 the judge ruled on the motion and stated I was qualified as an expert to testify on 25 of the 26 statements. A huge blow for the opposition!
Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?
A: 20+
Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
A: 2 and I was Illinois court appointed as an umpire as well in Sept of 2006.
Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
A: 16
Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
A: Consulting, vehicle product testing, forensics as it relates to vehicles burned or unburned, litigation support, Vehicle Theft and Fire Analysis.
Dealer scams such as window etching etc.
Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
A: $250ph plus expenses
Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
A: $250ph plus expenses
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
A: $250ph plus expenses
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
A: $2,000.00 per day plus expenses
Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
A: Travel expenses, hotel,car,fuel etc.
References
Since my services are on going, I keep growing in references. Please feel free to ask--there are many very satisfied clients.LEGALJACK@aol.com
Janice Bledsoe
Ronald L. Kurland Attorneys at Law
910 Calvert St.
Baltimore MD 21202-3714
(410) 547-1670
Robert McNevin
McNevin and McNevin
748 Bates St.
Indianappolis, IN 46202
(317) 916-1200
