Robert T. Tolbert, P.E. (BSME, MSCE) is a licensed Professional Engineer in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee with qualifications including a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a Graduate level Certificate in Structural Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Mr. Tolbert has many other certifications and qualifications, including the completion of the Northwestern Automobile Accident Reconstruction course. Over 32 years work experience in industrial/construction fields, with experience (prior to becoming an engineer) including commercial and residential construction, excavation services, fabrication shops, machine shops, automobile mechanics (drag raced for ten years), farm equipment, HVAC, trucks and heavy equipment. A “hands-on” engineer, with an extremely strong aptitude, intuition and superb troubleshooting abilities, Mr. Tolbert has a thorough knowledge and understanding of building construction, machinery, automation, manufacturing, automobiles, automobile accidents, industrial settings, railroads, marine, and structural standards.
Background
Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:A: Master of Science Civil Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Structural Engineering Graduate Certificate, UAB
Traffic Accident Reconstruction, Northwestern University
SME Gear Design seminar
GE Fanuc Ladder Logic Programming
GE Fanuc i-Series Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Mechanical Engineering Review, UAB
Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering, UAB
Associate of Applied Science, Jefferson State Junior College
Welding School, Bessemer Tech
Welding and Pipefitting, United States Navy
Sheet Metal and Plate Fabrication, United States Navy
Firefighting and Damage Control, United States Navy
Advanced Academic Diploma, Hewitt Trussville High
Basic Machine Shop Practice, Tarrant Vocational School
Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
A: Teaching experiences include teaching advanced hydraulics at Jefferson State Junior College and taching engineering graphics classes at the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
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: Over 200 times.
Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
A: Machine Design, structural design, reinforced concrete, trucks, tractors, trailers, heavy equipment, marine equipment, accident reconstruction, roll overs, Roll over protective structure (ROPS), falling object protective structure (FOPS), machine guarding, safety devices, co-employee suits, brakes, air brakes, transmissions, engines, sewage systems, septic systems, paper mills, chemical mills, fire protection, failure analysis, heat transfer, hydraulics, statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, accident investigation, product liability, personal injury, foundations, construction building codes, metal forming, machine shop operations, racecars, racing, drag racing, manufacturing, HVAC, air conditioning, ventilation, heat, air handling, material handling, mold, automobiles, diesels, eighteen wheelers, trains, railroads, railways, cranes, monorails, woodworking equipment, building, fire prevention, sprinkler systems, automation, industrial sites and machine controls.
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
A: About 90%
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
A: About 5%
Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
A: Over 50
Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
A: October 2008
Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?
A: Approximately 15
Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
A: Approximately 15
Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
A: 14 years
Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
A: Legal expertise includes consultation with attorneys, investigations, field work, testing, research, reports, affidavits, rebuttals, deposition testimony and trial testimony. The Alabama State Supreme Court has quoted my report extensively in overturning a lower court summary judgment ruling. This particular case setteld in my clients' favor for a substantial settlement.
Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
A: $200
Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
A: $200
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
A: $200
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
A: $200
Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
A: Fees as required such as lab fees, expenses such as film developing, overnight services, travel expenses, copy fes, travel expenses, etc.
References
David LaningLaning and Laning
2100 First Avenue North, Suite 400
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
(205) 326-0800
Jeff Rickard
Marsh, Rickard and Bryan
800 Shades Creek Parkway, Suite 600
Birmingham, AL 35209
(205) 879-1981
