Anthony Cortese :: JurisPro Expert Witness Directory

Introduction

Anthony Cortese is an NCCCO Master-certified crane operator with over 40 years of experience in heavy civil, structural, and industrial construction. His field experience includes major bridge erection projects, critical industrial lifts performed under continuous safety monitoring, and marine and offshore crane operations, including work in open-water and winter conditions. He holds an active South Carolina General Contractor's license and is President of Prime Meridian Builders LLC. Mr. Cortese consults and testifies on matters involving crane operations and safety, rigging practices, load chart interpretation, critical lift planning, operator qualifications, and standard-of-care issues for crane operators, riggers, and general contractors.

Areas of Expertise

Accident Investigation
Accident Reconstruction
Admiralty & Maritime
Building Contractor Liability
Construction
Construction Safety
Construction Site
Contractor's Licensing
Cranes
Refineries

Expert Background

Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:: A: NCCCO Master Crane Operator (multiple classifications); active South Carolina General Contractor's License, CLG.127470 (Limited Building, Concrete, Water & Sewer Lines); SCDOT prequalified; New Jersey State Crane License; New York State Class A Crane License; Pennsylvania State Crane License; OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety; OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety; 40-Hour HAZWOPER Certification; SWAC (Secure Worker Access Consortium) credential; TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential).
Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:: A: International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 825; Teamsters Local 282; South Carolina Associated General Contractors (AGC); Building Industry Association (BIA).
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: 1 — the 2015 matter, retained by Bob Kasolas, Esq. at Brach Eichler LLC.
Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?: A: Construction defects / standard of care — hardscape and drainage installation.
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?: A: 100%
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?: A: 0%
Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?: A: Not applicable — no expert depositions to date.
Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?: A: 0. The matter contributed to a pre-trial settlement rather than proceeding to trial.
Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?: A: One matter in 2015; resuming expert witness practice in 2026
Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.): A: Case consultation, document and file review, accident investigation and analysis, expert report preparation, deposition and trial testimony.
Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?: A: Hourly rate to consult with an attorney: $375
Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?: A: Hourly rate to review documents: $375
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?: A: Hourly rate for deposition testimony: $500
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?: A: Hourly rate for trial testimony: $500
Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.): A: Other fees: Travel time billed at $375/hour, portal-to-portal; reasonable travel expenses (mileage, lodging, transportation) billed separately at cost.

References

Available Upon Request