Next Level Accident Reconstruction

An effective accident investigation is not meant to be interpreted only by other investigators. It is an open presentation that will circulate between claims departments, defense counsel, opposing counsel, opposing experts, and finally to a judge or jury.

This session reviews a series of unconventional case studies that use imaginative techniques to illustrate and bring life to incidents. Scale models, drone imagery, GPS forensics, and forensic video are all tools that elevate an investigation off the simple 2D page. Come prepared for some gripping stories and million dollar table stakes.

Death from a Prop Strike

This case follows a young boy that was killed by a prop strike while trying to board a boat. Representing the manufacturer, many aspects of the case revolved around compliance with ABYC Standards and operator error.

High Speed Accident Ejecting 10 Passengers

An 1800 HP go-fast boat that bow-steered, slid, and ejected 10 passengers during a 75+ mph turn. There were many allegations related to the navigation system, autopilot, and various steering system installation issues.

The Anatomy of a Complex Marine Fire Investigation

This will be an in depth step by step description of the processes, procedures, and best practices during a complex marine fire investigation.

The roles and qualifications of the marine surveyor, insurance adjuster, fire investigator, subject matter expert, boatyard, attorneys, and law enforcement will also be discussed as they pertain to the unique perils and pitfalls associated with a joint forensic investigation of a complex marine fire loss.

The Pre-Purchase Surveyor's Nightmare

On July 1, 2021, Pat Goodrow performed a pre-purchase survey for the potential buyer of a 2009, 29-foot Surf Hunter motor vessel. The purchaser did not attend and asked no questions about the survey. Years later, the purchaser sued the surveyor. This presentation explores how this case unfolded and discusses how to avoid the financial hardship and stress of litigation.

Marina and Boatyard Fires - Prevention, Compliance, Investigation and Liabilities

This course discussed what causes most marina and boatyard fires and how to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Part of prevention is compliance and compliance leads us into the wonderful realm of addressing liability issues surrounding fires that involve not only your property, but of property in your care, custody, and control.

Responsibilities and duties of the involved parties will be discussed to give the attendee and understanding of not only the complexity of handling a marine fire case, but also how to better manage a fire scenario involving a marina or boatyard.

Liability in a Double Fatality Case Study

The owner of a 2013 powerboat with twin inboard/outboard engines had nine guests on board. Late in the afternoon the boat owner left both engines running while anchored and was swimming with guests. One of the passengers still on the boat engaged the throttles, causing the boat to back over the owner and a passenger, killing both. One of the major issues in this litigation was whether the design and/or installation of the engine controls at the helm caused or contributed to the accident.