Explosion Fire Electrocution

Litigation Experience

The lawyers within the Explosion Fire Electrocution Practice Group have substantial and recent experience in all aspects of fire explosion and electrocution litigation, from managing fire scene investigations, through trial and appeal. The group's experience, combined with a commitment to technology, the practice area and the industry leadership, provide lawyers with a unique insight for explosion, fire and electrocution litigation.

Trial Experience

While trying numerous cases in Missouri and Kansas over the past 30 years and handling countless more cases that were resolved prior to trial, the group's lawyers practicing in the explosion, fire and electrocution area started compiling the strategies and tactics that led to successful results. The compilation included strategies and tactics they had employed, and strategies and tactics they had observed employed by others. Decades of actual experience and observation led to a considerable list of mechanisms, ranging from fairly obvious but often overlooked activities to extremely complicated legal procedures, all of which were proved to be effective in helping to keep a disastrous incident under relative control and to progress from the first days of an event to a successful conclusion in a realistic and efficient manner.

• Two lawyers have each tried over 100 cases to jury verdict

• Two lawyers are Fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers

• Four lawyers are listed in The Best Lawyers in America®

Commitment to Technology and Implementation of Response Plan

Internet technology provides tremendous advantages for the management of any complex matter and is indispensable for the effective management of a catastrophic event and the implementation of a cost-effective response plan. The Explosion Fire Electrocution Practice Group has teamed with Interfile LLC to develop Interfile’s™ e-Case™ software program – an online litigation support and case management Application Service Provider offering 100% browser-based litigation support for clients.

This system is secure, as Internet transcriptions are encrypted and not decoded until they reach the computer terminal of a user who is specifically authorized to receive the transmission. Even the system administrator does not have access to the decoded information. With the use of the Interfile’s™ e-Case’s™ system, real time case management, plan development and plan implementation information is accessible from any Internet location. Not only is information available for review, but it allows authorized users to input information, comment, edit and fully participate in the management, development and implementation of the plan.

Clients, lawyers, experts, insurers and any other authorized users can work together from remote locations with all of the case information for their respective roles available to them 24 hours a day. Scene photographs and digital recordings can be instantly forwarded from the field. Investigation activities can be monitored and directed from afar. Interview transcripts are available as they occur. Review and follow-up takes place immediately. Critical or voluminous documents are available for review without the costs and time delays of producing multiple photocopies for physical transport to other sites. Communications take place easily and within the program.

The Interfile’s™ e-Case’s™ system reduces and often eliminates numerous costs traditionally associated with the management of a catastrophic event and the development and implementation of a response plan. When litigation ensues, the cost savings multiply. Time delays are eradicated, as are the costs associated with them. Valuable input can be accessed from more sources without the expense and inconvenience of travel. Most importantly, those who must make decisions, who must know what is occurring and what is underway, stay involved and informed. They are apprised and active participants throughout the entire response process. For more information on the benefits of this service visit: http://www.interfile.us/

Commitment to the Practice Area

Each lawyer is committed to the continued advancement of the practice and are active members of professional and legal organizations that influence these areas of science and law. Explosion, fire and electrocution lawyers have specialized fire and explosion training.

• Three lawyers are Graduates of the Department of Homeland Security’s National Fire Academy Training on Interviewing-Interrogation Techniques and Courtroom Testimony

• Two lawyers successfully completed the National Fire, Arson, and Explosion Investigation Training Program sponsored by the National Association of FireInvestigators

• Three lawyers are Certified Fire and Explosion Investigators (CFEI)

Industry Leadership

Within this practice group, lawyers are respected leaders in the industry, sharing their knowledge and experience by teaching others through presentations, articles and newsletters. This dynamic industry participation is depicted in the following ways:

• Three lawyers are certified Instructors (Courtroom Testimony course) at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD

• Two lawyers authored and presented “Technology and Trial Preparation” at the 2005 and the 2006 NAFI National Seminar on Fire Analysis Litigation

• The article “Experts Beware: Ignoring the Scientific Method Results in Exclusion of Opinions,” co-authored by three of the group's lawyers, was recently selected by the International Symposium on Fire Investigation Science and Technology (ISFI) peer review board for presentation at its 2006 symposium in Cincinnati, Ohio on June 26-28, 2006

• One lawyer’s article “Third-Party Certification: A Legal Perspective” was published in the American Boat & Yacht Council News

• One lawyer is the Editor-in-Chief of the Defense Research Institute’s Daubert Newsletter

• One lawyer has lectured on the topics of environmental litigation andutility litigation for the Edison Electric Institute

Industry Involvement

Explosion, fire and electrocution lawyers are actively involved in the National Fire Protection Association’s 921 Technical Committee’s Task Groups. The 921 Technical Committee authors NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigation, which is relied upon by courts in Daubert challenges to determine whether the expert has utilized an appropriate methodology in arriving at the expert’s opinions.

• Two lawyers are members of the NFPA 921 Major Investigation Task Group

• One lawyer is a member of the NFPA 921 Marine Task Group

• Several lawyers attended the NFPA 921 Technical Committee Meetings in November 2004, and March, May, August and November 2005, February and July 2006, and April 2007.

This web page is provided by the Explosion Fire Electrocution Practice Group of Armstrong Teasdale LLP for the informational benefit of its clients and other interested persons.

Members of the Explosion Fire Electrocution Practice Group

Baudendistel, Karen	King, Jerry
Clinkinbeard, Karrie	Lowry, Kent
Fischer, Jo Leigh	Samborn, Alison
Housley, Casey	Stockberger, Jim
Hursh, Lynn	Virtel, Jim
Kenny, Patrick