Attorney At Law Magazine interviewed the founders of Quality Forensic Engineering, Brian Pfeifer Ph.D. a forensic engineering expert with over 25 years’ experience and Betty Gillander CFO, with 30 years experience in finance and operations as well as global program management at Fortune 500 companies.
AALM Tell about the founding Quality Forensic Engineering.
Pfeifer In 2019, we decided to combine forces to create a new engineering company that will provide services to new and existing clients in Florida as well as throughout the U.S. Our engineering services include accident reconstruction, biomechanics and fire investigations, patent litigation analyses, premises liability and product liability analysis, and tire failure analysis. The company is made up of 20 members that use industry-proven techniques and the latest technology to analyze and answer the most complex engineering questions.
Gillander has locations in Tallahassee and Jacksonville. We also have offices in Indianapolis, New Orleans San Diego, Tucson, New Orleans. We also plan to expand our business in Melbourne, Charlotte and Columbia in the first quarter 2024.
AALM Could you describe the cases that your team deals with? What are the most common types of cases that you work on?
Gillander : Our top four areas of expertise include: vehicle and transport accident analysis, premises liabilities, biomechanical and medical analysis, and specialized investigation. The 23 categories of specialties further break down our specialties.
AALM What areas are you looking to expand in 2024?
Pfeifer 2023 we will add the specialties of tire failure analysis and fire origin and causes investigation. We are always interested in adding new specialties. We expanded geographically in 2023 and will continue to do so in the first quarter 2024. We plan to expand our business into southern states and the northeastern part of the U.S.
AALM Tell about the qualifications that your team members have. How do you collaborate on cases?
Gillander : The members of our team work together closely in a collaborative manner to complete each task. We provide continuous training both internally and externally, and we encourage and reward teamwork and mentoring. Our engineers are from a variety of engineering disciplines, including civil, mechanical and industrial, biomedical, materials, cardiovascular biomechanics and orthopedic biomechanics. Our engineers have a wide range of skills and backgrounds. They work together in a team environment to solve complex problems and to explain the results.
AALM Do you have any observations about the trends that are emerging in forensic engineering and how these may affect lawyers or cases?
Pfeifer The use of advanced data collection technology and analytical techniques by forensic engineers is improving efficiency and accuracy. The technologies include new 3-D scanning devices and improved simulation software with impressive graphic outputs.
AALM Tell me about your CLE classes. What are some of the topics that you look forward to discussing with Florida attorneys in 2024.
Gillander We’re excited to offer the following 10 CLE Courses in 2024: Accident Reconstruction 101; Fire Origin and Cause; Maintenance of Traffic (MOT), Work Zones and Maintenance of Traffic, Pedestrian/Bicycle Accident Reconstruction; Premises Liability and Product Liability. Slips Trips and Fall, Technology and Accident Reconstruction. Tire Failure Evaluations and Trailer Technology.
AALM Tell about your journey to forensic engineering. What led you to this career?
Pfeifer During my tenure as an engineer with the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility, I was involved in designing and developing roadside safety accessories. During my time there, I was involved in the design and development of roadside safety appurtenances. This included guardrails and bridge rails. The analysis of vehicle accidents and my experiences led me to consider a career as a forensic engineer.
AALM What has been the evolution of the forensic engineering field over the years. What have been some of the most significant changes, both for the better and for the worse? What has been the impact of technology on your job?
Pfeifer Over the past 25 years, the forensic engineering field has undergone a major transformation. The most significant change has been the ability to document evidence using equipment such as 3-D scanners or drones. These devices improve the accuracy of the data collection, and in some cases reduce the time needed to collect data. They also increase the safety in data gathering. Electronic data recorders are now available in many vehicles, which has revolutionized the industry. Now we can learn and understand collision dynamics at a higher level.
AALM Has there been a case in your career that you have found particularly interesting or impactful?
Pfeifer A case that stands out was a “Ride the Ducks”, amphibious vehicle, which was involved in an accident with a charterbus loaded with college students. This occurred in Seattle, WA. In 2019, I was asked to testify twice during a four-month long trial that received a lot of media attention. Even today, I receive calls from attorneys mentioning my involvement in this case that gained national attention.
AALM Tell about why you founded Quality Forensic Engineering.
Gillander After more than 20 years of experience in the forensics engineering field, Dr. Pfeifer, and I formed Quality Forensic Engineering, LLC in order to gather many talented people to meet the needs of forensic engineers in Florida and across the U.S. We strive to be one of the top accident reconstruction and forensic engineers in the world by utilizing new technology, streamlined processes and continuous training for existing and new members. We want to continue expanding geographically across the U.S., and bring in new specialties through our highly talented and respected team members.
AALM What is the company’s involvement in the community?
Gillander : Through our advocacy group, we financially support many organizations, including Elder Care Services and numerous food banks. We also support The Carter Center and United Way.
We have donated our time and talents to the Reading Pals initiative of United Way. We also spoke to students in Florida and California from various middle and high schools, teaching them the exciting field of forensics engineering as well as entrepreneurship.
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