Mr. Mark V. Sutherland PE, CFEI, CVFI, CFII
Expert Forensic Engineers
1400 FM 586 E
BROWNWOOD, TX 76801
BROWNWOOD, TX 76801
Mobile: 325-642-2722
Office: 325-646-4156
Office: 325-646-4156
Introduction
I have been engaged in the design, development, marketing and troubleshooting aspects of electrical engineering since 1983, and in the more specialized practice of forensic engineering since 2002. During that time I have received specialized training and certification in the field of fire and explosion investigation and vehicle fire investigation. I have performed over 1,400 investigations. I render an unbiased opinion based on factual evidence and sound engineering principles.
I have been permitted to offer expert opinion testimony in both state and federal courts in matters involving engineering principles and practice, engineering design and manufacturing practices, as well as fire and explosion investigations.
Areas of Expertise
- All Terrain Vehicles (ATV)
- Automobile Mechanical & Body Repair
- Automotive
- Electrical
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics
- Equipment & Machinery
- Evidence Analysis & Preservation
- Failure Analysis
- Fire
- Forensic Engineering
- Lithium Ion Battery Fires
- Manufactured Homes
- Materials
- Oil & Gas
- Photography
- Plumbing & HVAC
- Power Tools
- Products Liability
- Professional Engineering
- Tractors
- Utilities
- UTV (Utility Vehicles, Side by Sides)
Expert Background
- Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:
- A: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, May 1983. University of Texas
Licensed Professional Engineer, State of Texas, License No. 99462
Licensed Professional Engineer, State of Oklahoma, License No. 30140
Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, NAFI
Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator, No. 8637-3597v
Certified Fire Investigation Instructor, No. 8637-3597i
Instrument Rated Private Pilot, FAA
Repairman Experimental Aircraft Builder, FAA
- Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
- A: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (I.E.E.E.)
National Fire Protection Association (N.F.P.A.)
National Association of Fire Investigators (N.A.F.I.)
Society of Automotive Engineers (S.A.E.)
International Association of Arson Investigators (I.A.A.I.)
Central Texas Fire Investigators' Association (C.T.F.I.A.)
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (A.O.P.A.)
Experimental Aircraft Association (E.A.A.)
- Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
- A: Several arson and live burning trainings classes
- 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 1,400
- Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
- A: Some examples include: fire cause and origin for residential, vehicle and commercial matters, explosions, wildfires, product failures, vehicle failures, utility matters, electrocutions, arson investigations, electrical and mechanical failures.
- Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
- A: 80%
- Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
- A: 20%
- Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
- A: Over 50 times
- Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
- A: Recently
- Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?
- A: Eight
- Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
- A: Eight
- Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
- A: 20+ years
- Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
- A: Document review, consulting, origin and cause, site and lab inspections, testing, reports, expert witness testimony and support.
- Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
- A: $285/hour
- Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
- A: $285/hour
- Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
- A: $285/hour
- Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
- A: $285/hour
- Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
- A: Travel and field expenses are billed at cost or predetermined max amount.
Vehicle mileage is billed at GSA rate.
Private air miles are billed at $1.00 per mile.
References
Available Upon Request