By leveraging state-of-the-science technology, TLS Forensic provides objective assessments that are based on scientific principles. This objectivity is valuable for both plaintiff and defense as it helps to eliminate bias and focuses on the factual evidence. The HVE and GATB software allows us to reconstruct and simulate vehicle collisions with high accuracy. HVE’s validation against real-world data ensures that our reconstructions are both reliable and scientifically sound. The advanced simulations produced by HVE and GATB provide visual and quantitative evidence that can be presented in court. These simulations help juries and judges visualize the events of the collision and understand the biomechanical forces involved, which can be pivotal in both civil and criminal cases. What do you consider the essential elements for a great expert report? In our opinion, the essential elements for a great expert report in the field of forensic biomechanics are precision, This comprehensive training equips legal professionals with the knowledge necessary to effectively evaluate and argue personal injury cases based on rigorous scientific analysis. The TLS Forensic team uses ‘state-of-thescience’ industry tools, practices and software during investigations and research. Can you explain a little more about the technology and science you use and some of the benefits these provide both plaintiff and defense in civil and criminal cases involving injury biomechanics across North America? At TLS Forensic Biomechanics and Engineering, we use state-of-thescience software, including Human Vehicle Environment (HVE; Engineering Dynamics Corporation) and Graphical Articulated Total Body (GATB; Collision Engineering Associates), to conduct advanced simulations of vehicle collisions, occupant biomechanics, and pedestrian biomechanics. HVE is widely recognized as the industry standard for collision and accident reconstruction and simulation. It has been validated against both staged and real-world collisions (Day, 1999; Day, 1994), ensuring its reliability and accuracy. The biomechanics of people involved in collisions—whether they are vehicle occupants, cyclists or pedestrians—are simulated using the GATB software module within the HVE package (Grimes, 1997; Cheng et al, 1998). This module uses virtual human models, essentially advanced virtual crash test dummies, to represent each person involved in a collision. These models allow us to simulate the physical forces and accelerations exerted on their body segments during the incident. clarity, scientific rigor and relevance. At TLS Forensic, our reports are crafted to meet these high standards, ensuring they provide valuable insights for both plaintiffs and defendants in civil and criminal cases. Here are the key elements that we consider essential: Accuracy and Precision: Our reports leverage state-of-the-science software packages such as Human Vehicle Environment (HVE) and Graphical Articulated Total Body (GATB) to ensure accurate and precise reconstructions and simulations. These tools allow us to meticulously analyze vehicle collisions and the resulting biomechanics, providing a reliable foundation for our conclusions. Clarity and Understandability: A great expert report must be clearly written and easily understood by non-experts. We present complex biomechanical data and findings in a straightforward manner, often using visual aids and simulations to illustrate key points. This helps judges, juries and attorneys grasp the nuances of the case without requiring specialized knowledge. 54 LAWYER MONTHLY JUNE 2024
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