the choice of methods
the limitations of routine approaches
the boiling/molecular weight range of contaminant
whether the mixture is simple or complex
what are the principle components
what was its intended use
Forensic (definitions)
The foregoing definitions accurately describe the Forensic Investigation services of the Company. To satisfy these requirements the investigations have three major components:
When selecting the appropriate analytical approach, we consider:
the choice of methods
the limitations of routine approaches
the boiling/molecular weight range of contaminant
whether the mixture is simple or complex
what are the principle components
what was its intended use
In completing an expert opinion we consider each of the following:
Historical written evidence
Anecdotal evidence
Physical analysis
Spatial distribution
Dynamic modeling and age dating
Evidence to the contrary (no evidence for)
Reconciliation
When modeling of contaminants in the environment several approaches may be used.
Static Pool Method
In this method the composition at fixed points are monitored over a period of time and the rate of change is fit to a mathematical model that can be projected back in time.
Plume Migration Method
In this method the composition is measured at different points along the migration route and changes due to adsorption properties are fit to a mathematical model that can be projected back in time.
Hydrodynamic Modeling
In this method the hydrodynamics of a migrating plume of continuous or multiphase systems are fit to a mathematical model that can be projected back in time.
A number of cases have been resolved using these methods
In almost all cases of personal injury there is a critical element of physics or chemistry. Often resolution requires the reconstruction of cause and effect relationships. Once these relationships can be established, resolution over liability is usually expedited.
Accidents that involve motion such as automobile collisions, falls, or being struck by an object may be simulated using the laws of physics and represented in an animation that is realistic. Accidents that involve a transfer of material due to contact between two objects may be investigated through the use of the forensic techniques described above.
Product liability cases are highly variable but always involve some determination of what the victim knew, should have known or danger they should have been warned of. In such cases, physical evidence may determine more precisely what transpired.
Investigation of claims follows the same general forensic investigative procedure that has been described above. In addition to personal injury or contamination of soil or water by regulated substances, property losses may require investigation. Criminal forensics laboratories are not generally available for civil cases, unless there is some evidence of crime. In those cases, it may be possible to perform a preliminary investigation to see if there is evidence that a crime may have been committed.
Performing compositional analysis can often tie two pieces of evidence together, or as happened in one case, can eliminate a source of a component. Because each case is different experience plays a role in any expert opinion.