Objective Engineering Analysis. Clear, Defensible Findings.
Schultz Forensic Engineering, P.C. provides forensic electrical engineering, incident investigation and expert witness services for attorneys, law firms, insurance companies and claims professionals.
SERVICES
Forensic Electrical Engineering and Expert Witness Services
Electrical Accident and Incident Investigations
Investigation of electrical shocks, electrocutions, arc-flash events, explosions and other incidents involving electrical energy. The analysis may include the condition and operation of equipment, site conditions, work practices, safeguards, training, maintenance and the sequence of events leading to the incident.
Electrical Failure and Equipment Analysis
Evaluation of failed electrical equipment, components and systems to identify potential failure modes and contributing conditions. Matters may involve wiring, electrical distribution equipment, circuit protection, controls, machinery, appliances and other electrically powered systems.
Fire, Property Loss, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death
Engineering analysis for matters involving suspected electrical ignition, fire damage, equipment loss, property damage, bodily injury or fatality. The investigation is tailored to the available evidence and the specific technical questions presented by the case.
Electrical Safety and Code Compliance
Evaluation of electrical installations, equipment, procedures and workplace conditions in relation to the codes, standards and accepted engineering practices applicable to the matter. Reviews may address system design, installation, protection, maintenance, warnings, safeguards and electrical hazards.
Worker Qualification and Training Evaluations
Assessment of whether individuals performing electrical work possessed the knowledge, training, experience and qualifications appropriate to their assigned tasks. Evaluations may also consider job responsibilities, work practices, supervision and employer safety procedures.
Insurance Claims, Disputes and Subrogation
Technical support for first-party and third-party claims involving electrical damage, equipment failure, fire, recovery and remediation. Schultz Forensic Engineering assists insurers, claims professionals and counsel with causation analysis, evaluation of competing theories and the identification of potentially responsible parties.
Litigation Support, Reporting and Testimony
Technical assistance throughout discovery and litigation, including document review, site and evidence inspections, evaluation of opposing expert opinions, preparation of clear technical reports, deposition support and expert testimony.
FORENSIC ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Technical Clarity for Complex Electrical Matters
Electrical incidents often involve multiple contributing factors, incomplete information and questions that extend well beyond the point of failure. Schultz Forensic Engineering applies engineering principles, technical experience and a methodical investigative process to help clients understand what occurred, why it occurred and how the available evidence supports those findings.
The firm assists with matters involving electrical accidents, equipment failures, fires, property damage, personal injury, wrongful death, insurance claims and disputes. Each engagement is approached objectively, with close attention to the physical evidence, documentation, applicable codes and standards, operating conditions and actions of the parties involved.
From an initial case review through technical reporting, deposition or trial, Schultz Forensic Engineering provides clear, defensible engineering insight at every stage.
Types of Matters Handled
CASES AND INCIDENTS
Schultz Forensic Engineering can assist with matters involving:
- Electric shock and electrocution
- Arc-flash and arc-blast incidents
- Electrical fires and suspected electrical ignition
- Equipment, component and system failures
- Circuit protection and overcurrent events
- Wiring, grounding and bonding concerns
- Electrical distribution equipment
- Industrial machinery and control systems
- Appliances and electrically powered products
- Workplace electrical accidents
- Allegedly unqualified or improperly trained workers
- Installation, inspection or maintenance disputes
- Property damage and business interruption losses
- Personal injury and wrongful death claims
- Insurance coverage and causation disputes
- Subrogation, recovery and remediation matters
Every case is different. An initial consultation can help determine whether the available facts and evidence are appropriate for forensic electrical engineering review.
CLIENTS
Serving Legal and Insurance Professionals
Schultz Forensic Engineering works with professionals who need technically sound analysis presented in a clear, practical and defensible manner.
Plaintiff Attorneys
Independent engineering analysis and expert support for matters involving electrical injuries, property damage, equipment failures, workplace accidents and wrongful death.
Defense Attorneys
Objective technical evaluation to assess causation, applicable codes and standards, potential liability and the validity of claims and opposing expert opinions.
Insurance Companies
Independent investigation of electrical losses, equipment failures, fire claims, property damage and disputed causation issues to support informed coverage and claim decisions.
Claims Professionals
Timely engineering insight to assist adjusters and claims teams with loss evaluation, evidence preservation, damage assessment and decisions concerning further investigation.
Subrogation and Recovery Professionals
Technical analysis to identify responsible parties, evaluate recovery potential, preserve critical evidence and support subrogation strategies involving electrical failures and property losses.
ABOUT
About Lucas Schultz, P.E.
Lucas Schultz, P.E., is a licensed Professional Engineer specializing in forensic electrical engineering and the investigation of electrical accidents, equipment failures, and property losses.
His professional experience spans electrical power systems, utility infrastructure, and industrial facilities, including electrical distribution systems operating at voltages up to 69 kV and facilities with power demands exceeding 200 MW. This background provides a strong technical foundation for investigating complex electrical incidents, evaluating equipment failures, and identifying contributing factors.
His forensic work combines practical engineering experience with detailed technical analysis, including the evaluation of physical evidence, technical documentation, applicable codes, standards, and accepted industry practices.
Lucas approaches each engagement with objectivity, technical rigor, and attention to detail. His focus is on identifying the relevant engineering issues, evaluating the available evidence, and developing clear, independent, and technically supportable conclusions.
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
Codes, Standards and Accepted Engineering Practice
Depending on the nature, location and date of the incident, an evaluation may include consideration of the codes, regulations, standards and technical materials applicable to the matter, including:
- NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC®)
- NFPA 70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration electrical requirements
- Applicable state and local electrical and building codes
- Equipment listings, labeling and manufacturer instructions
- Industry standards, technical literature and accepted engineering practices
- Project drawings, specifications, maintenance records and safety procedures
The specific code edition and requirements considered will depend on the jurisdiction, installation, workplace, equipment and time period involved.
ABOUT
Eduacation, Licensure & Professional Qualifications
Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.)
SUNY Maritime College
Master of Science (M.S.), Electrical Engineering
George Washington University
Professional Licensure
Licensed Professional Engineer – Electrical Engineering
- New York – License No. 102515
- New Jersey – License No. 6394300
- Connecticut – License No. 39868
Professional Qualifications
- 12+ Years of Professional Electrical Engineering Experience
- Electrical Power Systems, Utility Infrastructure, and Industrial Facilities
- Electrical System Design, Construction, Operations, and Maintenance
- Short-Circuit, Protective Device Coordination, and Arc Flash Hazard Analysis
- Electrical Forensic Investigations and Failure Analysis
- Electrical Shock, Electrocution, and Arc Flash Incident Investigations
- Electrical Fire Origin and Cause Investigations
- Expert Witness Consulting and Litigation Support
Request a Case Consultation
If your matter involves an electrical accident, equipment failure, fire, property loss, personal injury or disputed technical issue, contact Schultz Forensic Engineering to discuss the scope of the case and determine the appropriate next steps.
PROCESS
A Focused, Evidence-Based Approach
1. Initial Consultation and Case Review
The engagement begins with a confidential discussion of the incident, the parties involved, the questions to be addressed and the available evidence. A conflicts check and preliminary scope review are completed before the engagement proceeds.
2. Document and Evidence Review
Relevant materials may include photographs, videos, incident reports, drawings, specifications, maintenance records, inspection records, witness testimony, discovery materials and preserved equipment or components.
3. Site or Evidence Inspection
When appropriate, a site inspection or laboratory-style examination of equipment and components is conducted. The condition of the evidence is documented, and additional testing or specialized analysis may be recommended when necessary.
4. Engineering Analysis
The available evidence is evaluated using applicable engineering principles, codes, standards, technical references and accepted investigative methods. Alternative explanations and contributing factors are considered as part of the analysis.
5. Findings and Technical Communication
Findings are communicated clearly through consultation, written reporting, demonstrative materials or other work product appropriate to the engagement.
6. Litigation and Testimony Support
When required, Schultz Forensic Engineering assists with deposition preparation, review of opposing opinions, technical strategy and expert testimony.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a forensic electrical engineer do?
A forensic electrical engineer applies engineering principles to investigate electrical accidents, fires, equipment failures, property losses and other disputed incidents. The engineer evaluates evidence to help determine how an incident occurred, identify contributing factors and explain the technical findings.
When should an attorney or claims professional retain an electrical engineering expert?
Early involvement is often beneficial when an incident may involve an electrical system, component, appliance, machine, work practice or alleged code violation. Prompt consultation can help identify evidence that should be preserved, determine whether an inspection is needed and clarify the technical issues before conditions change or equipment is discarded.
Do you conduct site and evidence inspections?
Yes, when an inspection is appropriate to the scope of the engagement. Inspections may involve the incident location, electrical systems, machinery, equipment, components or other physical evidence. The need for an inspection is evaluated based on the questions presented and the condition and availability of the evidence.
Can you evaluate electrical codes and safety requirements?
Yes. Depending on the matter, the analysis may consider the applicable electrical code, workplace safety requirements, equipment instructions, industry standards and accepted engineering practices. The correct requirements depend on the jurisdiction, incident date, type of installation and work being performed.
Can you assess whether a worker was qualified to perform electrical work?
When worker qualification is relevant, the evaluation may consider the individual’s training, experience, knowledge, assigned duties and understanding of the hazards involved, along with applicable workplace requirements and employer procedures.
Do you work with both plaintiff and defense counsel?
Yes. Schultz Forensic Engineering accepts appropriate plaintiff and defense matters and approaches every engagement objectively, based on the evidence and engineering analysis.
Do you provide written reports and expert testimony?
Yes. Services may include preliminary consultation, written technical reports, rebuttal analysis, deposition support and expert testimony, depending on the needs and scope of the engagement.
Can you assist with insurance and subrogation matters?
Yes. Schultz Forensic Engineering can assist with electrical loss investigations, causation analysis, equipment failures, fire claims, recovery efforts, remediation questions and evaluation of potentially responsible parties.
How do I request a case consultation?
Contact Schultz Forensic Engineering directly by phone or email. When you reach out, please include a brief, non-confidential description of the matter, the parties involved, the incident location and any known deadlines. Please wait to send confidential or privileged materials until the engagement and an appropriate method of transmission have been confirmed.
Request a Case Consultation
If your matter involves an electrical accident, equipment failure, fire, property loss, personal injury or disputed technical issue, contact Schultz Forensic Engineering by phone or email to discuss the case and appropriate next steps.
Please be prepared to provide a brief description of the incident, the parties involved, its location and any important deadlines. Do not email confidential or privileged materials until an appropriate method of transmission has been confirmed.
Initial contact does not establish an engineer-client or expert-client relationship. An engagement begins only after a conflicts review has been completed and a written agreement has been executed.