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As an arbitrator, structural/civil engineer, and expert forensic consultant with nearly four decades of experience, Mr. Hemmatyar has provided extensive expert services for defendants’ and plaintiffs’ attorneys on numerous construction litigation matters throughout the United States and Canada.

He has been retained as an expert engineer in over one hundred and fifty litigation matters on single and class-action legal cases by the U.S. government, law firms, and insurance carriers at the State and Federal levels, working with both plaintiff and defendant sides.

Mr. Hemmatyar’s understanding of core engineering and legal concepts has enabled him to effectively assist a wide range of clientele. He brings diversified experience in structural and civil engineering design, and in forensic engineering, investigation, and evaluation. Mr. Hemmatyar also conducts research, has assisted in the development of building codes and standards, and has supervised the construction of domestic and international projects. His experience includes special structures and new buildings as well as modifications, alterations, seismic/hurricane retrofits, and upgrades to existing structures. Mr. Hemmatyar has provided failure analysis, expert consultation, structural forensic investigation, and damage assessment services for numerous litigation and insurance-related matters.

He actively presents continuing education lectures to audiences of licensed engineers, architects, and general contractors on topics of structural and forensic engineering throughout North America. Mr. Hemmatyar has been the principal structural engineer on projects for clients such as NASA and several other high-profile agencies. Currently, he directs PSFEG and has served as Director for SEAOSC from 2011 to 2013. He has been interviewed by public media, including the History Channel (documentary episode: “Collapse of Ancient Structures”) and Reuters (Mexico City school collapse).

As an arbitrator, structural/civil engineer, and expert forensic consultant with nearly four decades of experience, Mr. Hemmatyar has provided extensive expert services for defendants’ and plaintiffs’ attorneys on numerous construction litigation matters throughout the United States and Canada.

He has been retained as an expert engineer in over one hundred and fifty litigation matters on single and class-action legal cases by the U.S. government, law firms, and insurance carriers at the State and Federal levels, working with both plaintiff and defendant sides.

Mr. Hemmatyar’s understanding of core engineering and legal concepts has enabled him to effectively assist a wide range of clientele. He brings diversified experience in structural and civil engineering design, and in forensic engineering, investigation, and evaluation. Mr. Hemmatyar also conducts research, has assisted in the development of building codes and standards, and has supervised the construction of domestic and international projects. His experience includes special structures and new buildings as well as modifications, alterations, seismic/hurricane retrofits, and upgrades to existing structures. Mr. Hemmatyar has provided failure analysis, expert consultation, structural forensic investigation, and damage assessment services for numerous litigation and insurance-related matters.

He actively presents continuing education lectures to audiences of licensed engineers, architects, and general contractors on topics of structural and forensic engineering throughout North America. Mr. Hemmatyar has been the principal structural engineer on projects for clients such as NASA and several other high-profile agencies. Currently, he directs PSFEG and has served as Director for SEAOSC from 2011 to 2013. He has been interviewed by public media, including the History Channel (documentary episode: “Collapse of Ancient Structures”) and Reuters (Mexico City school collapse).

CAT Forensic Services, LLCMr. English is the senior forensic engineer for the CAT Forensic Services, LLC, office located in the Kansas City area. He is licensed as a professional engineer in 11 states, generally through the mid-continent and along the Gulf of Mexico. Mr. English is approaching his 19th year in the forensic engineering field and continues consulting in multiple phases of the service life of a variety of structures. He conducts forensic evaluations of structures nationally to assess effects from man-made and natural sources. Mr. English has extensive experience in the effects of wind, hail impact, vibration/explosion, earthquake, hurricanes/typhoons, waves/surface flooding, foundation movement/failure, collapse and structural deficiencies, etc. He has also conducted small and large-scale evaluations of structures regarding water ingress, building science, exterior envelope, floorings, claddings, window assemblies, and verification of construction compliance with applicable building codes and contract specifications. Mr. English is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the ASTM International (American Society of Testing and Materials), the ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings, and the ASTM Committee D08 on Roofing and Waterproofing. He was a member of an eight-person team of ASCE that studied the effects of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) on Leyte Island in the Philippines in May of 2014. Mr. English earned his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University of Science & Technology, his M.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Houston, and his J.D. degree from the University of Houston Law Center.

Senior Forensic Engineer for the CAT Forensic Services office located in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Mr. Parkhurst holds a B.S. degree in Materials Engineering and an M.S. degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering, and he is a registered professional engineer in Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Oregon and South Carolina. Mr. Parkhurst has performed hundreds of evaluations and investigations with respect to residential, commercial, and agricultural structures, as well as municipal infrastructure components, to document and analyze failures from the effects of wind, vibrations, explosions, earthquakes, floods, foundation failures, moisture intrusion, construction defects, cathodic protection systems, lightning damage, manufacturing defects, corrosion failures, weld failures, building envelope failures, and failures of components and cladding, as well as failures of a variety of materials used in construction of modern and historic structures. Mr. Parkhurst is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the Structural Engineers Institute (SEI). Mr. Parkhurst consults and provides educational services related to failures of residential, commercial, and agricultural structures. 

CAT Forensic Services, LLCMr. English is the senior forensic engineer for the CAT Forensic Services, LLC, office located in the Kansas City area. He is licensed as a professional engineer in 11 states, generally through the mid-continent and along the Gulf of Mexico. Mr. English is approaching his 19th year in the forensic engineering field and continues consulting in multiple phases of the service life of a variety of structures. He conducts forensic evaluations of structures nationally to assess effects from man-made and natural sources. Mr. English has extensive experience in the effects of wind, hail impact, vibration/explosion, earthquake, hurricanes/typhoons, waves/surface flooding, foundation movement/failure, collapse and structural deficiencies, etc. He has also conducted small and large-scale evaluations of structures regarding water ingress, building science, exterior envelope, floorings, claddings, window assemblies, and verification of construction compliance with applicable building codes and contract specifications. Mr. English is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the ASTM International (American Society of Testing and Materials), the ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings, and the ASTM Committee D08 on Roofing and Waterproofing. He was a member of an eight-person team of ASCE that studied the effects of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) on Leyte Island in the Philippines in May of 2014. Mr. English earned his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University of Science & Technology, his M.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Houston, and his J.D. degree from the University of Houston Law Center.

Engineering Systems Inc.Mr. Bernhardt has over 35 years of experience in the field of structural engineering and specializes in structural investigation and inspection of single and multistory buildings, bridges, and industrial structures. He has extensive experience in the investigation, analysis and design of reinforced concrete foundations and steel structures; load ratings for bridges; fatigue and seismic analysis; and rehabilitation. Mr. Bernhardt is an active committee member of ASCE, SEI, NCEES, SELC, and the SIUC Civil Engineering Advisory Board. He earned his B.S. degree in Engineering from Southern Illinois University and his M.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Kansas State University.

Ludwig Law Firm, LLCMr. Ludwig has been a lawyer for over 17 years and focuses his practice on personal injury, construction and design, business litigation, contract negotiation, and criminal matters. He has lectured on construction law issues for various groups including the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, and he served as a contributing author to Missouri Bar publications on Tort Law and Construction Law. Mr. Ludwig is a member of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and The Missouri Bar Construction Law Committee. He is admitted to practice in the states of Missouri, Arkansas, and Illinois and earned his J.D. degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law.

Engineering Manager, Forensic Consultants of North America, LLCMr. DeMarco has more than 25 years of civil and structural engineering experience encompassing commercial and residential design and construction, roadway/highway design and construction, bridge design and construction, site/civil design, forensic investigations, litigation support and expert testimony. As engineering manager at Forensic Consultants of North America, LLC, Mr. DeMarco is responsible for engineering oversight of the company and preparation of all engineering documents. He performs engineering investigations and inspections and provides expert testimony in the analysis of various types of failures, including personal injury and property damage involving civil and structural components. He is a member of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Mr. DeMarco earned his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Rutgers University.

Mr. Fratinardo is a civil/structural engineer and roof consultant. His over 20 years of experience includes civil and structural engineering analysis, design, construction administration, field investigation, and project management, and 13 years of experience specific to forensic engineering and the investigation and analysis of building damage and failures. Mr. Fratinardo has designed numerous new buildings, building additions, building renovations, and mechanical platforms and supports. He has designed and analyzed roof, wall and floor framing systems utilizing steel, concrete, masonry, and wood construction. Mr. Fratinardo has vast expertise in commercial, industrial, agricultural, municipal, educational and residential building damage investigations, including on-site investigations after 25 different tornado events, and Hurricanes Irene, Sandy, Matthew, Harvey, Irma, Maria and Florence. He has legal experience in depositions, arbitration hearings and trials. He has prepared and performed numerous continuing education presentations, including on an array of topics in forensic engineering, structural engineering and building codes for HalfMoon Education Inc., in multiple states since 2014. Mr. Fratinardo graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor of science degree in Civil Engineering, and he also holds a master of engineering degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. He is a registered professional engineer in multiple states and a licensed structural engineer in Illinois.

Mr. Fratinardo is a civil/structural engineer and roof consultant. His over 20 years of experience includes civil and structural engineering analysis, design, construction administration, field investigation, and project management, and 13 years of experience specific to forensic engineering and the investigation and analysis of building damage and failures. Mr. Fratinardo has designed numerous new buildings, building additions, building renovations, and mechanical platforms and supports. He has designed and analyzed roof, wall and floor framing systems utilizing steel, concrete, masonry, and wood construction. Mr. Fratinardo has vast expertise in commercial, industrial, agricultural, municipal, educational and residential building damage investigations, including on-site investigations after 25 different tornado events, and Hurricanes Irene, Sandy, Matthew, Harvey, Irma, Maria and Florence. He has legal experience in depositions, arbitration hearings and trials. He has prepared and performed numerous continuing education presentations, including on an array of topics in forensic engineering, structural engineering and building codes for HalfMoon Education Inc., in multiple states since 2014. Mr. Fratinardo graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor of science degree in Civil Engineering, and he also holds a master of engineering degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. He is a registered professional engineer in multiple states and a licensed structural engineer in Illinois.

Mr. Fratinardo is a civil/structural engineer and roof consultant. His over 20 years of experience includes civil and structural engineering analysis, design, construction administration, field investigation, and project management, and 13 years of experience specific to forensic engineering and the investigation and analysis of building damage and failures. Mr. Fratinardo has designed numerous new buildings, building additions, building renovations, and mechanical platforms and supports. He has designed and analyzed roof, wall and floor framing systems utilizing steel, concrete, masonry, and wood construction. Mr. Fratinardo has vast expertise in commercial, industrial, agricultural, municipal, educational and residential building damage investigations, including on-site investigations after 25 different tornado events, and Hurricanes Irene, Sandy, Matthew, Harvey, Irma, Maria and Florence. He has legal experience in depositions, arbitration hearings and trials. He has prepared and performed numerous continuing education presentations, including on an array of topics in forensic engineering, structural engineering and building codes for HalfMoon Education Inc., in multiple states since 2014. Mr. Fratinardo graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor of science degree in Civil Engineering, and he also holds a master of engineering degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. He is a registered professional engineer in multiple states and a licensed structural engineer in Illinois.

Mr. Fratinardo is a civil/structural engineer and roof consultant. His over 20 years of experience includes civil and structural engineering analysis, design, construction administration, field investigation, and project management, and 13 years of experience specific to forensic engineering and the investigation and analysis of building damage and failures. Mr. Fratinardo has designed numerous new buildings, building additions, building renovations, and mechanical platforms and supports. He has designed and analyzed roof, wall and floor framing systems utilizing steel, concrete, masonry, and wood construction. Mr. Fratinardo has vast expertise in commercial, industrial, agricultural, municipal, educational and residential building damage investigations, including on-site investigations after 25 different tornado events, and Hurricanes Irene, Sandy, Matthew, Harvey, Irma, Maria and Florence. He has legal experience in depositions, arbitration hearings and trials. He has prepared and performed numerous continuing education presentations, including on an array of topics in forensic engineering, structural engineering and building codes for HalfMoon Education Inc., in multiple states since 2014. Mr. Fratinardo graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor of science degree in Civil Engineering, and he also holds a master of engineering degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. He is a registered professional engineer in multiple states and a licensed structural engineer in Illinois.

Mr. Fratinardo is a civil/structural engineer and roof consultant. His over 20 years of experience includes civil and structural engineering analysis, design, construction administration, field investigation, and project management, and 13 years of experience specific to forensic engineering and the investigation and analysis of building damage and failures. Mr. Fratinardo has designed numerous new buildings, building additions, building renovations, and mechanical platforms and supports. He has designed and analyzed roof, wall and floor framing systems utilizing steel, concrete, masonry, and wood construction. Mr. Fratinardo has vast expertise in commercial, industrial, agricultural, municipal, educational and residential building damage investigations, including on-site investigations after 25 different tornado events, and Hurricanes Irene, Sandy, Matthew, Harvey, Irma, Maria and Florence. He has legal experience in depositions, arbitration hearings and trials. He has prepared and performed numerous continuing education presentations, including on an array of topics in forensic engineering, structural engineering and building codes for HalfMoon Education Inc., in multiple states since 2014. Mr. Fratinardo graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor of science degree in Civil Engineering, and he also holds a master of engineering degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. He is a registered professional engineer in multiple states and a licensed structural engineer in Illinois.

Mr. Fratinardo is a civil/structural engineer and roof consultant. His over 20 years of experience includes civil and structural engineering analysis, design, construction administration, field investigation, and project management, and 13 years of experience specific to forensic engineering and the investigation and analysis of building damage and failures. Mr. Fratinardo has designed numerous new buildings, building additions, building renovations, and mechanical platforms and supports. He has designed and analyzed roof, wall and floor framing systems utilizing steel, concrete, masonry, and wood construction. Mr. Fratinardo has vast expertise in commercial, industrial, agricultural, municipal, educational and residential building damage investigations, including on-site investigations after 25 different tornado events, and Hurricanes Irene, Sandy, Matthew, Harvey, Irma, Maria and Florence. He has legal experience in depositions, arbitration hearings and trials. He has prepared and performed numerous continuing education presentations, including on an array of topics in forensic engineering, structural engineering and building codes for HalfMoon Education Inc., in multiple states since 2014. Mr. Fratinardo graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor of science degree in Civil Engineering, and he also holds a master of engineering degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. He is a registered professional engineer in multiple states and a licensed structural engineer in Illinois.

Mr. Schaffer is the Associate Principal at WZG Structural Engineers and has 20 years of experience in structural analysis and design throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. He is a graduate of Penn State University Architectural Engineering program with an emphasis in Structural Engineering and has project experience in commercial, higher education, industrial, pharmaceutical, hospital/life care and multi-family residential markets. In 2012, he was selected by Consulting Specifying Engineer Magazine as a Top 40 Under 40 for his achievements in structural engineering.