Forensic engineering firm expands into medical device injury claims

Rimkus Consulting, a firm that provides forensic consultants and expert witnesses for litigants in need of engineering expertise, has opened a new practice to focus on cases involving medical devices. The launch represents an expansion of the company’s forensic healthcare division and includes the addition of a clinical engineering group.

Driving the expansion was a sharp rise in claims and disputes involving possible faulty design and manufacturing, technology incompatibility or improper use and insufficient training, according to a company statement. The company said its medical device and healthcare technology practice is staffed with consultants specializing in biomedical, electrical and mechanical engineering.

Richard V. Baratta, PhD, a vice president of Rimkus, who holds a doctorate in biomedical engineering, said the consultants will render expert opinions in state and federal courts “in a practice area where claims and disputes range from cell phone interference with medical devices to defibrillator failure, ventilator alarm failure, improper operating table use and facility design error.”