FORENSIC ENGINEERING
Our Services
INCIDENT INVESTIGATION • LITIGATION SUPPORT
We conduct incident investigations when a medical device may have contributed to death or injury. Our ASHRM University webinar and Healthcare Tech Talk podcast offer guidance for incident response.
We inspect and test medical devices to determine their safety and function relative to reported failures. Our Electrical Safety Manual provides guidance to clinical engineering professionals.
When a medical equipment becomes an issue in a lawsuit, we provide litigation support services to plaintiff and defense counsel – including, as appropriate, expert deposition and trial testimony.
People We Work With
RISK MANAGERS • ATTORNEYS • HTM PROFESSIONALS
We work with Risk Management, Patient Safety, and Quality Assurance professionals. Medical equipment-related incidents are relatively uncommon and independent technical assistance can be valuable.
We support plaintiff and defense attorneys in cases that involve medical devices and the utility systems that support them. Our services include report writing, deposition, and testimony at trial.
We collaborate with HTM professionals: Clinical engineers, biomedical equipment technicians, and HTM program managers. When you need independent testing of equipment, we’re ready to help.
“I have worked with Matt Baretich on several product liability cases. In some, he simply provided useful consulting information. In others, he thoroughly investigated the biomedical engineering issues and gave strong deposition testimony as an expert witness. In all cases I have found Matt to be extraordinarily knowledgeable and competent, as well as congenial and accommodating. He is a pleasure to work with.”
Charles R. Holton
Partner, Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge & Rice
Clinical Professor of Law, Duke University School of Law
“Over the past three decades I have had the pleasure to professionally collaborate with Matt on healthcare technology issues related to patient safety, clinical engineering, medical device safety and efficacy, and medical device accidents. His technical and clinical insights have very well served patients, healthcare administrators, clinical engineering departments, and medico-legal clients.”
Mark E. Bruley
VP Emeritus, Accident / Forensic Investigation, ECRI
Forensic Engineering Cases
Risk Management Response to Medical Device-Related Incidents
Outlined here is general recommendations for healthcare facilities to use when responding to medical device-related incidents. Applicable to both healthcare technology management professionals and biomedical engineering students, this information will shed light on current and future incidents.
Uncontrolled Movement of an OR Table
In this case, a patient was lying fully anesthetized on an OR table for a surgical procedure. Several minutes into the procedure, the table began to move without being directed by OR personnel.
Codes and Standards Interpretation
Healthcare delivery is a highly-regulated business. The same is true for medical devices and healthcare facilities that are integral components of the healthcare delivery system.