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Expert Bio

Primary Area of Expertise

Electrical Engineering

Expert Witness Profile

Electrical & Lighting Engineering, Licensed Electrician; Injury and Electrocution due to Accidents, Machinery & Fire.

As a Licensed Professional Engineer in 24 states and a former licensed electrician and electrical contractor, Mr. Burtness has provided forensic engineering services to attorneys and insurance companies since 1981, including file review, consultation, site investigation, expert opinions, reports, litigation support, as well as deposition and trial testimony.

Mr. Burtness’ expertise is in cases involving industrial accidents, electrocution, personal injury, lighting fixture injury, determination of fire and explosion origin and cause, equipment and machinery failure, failure of safety circuitry, grounding, construction defects, breach of contract and construction contract administration disputes.

Mr. Burtness specializes in illumination engineering for street, roadway and area lighting; including photometric requirements, calculations, field verification, equipment specifications, installation requirements, analysis, and construction disputes.

Mr. Burtness has 40+ years of experience in the design, specification, construction contract administration, installation, startup, and troubleshooting of electrical power, distribution, control and instrumentation (SCADA) systems and equipment for residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal occupancies; water, wastewater, and storm water treatment plants; and military facilities. In addition, Mr. Burtness is a seasoned public speaker.

He is available to provide services nationwide, with PE registration by comity available in most states.

Education & Licenses

B.S. Electrical Engineering (BSEE) University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Registered Professional Engineer (PE) in 24 states; PE registration by NCEES comity available elsewhere.