HPW Biomechanics, Inc. provides biomechanics & human factors experts that specialize in Personal Injury Accidents that emphasize the interactions between people and their environment including perception response/reaction, expectations, and actions (human performance, human factors) and the consequences of their actions (biomechanics). HPW Biomechanics, Inc.'s core expertise is in Personal Injury Accidents / Injury Biomechanics in areas such as motor vehicles / pedestrians, workplace / industry, sports / recreation, slips / trips / falls, and sexual assault / rape.

Biomechanics Overview: Biomechanics is a science that applies mechanical laws derived from physics and engineering to living subjects in order to study the effect of forces and motions on the body and/or body components such as bones, joints, ligaments, and other structures. In forensic biomechanics, the forces and motions required to damage these structures (cause injury) are examined. Forensic biomechanics also focuses on the causes and/or mechanisms of tissue damage, as opposed to the diagnoses or treatment of injury. Biomechanical engineers evaluate the mechanical factors leading up to tissue damage whereas other practitioners, such as physicians, are generally involved with management and treatment of the injuries. Biomechanists use a knowledge of anatomical function and relevant research literature in conjunction with scientific and engineering principles and other available data to determine the cause and likelihood of accidents including subsequent tissue damage.

Biomechanics/Human Factors Overview: Biomechanics / human factors engineers evaluate the mechanical and performance factors leading up to accidents and subsequent tissue damage. A knowledge of anatomical and neuromuscular function and relevant research literature in conjunction with scientific and engineering principles and data are used to reconstruct accidents and determine the cause of tissue damage and related injuries. Biomechanics / human factors scientists apply human performance principles in conjunction with mechanical laws derived from physics and engineering to people in order to study their movements and the effect of forces on the body and/or body components such as bones, joints, ligaments, and other structures. The forces and motions required to damage tissue structures (cause injury) are also examined to determine the causes and/or mechanisms of injury, as opposed to the diagnosis or treatment of injury.

Investigative Process: Successful investigations usually require diligence in three distinct areas:

• Fact Finding
• Examination
• Analysis and Incident Reconstruction.

Fact Finding is the task of identifying and documenting features which describe the physical conditions before, during and after the accident. Examination and Analysis is the task of determining technical facts through laboratory and analytical methods. Incident Reconstruction is the task of assembling all available information related to an incident, constructing feasible explanations and determining which explanation best fits the facts.

The results of technical investigations are opinions concerning what happened and why it happened, the confidence level of the opinions and the identification of facts which support the opinions. During this process it is absolutely critical that the expert anticipates alternative explanations and identifies areas of uncertainty, weakness and confusion. It is imperative that the expert identify and review the relevant facts as they are perceived and may be presented at trial from both sides. He/she must thoroughly prepare for all relevant topics in order to minimize the element of surprise. This will also result in greater insight about the matter and provide a basis for more knowledgeable opinions and conclusions.

HPW is a professional, scientific and human engineering consulting group that can provide a wide range of legal services. Specific expertise is the investigation of accidents involving people as they interact with the environment. Scientific investigation, technical reporting and expert testimony are the three major services provided to clients. Additional information is available upon request.

Scientific Investigation

The primary objectives of an investigation are to construct the best possible explanation of what happened and why and to demonstrate that the explanation has better technical support than feasible alternate explanations. As stated previously, successful investigations usually require diligence in three distinct areas: Fact Finding, Examination and Analysis, and Incident Reconstruction. Fact Finding is the task of identifying and documenting features which describe the physical conditions before, during and after the incident. Examination and Analysis is the task of determining technical facts through laboratory and analytical methods. Incident Reconstruction is the task of assembling all available information related to an incident, constructing feasible explanations and determining which explanation best fits the facts. The results of technical investigations are opinions concerning what happened and why it happened, the confidence level of the opinions and the identification of facts which support the opinions.

Technical Reporting

When the situation requires a formal report, HPW can provide a comprehensive, written report with illustrations and photographs and full presentation of technical facts which support the opinions developed as a result of the investigation. Reports are written to be understood by non-technical readers.

Expert Testimony

HPW scientists provide articulate explanations in a manner that jurors can understand. In preparation for a court appearance we will provide or participate in the development of a logical outline of the technical information to be presented and any necessary exhibits, such as charts, photographs and demonstration devices. Should you desire to use our services or request additional information, please contact HPW.