At this time in my years as a professional, I generally present myself to potential clients as an expert.  I use the title of “Forensic Expert”.  My intent is to express the ability to operate as an authority in an assembly of interested parties, or before a judicial body. 

As an expert, I can focus and communicate what I have experienced and that I have reviewed the outcome of numerous similar events.  In part, as a result, I offer myself as capable of reviewing and examining a specific episode or a topic within the realm of my expertise and render my opinion to those who may be interested.

An expert witness is an experienced individual that has studied an event or participated in an event. An expert is capable of providing testimony to others about a credible finding, summary or recount of a particular event because of special skill or knowledge in the particular subject.  It is required that the expert witness has good character, sound ethics, suitable training, relevant experience that constitute a reliable, credible witness by a judge and jury.

 As an expert witness, the exchange is my time for remuneration. My testimony (verbal or written) is the truth, to the best of my knowledge, at that point in time, with the facts that I have reviewed.   In legal proceedings, it is important to note that the expert is the only person in the room who takes an oath to tell the truth.

-- Dr. Jesse A. Grantham

Design – satisfy user needs.   The expert has many layers of forensic investigation.  Each layer may be the truth, but each layer represents a different aspect, depending on the bias, self-interest, or other psychological attributes which remain on the surface of each individual layer.  As one layer after another is removed, the picture of truth may change.  Only when an expert reaches the core, hidden beneath the layers of protective coverings, does the expert feel that the bare truth is known.

Metallurgy - concerning metals.  Knowledge on a topic, welding, gives a certain amount of power and authority.  Knowledge of the details of welding metals has been invaluable in many crises.   Knowledge of the details of metals has often exposed an error before becoming a catastrophe.

Processes – for welding metals.  The efficiency of most welding operations is beyond the control of the management.  Sound welding depends upon the willingness of welders to do their best and adhere to safety standards for the protection of persons from injury, illness and fumes and property from damage by fire and explosions.

Compliance – achieving quality and meeting the design criteria.  Quality is never an accident.  Quality is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution. Quality represents the wise choices of many alternatives and the cumulative experience of many craftsmen. Quality is the search for an ideal compliance with the designer’s intent, after necessity has been satisfied, and mere usefulness has been achieved. 

Conclusion:  When selecting an expert, never take a knife to a gunfight.  Truth is the result of hard work and virtue.  Truth is the basis of moral authority.  The greatest praise rendered to an expert witness is to acknowledge that the “truth” was spoken.

SPECIALIZING IN:

• Failure Analysis of Welded Products & Structures
• Forensic Investigation & Assessment
• Code & Contract Compliance Consulting
• Expert Witness Services
• Metallurgical Evaluation & Assessment
• Nondestructive Testing
• Mechanical Testing
• Welding Fumes & Welder Safety

DR. GRANTHAM'S ARSENAL INCLUDES:

• Independent ISO 9001:2000 certified in-house testing facility
• Complete State-of-the-art metallurgical forensic laboratory
• Over 30 years of metallurgic experience
• AWS - American Welding Society, member
• The Colorado Bar Association, member
• Denver Bar Association member
• World Safety Organization, member
• Rocky Mountain Property Claim Adjusters Association member
• Colorado Claims Association member
• Denver Claims Association member