Mechanical engineering

Personalise
Modern automatic gate with remote control
Personalise

Matter overview

The plaintiff alleged that a malfunctioning security gate fell and crushed them while they and a property owner's employee attempted to close it. Our client, acting for the plaintiff, sought an expert opinion on the likely causes, the adequacy of the design, and whether proper precautions could have prevented the incident.

Expert retained

Unisearch engaged a mechanical engineer specialising in motors, testing, design, and failures. With extensive experience in testing plant, equipment, and materials for compliance, the expert also assessed structural properties such as strength, flexibility, and elongation.

Expert's role

The expert reviewed CCTV footage, documents, and the opposing expert’s report to analyse differing conclusions. They identified potential motor failure causes, including wire rope or pulley defects, and explained how the gate panel overran the stop position and collapsed.

Other case studies

Boating & maritime

Unisearch provided a marine engineer with extensive expertise in maritime accidents and vessel engineering, including contributions to Standards committees.

Public Liability

Unisearch provided a registered architect and domestic builder with extensive expertise in lighting and construction.

Slip, trip & fall

The expert was a Fellow of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, as well as a former solicitor bringing extensive experience of legal proceedings and as an expert witness.

Experts are drawn from Unisearch’s extensive, and often exclusive, knowledge bank. The panel comprises unrivalled academics and renowned industry leaders drawn from Australia’s leading universities, commercial enterprises and independent consultancies.