Why Expert Witnesses Matter in Technical Litigation
When technical disputes enter the courtroom, clarity is everything. Whether it’s a failed chemical process, a catastrophic plant incident, or a patent infringement claim, courts rely on expert witnesses to break down complex science into simple, objective facts.
And here’s the deal—not all expert witnesses are created equal. In high-stakes litigation, having a chemical engineering consultant who understands both the science and the legal landscape can be the key to winning your case.
This is where Dr. David A. Rockstraw, Ph.D., P.E. enters the picture. As a nationwide expert witness and one of the country’s most sought-after process forensic analysts, he brings unmatched depth to cases involving process engineering, materials science, chemical reactions, and industrial safety.
Meet Dr. David A. Rockstraw: Credentials & Expertise
Dr. Rockstraw isn’t just another chemical engineer turned consultant. He’s a board-certified, licensed professional engineer (P.E.) with a doctorate in chemical engineering, decades of academic experience, and hundreds of real-world cases under his belt.
📌 Credentials at a Glance:
- Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering
- Licensed Professional Engineer (NM)
- Over 30 years in academia and industry
- Former Department Head at New Mexico State University
- Court-tested expert witness in both state and federal litigation
- Certified in OSHA, hazard analysis, and industrial safety
When you hire David A. Rockstraw, you’re hiring a nationally recognized process forensic analyst who’s been trusted by law firms, insurance companies, manufacturers, and regulatory agencies alike.
What Makes Him the Go-To Chemical Engineering Consultant
It’s not just credentials that make a great expert witness—it’s communication, credibility, and consistency.
🔍 Clarity in Complex Cases
Legal teams appreciate Dr. Rockstraw’s ability to translate technical jargon into clear, defensible, courtroom-ready explanations. Whether testifying live or preparing expert reports, he builds a compelling, fact-based narrative that judges and juries can follow.
🔍 Courtroom-Proven Reliability
He has provided expert testimony in:
- Product liability
- Chemical plant explosions
- Patent infringement
- Contamination or exposure claims
- Failure analysis & material degradation
🔍 Nationwide Availability
Based in Mesilla, New Mexico, Dr. Rockstraw serves clients across the U.S., offering remote consultations and in-person courtroom support as needed.
Specialized Services: Process Forensic Analyst & Safety Expert
From a fire in a refinery to a reactor design flaw—Dr. Rockstraw offers unmatched insight into why systems fail and who’s responsible.
✅ Process Safety & Forensics
His expertise in process safety and forensics includes analyzing:
- Pressure vessel failures
- Safety interlock systems
- Human factors in chemical processes
- Root cause analysis for accidents
Pull-quote:
“Dr. Rockstraw’s analysis revealed the true cause of our incident—and protected us from a seven-figure loss.” —Trial Attorney, Houston, TX
✅ Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (FMEA)
As a process forensic analyst, he investigates:
- Piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs)
- Heat exchanger malfunctions
- Flow rate imbalances
- Corrosion and material incompatibility
✅ Chemical Engineering Design Reviews
He also consults on:
- Reactor design & optimization
- Chemical mixing and reactions
- Thermodynamics and fluid mechanics
- Industrial process design
Client Success Stories & Industry Applications
🔬 Real-World Impact
Dr. Rockstraw has played pivotal roles in cases that reshaped chemical safety policies. For example:
- Explosion Case in Louisiana: Helped identify a design flaw in a high-pressure ammonia tank, resulting in a major out-of-court settlement.
- Cosmetic Product Contamination: Used chromatographic analysis to determine source contamination, clearing the manufacturer of liability.
🧪 Industries Served:
- Petrochemicals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Consumer products
- Food processing
- Utilities & energy
- Environmental consulting
📈 Notable Legal Wins
In many cases, his testimony has led to:
- Dismissal of false claims
- Successful settlements for plaintiffs
- Prevention of costly class actions
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What qualifies Dr. Rockstraw as an expert witness?
Dr. Rockstraw holds a Ph.D., is a licensed Professional Engineer, and has decades of experience in both chemical engineering and litigation consulting. He has been qualified as an expert witness in state and federal courts across the U.S.
❓ Does he travel for depositions or trial?
Yes. Although based in Mesilla, NM, he offers nationwide expert witness services, including on-site inspections, depositions, and courtroom testimony.
❓ What’s the typical engagement process?
- Initial consultation to review case scope
- Document review and technical analysis
- Expert report preparation
- Deposition and/or trial testimony
❓ Can he support both plaintiff and defense?
Absolutely. Dr. Rockstraw has successfully served on both sides of litigation, offering objective, science-based insights regardless of representation.
Get Trusted Help: Contact Dr. Rockstraw Today
If your legal team needs a trusted chemical engineering consultant or expert witness in process safety and forensics, David A. Rockstraw, Ph.D., P.E. is ready to help.
Whether it’s a design flaw, safety oversight, or manufacturing error, he’ll dig deep into the facts and provide clear, courtroom-ready analysis that withstands scrutiny.
📞 Call or Connect Online:
Visit https://davidarockstrawphdpe.com
Or use the contact form to request a free case review.
✅ Key Takeaways:
- Dr. Rockstraw is a Ph.D. chemical engineer and licensed P.E. with over 30 years of experience.
- He offers expert witness services across the U.S., focused on process safety, failure analysis, and forensic consulting.
- Known for clear communication, technical accuracy, and courtroom credibility.
Trusted by law firms, manufacturers, insurance companies, and regulatory agencies.
