Curriculum Vitae
Chris Larson, CFEI
Electric Utility Expert Witness & Forensic Accident Investigator
Professional Summary (for full version, download cv)
Chris Larson is considered the most well-rounded specialized expert witness in the electric utility industry. He knows the work, the hazards, the people, and the laws. He himself is a Certified Journeyman Lineman who has performed the work firsthand — from stringing high-voltage transmission lines in the field to directing operations for the nation's largest electrical utility infrastructure construction companies.
He has achieved Director and District Manager status for field operations and began training apprentices, linemen, and operators in 1989 — continuing today with leadership development. As a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI), he is the go-to expert for electric utility-related incidents including wildfire ignition, electrical system failure, electrocution fatalities, arc flash, and underground utility strikes.
His testimony has educated courts, counsel, judges, and juries on the most complex forensic evidence — delivering objective, credible results in landmark cases and precedent-setting litigation for both defense and plaintiff clients in a nearly equal 50/50 split.
Certifications
Professional Experience
Founder & Principal Expert Witness
LARSON ELITE, LLC
Poway, California
- Provide expert witness testimony and litigation support for electric utility personal injury and property damage cases nationwide
- Retained by defense and plaintiff counsel in a nearly equal 50/50 split — a testament to objectivity and credibility
- Conduct forensic accident investigations including root cause analysis, scene documentation, and evidence review
- Testify at deposition and trial in cases involving electrocution, arc flash, wildfire ignition, wrongful death, amputation, and gross negligence
- Evaluate OSHA and NESC compliance, standard of care, and work method adequacy
- Provide case evaluation, expert reports, and litigation consulting to legal counsel, insurance companies, and electric utilities
Director / District Manager — Field Operations
National Electrical Utility Infrastructure Construction Companies
United States
- Achieved Director and District Manager status for field operations at the nation's largest electrical utility infrastructure construction companies
- Responsible for corporate safety programs, operational standards, and management of large-scale utility construction projects
- Oversaw field operations including transmission line construction, distribution system work, substation construction, and underground utility installation
- Managed crews performing energized high-voltage work, enforcing strict OSHA and NESC compliance
- Developed and implemented safety training programs for apprentices, journeymen, and operators
Superintendent
Electrical Utility Construction
United States
- Supervised multiple construction line crews on complex utility construction projects
- Responsible for project scheduling, resource allocation, safety compliance, and quality control
- Managed operations on energized transmission and distribution systems
- Enforced OSHA electric utility standards and NESC requirements on all job sites
General Foreman / Foreman
Electrical Utility Construction
United States
- Led construction line crews performing transmission and distribution line work
- Directed field operations including pole setting, wire stringing, transformer installation, and energized line work
- Responsible for crew safety, productivity, and compliance with all applicable standards
- Began training apprentices and linemen in safe work practices — 1989 to present
Apprentice through Certified Journeyman Lineman
Electrical Utility Construction
United States
- Performed all aspects of transmission and distribution line construction firsthand
- Climbed poles and towers, strung high-voltage conductors, installed equipment on energized systems
- Operated heavy equipment including digger derricks, aerial lifts, and cranes
- Completed apprenticeship program and earned Journeyman Lineman certification
Areas of Expert Testimony
Training & Standards Expertise
Retain the Industry's
Leading Expert
Available for case evaluation, deposition, and trial testimony nationwide. Defense and plaintiff counsel welcome.
(760) 518-6979