Accident Investigation
Forensic Accident
Investigation
LARSON ELITE, LLC conducts thorough forensic analyses and root cause investigations, examining every aspect of incidents to identify contributing factors — discerning outcomes resulting from rare, true accidents versus simple and gross negligence. The difference between those conclusions can be significant.
The Process
A Thorough, Methodical
Investigation Approach
Scene Documentation
Comprehensive documentation of the incident scene, equipment, environmental conditions, and witness statements. Photographic evidence, measurements, and physical evidence collection performed by a seasoned field professional who has worked these environments firsthand.
Evidence Analysis
Detailed analysis of physical evidence, maintenance records, training documentation, safety programs, and operational procedures — cross-referenced against OSHA standards, NESC requirements, and industry best practices.
Root Cause Determination
Systematic root cause analysis identifying all contributing factors — equipment failures, human error, procedural deficiencies, and organizational failures. Critically distinguishing rare true accidents from simple and gross negligence.
Expert Report & Testimony
Clear, objective written reports and expert testimony that educate courts, counsel, judges, and juries on complex forensic evidence. Testimony that has been decisive in cases and litigation.
Incident Types
Types of Incidents
Investigated
Wildfire Ignition
Investigation of utility-caused wildfire ignition events. Analysis of equipment condition, vegetation management practices, maintenance history, and utility compliance with fire safety regulations. Critical testimony in landmark wildfire litigation.
Electrical Fatalities
Thorough investigation of workplace fatalities involving electrocution, electrical contact, and arc flash. Causation analysis, OSHA compliance review, and standard of care evaluation — testimony that has delivered justice in the most critical cases.
Arc Flash Incidents
Forensic analysis of arc flash events including incident energy calculations, PPE adequacy, lockout/tagout procedures, and safety program compliance. Authoritative testimony grounded in decades of field operations.
Underground Utility Strikes
Investigation of underground utility strikes during excavation and construction operations. Analysis of locate procedures, dig safe compliance, and contractor responsibilities — with the authority of someone who has managed these operations at the highest level.
Electrical System Failures
Analysis of electrical system failures including equipment malfunction, improper installation, inadequate maintenance, and design deficiencies. Comprehensive forensic analysis for insurance and litigation support.
Falls from Structures
Investigation of falls from utility poles, transmission towers, and elevated work platforms. Fall protection analysis, equipment failure evaluation, and training deficiency assessment against OSHA and NESC standards.
Crane & Equipment Incidents
Investigation of mobile crane tipping, boom contact with power lines, and heavy equipment incidents in utility construction environments. Expert analysis from a Director-level operations executive who has managed these exact operations.
Amputations & Severe Injuries
Forensic investigation of amputation and catastrophic injury events in electric utility operations. Root cause analysis, standard of care evaluation, and comprehensive litigation support from initial investigation through trial.
Investigator Qualifications
Chris Larson, CFEI
Chris Larson has investigated major incidents including wildfire ignition, electrical system failure, and underground utility strikes. He has investigated workplace accidents that led to amputations and fatalities, providing litigation assistance for all.
Related operational management field cases have resulted in objective, credible testimonies that successfully educate the court, counsel, judges, and juries on complex forensic evidence — testimony that has been decisive in cases.
His unique combination of firsthand field experience, executive-level operations management, and CFEI certification makes him one of the most credible and authoritative forensic investigator in the electric utility industry.
Credentials
- Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI)
- Certified Journeyman Lineman — performed the work firsthand
- 37+ years electric utility industry experience
- Director & District Manager — national utility construction companies
- Field leadership: Foreman, General Foreman, Superintendent
- Training authority since 1989 — apprentices, linemen, operators
- OSHA electric utility standards expert
- NESC (National Electrical Safety Code) expert
Safety Standards Expertise
The Standard of Care —
He Wrote the Programs
Chris Larson has not simply studied electric utility safety standards — he has designed, implemented, and audited the safety programs that govern how the work is done. When a case turns on whether a safety program was adequate, whether OSHA was violated, or whether the standard of care was met, he speaks from the authority of someone who built those programs from the ground up.
OSHA 1910.269 — Electric Power Generation
The federal standard governing electric power generation, transmission, and distribution work. Chris has trained crews on 1910.269 compliance since its inception and has evaluated employer violations in dozens of litigation matters.
NESC — National Electrical Safety Code
The NESC establishes minimum safety requirements for the installation and maintenance of electric supply and communication lines. Chris's deep familiarity with NESC requirements makes him the authoritative voice on utility compliance failures.
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Programs
Inadequate LOTO procedures are a leading cause of electrical fatalities. Chris has designed and audited LOTO programs at the enterprise level — giving him unmatched authority to evaluate whether an employer's program met the required standard of care.
PPE Adequacy & Arc Flash Programs
Personal protective equipment failures and inadequate arc flash programs are central to many electrical injury cases. Chris evaluates PPE selection, arc flash hazard analysis, and employer compliance with NFPA 70E and OSHA requirements.
Safety Training Standards
Since 1989, Chris has trained apprentices, journeymen, and operators on safe work methods, hazard recognition, and regulatory compliance. He knows precisely what a properly trained worker should know — and when training was deficient.
Vegetation Management & Fire Safety
Utility vegetation management programs are a critical line of defense against wildfire ignition. Chris evaluates compliance with NERC FAC-003, state PUC requirements, and industry best practices in landmark wildfire litigation.
Request an
Investigation Consultation
Contact LARSON ELITE, LLC to discuss your case. Chris responds promptly to all inquiries.
(760) 518-6979Contact chris Today