The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Similar Standards
By Dr. Gary Presswood, PE | May 2, 2008
The Americans with Disabilites Act or ADA, is essentially an attempt to extend civil rights protection to disabled persons. Approved by Congress in 1990, the ADA became a major force in standards of building design and maintenance. Although many courts have taken the stance that in a law-suit, only those persons the ADA is designed to protect may benefit from its standards (i.e., disabled persons), one has only to read the “Purpose” of the ADA to arrive at an opposing opinion. I contend the ADA has clearly also become a Federally mandated augmentation of building codes by requiring nearly all buildings and sites to be designed for “accessible” use, regardless of one’s abilities or disablilities.
Topics: ADA, Building Codes, Falls, Safety | No Comments »
Safety Hazards of Stairs, Ramps, and Single-Step Risers
By Dr. Gary Presswood, PE | April 20, 2008
Stairs, ramps, and what are called “single-step risers” are safety hazards to pedestrians if not properly constructed. Much of my professional experience has been in evaluating these elements for attorneys and property owners, often the result of an unfortunate accident where a surprised patron fell and sustained injuries.
Typically, I find that handrails are missing or improperly installed, or the stairway or ramp was improperly designed, constructed, and/or maintained. Slippery surfaces also contribute to pedestrian falls especially when the edge of a step includes a metal border.
Topics: ADA, Building Codes, Construction Defects, Falls, Safety | No Comments »
Many Falls Caused by Design and Construction Defects
By Dr. Gary Presswood, PE | April 17, 2008
Topics: Building Codes, Construction Defects, Falls, Safety | No Comments »
Welcome to the Accident Expert Info Blog
By Dr. Gary Presswood, PE | April 16, 2008
I’m Dr. Gary A. Presswood, ScD, PE and I’m excited you’ve found this site! I’ve served as a Professional Engineer and Expert Witness for over 30 years. This site is dedicated to serving attorneys, property owners, and other experts by providing useful information regarding various types of accidents and construction failures. I can also provide critical information regarding design of “handicap” facilities. (The preferrable term is accessible design.)
I’ve testified in many cases throughout the years. My expertise has included vehicle accident reconstruction, slip-trip and fall analysis, building code compliance issues, construction defects, and roadway and traffic design. Don’t forget, my professional experience also includes expertise in building, site, and “accessibility” design.
I hope you’ll contact me to discuss your particular areas of interest.
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »