Why Choose VDA for Your Elevator and Escalator Consulting Needs
When you’re dealing with elevator or escalator failures, time is critical—and so is the accuracy of your information. Whether you’re an attorney preparing for trial, a property owner facing a liability claim, or a risk manager conducting due diligence, you need a trusted source for elevator forensic consulting and escalator forensic consulting.
That’s where VDA (Van Deusen & Associates) stands apart. With decades of experience, nationwide reach, and deep technical knowledge, VDA’s elevator and escalator experts are the go-to choice for litigation support, accident investigation, code compliance, and expert witness testimony.
Here’s the deal: Choosing the right expert can make or break your case. Below, we’ll explore what makes VDA the top choice and how their services deliver clarity, credibility, and courtroom confidence.
What Is Elevator and Escalator Forensic Consulting?
Forensic consulting for elevators and escalators involves the investigation, analysis, and expert interpretation of events involving vertical transportation systems. This is especially vital in:
- Personal injury claims
- Wrongful death cases
- Premises liability lawsuits
- Equipment malfunctions
- Construction defects or code violations
These cases demand more than general engineering knowledge. You need an elevator expert who understands complex mechanical systems and national safety codes like ASME A17.1 and NFPA 70.
Elevator Forensic Consulting: Beyond the Basics
An elevator forensic consultant looks at:
- System design and installation
- Maintenance history
- Compliance with applicable codes
- Human factors in elevator operation
- Mechanical and control system analysis
Escalator Forensic Consulting: Safety in Motion
An escalator expert will evaluate:
- Comb plate incidents
- Sudden stops or reversals
- Step and skirt entrapments
- Fall dynamics and rider behavior
- Maintenance and service records
Bottom line: These services require forensic precision—and that’s exactly what VDA delivers.
Why VDA Stands Out as Your Elevator Expert
VDA brings nearly four decades of elevator and escalator expertise to every project. Whether you’re in the early stages of a claim or deep into litigation, their team delivers unmatched insight and credibility.
1. Nationally Recognized Elevator Experts
VDA’s consultants have served as expert witnesses in hundreds of elevator-related cases across the United States. They are trusted by:
- Attorneys
- Insurance companies
- Government agencies
- Property management firms
Their expertise isn’t theoretical—it’s practical, grounded in decades of field work and system design.
2. Data-Driven Elevator Forensic Analysis
VDA uses a combination of:
- Site inspections
- Historical maintenance data
- Code research
- Accident reconstruction modeling
Their elevator forensic consulting approach delivers objective, technically sound reports that hold up in court.
3. Clear, Courtroom-Ready Reports
Each case includes:
- Photographic evidence
- Maintenance audits
- Root cause analysis
- Expert testimony preparation
These comprehensive reports are formatted for clarity—whether you’re reading it as a judge, jury, or opposing counsel.
Escalator Expert Services Backed by Deep Technical Expertise
Escalators are often overlooked—until something goes wrong. When they do, liability can be complex and costly. VDA’s escalator forensic consulting services cover everything from injury investigations to system failure analysis.
1. Unique Risks with Escalators
Unlike elevators, escalators involve constant movement and public exposure—often in high-traffic areas like malls, airports, and subways. Risks include:
- Falls due to sudden stop/start events
- Loose clothing entrapments
- Step misalignment
- Missing comb teeth or skirt brush wear
VDA’s escalator experts can determine whether incidents were due to equipment failure, misuse, or maintenance negligence.
2. Hands-On Escalator Investigations
Their investigations include:
- Field inspections with digital modeling
- Component and part assessments
- Code compliance evaluations
They also provide deposition support and trial testimony tailored to technical and non-technical audiences.
3. Compliance with National Standards
VDA’s experts stay current with industry standards and codes:
- ASME A17.1 / CSA B44
- ADA compliance
- Local and state building codes
Their credibility? Rock solid. Their consultants are often called upon to testify in high-profile cases involving major manufacturers and facility owners.
Nationwide Litigation Support Services You Can Trust
VDA serves clients in all 50 states, providing litigation support that’s responsive, reliable, and respected.
1. End-to-End Litigation Support
Whether you’re evaluating a claim or preparing for trial, VDA offers:
- Initial case consultation
- Expert affidavits
- Technical evidence review
- Depositions and courtroom testimony
- Post-litigation evaluations
Their nationwide availability ensures that no matter where you are, expert help is only a phone call away.
2. Fast Turnaround Times
Legal timelines can be tight. VDA’s expert team works quickly without sacrificing quality. Their responsive service includes:
- 24–48 hour initial evaluations
- Rapid site inspections
- Ongoing communication with attorneys and insurers
3. Real-World Example: Midwestern Shopping Mall Case
In a recent case, VDA was hired by an insurer after an escalator incident in a busy shopping mall. Their inspection revealed improper maintenance procedures and component wear that led to sudden reversal. Their expert report helped reach a favorable settlement without trial.
It’s real-world outcomes like this that set VDA apart.
FAQs About VDA’s Forensic Consulting Services
What types of clients does VDA serve?
VDA provides services to:
- Personal injury attorneys
- Insurance companies
- Property owners
- Facility managers
- Municipal agencies
- Manufacturers and contractors
Are VDA’s experts licensed engineers?
Yes. Many of VDA’s consultants are licensed professional engineers (PEs) and certified vertical transportation specialists with decades of field experience.
Can VDA help before litigation starts?
Absolutely. Many clients hire VDA for pre-litigation consultation to assess liability exposure or advise on repair compliance.
Do they handle modern elevator technologies?
Yes. VDA has experience with:
- Destination dispatch systems
- Machine-room-less (MRL) elevators
- Smart elevator systems and controls
What makes their reports so effective?
Their reports are:
- Written in plain language
- Supported by visual documentation
- Backed by code citations and engineering standards
- Prepared with courtroom testimony in mind
Why Attorneys, Insurers, and Owners Choose VDA
When selecting an elevator or escalator expert, credibility, consistency, and communication are key. VDA checks all those boxes—and more.
Key Reasons to Choose VDA
- 40+ years of experience
- Licensed engineers and certified experts
- Testified in hundreds of cases
- Nationwide availability
- Rapid response and high accuracy
Here’s what it boils down to:
VDA turns complex vertical transportation systems into clear, compelling evidence for your case.
Recap: Why VDA Is the Top Choice for Elevator and Escalator Consulting
If you’re dealing with an elevator or escalator-related claim, you can’t afford guesswork. You need expertise you can count on. VDA’s forensic consulting services offer:
- Proven experience in elevator forensic consulting
- In-depth analysis from escalator expert professionals
- Reliable litigation support from investigation to testimony
- Clear, concise reports that hold up in court
- Nationwide service with rapid response
📞 Ready to speak with an elevator or escalator expert?
Contact VDA today to book a consultation and gain the insights you need to strengthen your case.
