Technical Problem Solvers, Inc. (TPS) is a Long Island-based forensic engineering firm. Although the vast majority of our work is within the New York City Metropolitan Region, TPS works anywhere within the contiguous 48 states and lower Canada. We analyze the physical events that are involved in legal disputes: insurance claims, product liability, and tort proceedings. TPS has helped both plaintiff and defense clients in understanding and resolving the technical aspects of their cases. Our experts are seasoned professionals with many years of experience (typically over 20 years) in their respective fields of knowledge. Some have taught at major universities.

TPS is led by Grahme Fischer, a professional engineer with over 40 years of achievement in engineering. Mr. Fischer holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Manhattan College and a Master of Science degree from Columbia University. He has designed numerous mechanisms, machines, and complex systems; analyzed static and dynamic structures, vehicles, and machines; and supervised the development of computer analyses of complex systems. Mr. Fischer has managed advanced technology studies for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. He served for five years as an adjunct faculty member of the Mechanical Engineering Department at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, and, for four years, as a consultant to the New York State Department of Education, Bureau of Mathematics. He is a founder and Director of the New York Statewide Traffic Accident Reconstruction Society (NYSTARS), which has over 200 members (2/3 are active duty police officers). He is editor of their peer-reviewed newsletter, NYSTARS News. Mr. Fischer has been a consultant to attorneys and insurance companies since 1983. His testimony been praised by both retaining and opposing attorneys.

TPS provides post-event inspections and follow up analysis of injuries and economic losses. We look at the available physical evidence and figure out what happened. Our work is thorough. Our reports are intelligible, useful, and persuasive. We focus on those issues that are important to our clients. When necessary, we conduct tests to establish the behavior of objects and people. We understand the significance of being misled into a trial with an unsustainable position. Consequently, we offer a straightforward verbal assessment of our perception of the strength of your case. We provide you with a reliable, high-quality resource for:

A key characteristic of our reports is the presence of visual images that help to persuade the reader to accept our written conclusions. Almost every TPS report contains numerous color photographs that provide a context for the case, as well as some diagrams that highlight some of the pertinent case issues. We believe that a very large proportion of people do not become persuaded without effective visual images.

A more complete outline of our capabilities is contained on our Expertise List  page.

Quality-control procedures enable TPS to effectively and authoritatively perform investigations in many areas of physical science and engineering. TPS has analyzed low and high technology subjects, from plumbing leaks to precision optical telescope components. Our network includes skilled craftsmen (plumbers, auto mechanics, roofers, etc.) and technical specialists (building code, electrical code, etc.) whose reputations are personally known by us.

Professional engineers, scientists, and technical specialists direct TPS' forensic investigations. We apply both theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on experience to each of your cases. TPS examines and discusses alternative explanations of critical events. We disclose and report the facts that are pertinent to legal disputes. Our emphasis is on accuracy and clarity in our written descriptions of significant issues. We provide photographic documentation of pertinent facts, and emphasize the visual aspects of communication. All reports are reviewed by TPS President, Grahme Fischer, MS, PE.

We are proficient in our areas of expertise, have significant experience with insurance claims, legal disputes, and testimony, and work effectively for our clients. Technical Problem Solvers is a powerful resource to assist your case.

Mr. Fischer practiced many aspects of mechanical engineering during the past 40 years. He has been a Professional Engineer for over 25 years and a forensic engineer for over 15 years. He has written hundreds of reports on vehicular accidents involving automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, & roadways. Mr. Fischer uses both traditional and computer-based analytical methods in accident reconstruction, often using PC-Crash (state-of-the-art software) for collision simulation. Mr. Fischer is an excellent communicator and an experienced expert witness whose testimony has been praised by both retaining and opposing attorneys.
Learn more about Grahme Fischer at JurisPro Expert Witness Directory.

Dr. DelVecchio has been involved with Technical Problem Solvers, Inc. for over 10 years. He has over 40 years of experience in the Life Sciences, including directing and experiencing human tolerance tests in extremely high acceleration devices. He has worked on man-machine projects for aircraft, space vehicles, and ground-based activities like firefighting. His background encompasses extensive study of head injury issues (impact and deceleration), head protection devices (sports helmets, firefighter helmets, and aerospace headgear), and bone compression. Dr. DelVecchio has taught at the college level for many years.

Mr. DiVilio is a former structural engineer who has owned and operated his own auto body repair shop for over 15 years. Mr. DiVilio's thorough knowledge and understanding of automotive structures and repair procedures provides TPS with valuable insight into interpreting collision damage. His large facility is a resource for TPS vehicle inspections, measurements, and tests.

Dr. O'Hara specializes in cognitive science, the ability of people to perceive, understand, and respond to events that require immediate attention. He can explain to ordinary people the reasons why code violations contribute to or cause human injury. Dr. O'Hara has applied his knowledge of human cognition, as a consultant, to cases as diversified as stairway slip and fall, bicycle accidents, motor vehicle collisions, and accidents involving large industrial systems. He is a leading authority on the design and operation of control centers for complex systems such as nuclear power generating plants. Dr. O'Hara has taught undergraduate and graduate students for over 10 years.

During Mr. Schmidt's 15-year affiliation with Technical Problem Solvers, Inc., he has performed site and building inspections that identified causes of property damage and personal injury claims. He has extensive research experience with building department records and code violations. Mr. Schmidt has testified in a large number of trials, with excellent results. He is employed as a supervisor for the City of New York Department of Housing, Preservation, and Development (DHPD). Currently, Mr. Schmidt serves as Lead Paint Inspection Supervisor and Radiation Safety Officer at DHPD. Both of these activities have been certified by the Environmental Protection Agency. Mr. Schmidt formerly owned and operated a plumbing repair business.

Mr. Smith has been an accident reconstructionist for over 25 years; during that time he has become a leading expert in the interpretation of electronic data stored in passenger vehicle “black boxes”. Mr. Smith was an active duty police officer for over 30 years. He served as Supervisor of the Accident Investigation Unit and Traffic Squad with the Town of Yorktown Police Department for 15 years before retiring in 2001. He has been an accredited accident reconstructionist since 1995 (ACTAR) and is a licensed private investigator specializing in collision investigation and reconstruction. Mr. Smith worked as a product liability investigator for a major motor vehicle manufacturer for several years. He is the founder of the New York Statewide Traffic Accident Reconstruction Society, Inc. (NYSTARS) and served as its President for 8 years. He currently serves as a Director of NYSTARS.

Mr. Turkel is a Registered Architect and was an operating Partner in a Long Island architectural firm. He has had over 40 years of experience as a practicing architect. His 12 year affiliation with TPS has included investigations of structural failure of buildings, foundations, sidewalks, and ground surfaces; assessment of water-caused damages including drainage and ice accumulation issues; and slip, trip and fall assessments for staircases, walkways and ramps. Mr. Turkel has often been commended by retaining attorneys for his ability to clearly communicate to a jury.