Rimkus Consulting Group is pleased to announce that our professional consulting staff is presenting a number of continuing education seminars across the country. These definitive lectures embrace a variety of topics focusing on forensic investigations to help meet the continuing education needs of risk managers, attorneys, and claims professionals.

Upcoming Presentations

Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc. Houston CE Seminar
February 14, 2019 – Houston, Texas

“Fire Origin and Cause” presented by Joseph M. Ellington, IAAI-CFI, NAFI-CFEI, CFII, CVFI, Regional Fire Division Manager.

“Common Regulation Compliance Issues Following a Collision” presented by Noel J. Miller, PI, Associate Consultant.

“Window Construction Defects” presented by Duncan E. Doss, PE, Principal Consultant.

“Legionellosis” presented by Jeff T. Cook, CIH, CSP, CXLT, RAS, MAC, LEED®AP, Principal Consultant.

The Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc. Houston CE Seminar will feature presentations on Fire Origin and Cause, Window Construction Defects, Ethics, and more. This seminar is provided free of charge with lunch included and participants will be eligible to earn a total of five hours of Texas CE credit. A special thank you to sponsors who helped make this seminar possible: Houston Claims Association, ATI, HSSK, and Lemieux and Associates. Click here for more information.

UT Annual Forensics Engineering Conference
February 15, 2019 – Austin, Texas

“Forensic Water Intrusion Evaluation” presented by Mickey D. Parker, PE, Practice Leader, Building Sciences, Rimkus Building Consultants.

The UT Annual Forensics Engineering Conference will focus on lessons learned from hurricanes, building envelopes, structural failures, foundation issues, and other case studies. Click here for more information.

Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc. CE/CLE Webinar
February 20, 2019, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT

“Lightning Damage and Automated Homes” presented by Timothy C. Martin, PE, CFEI, Senior Consultant.

The Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc. Lightning Damage and Automated Homes CE/CLE Webinar is a one-hour presentation that will educate the audience on lightning damage to electronic appliances and/or devices typically located within a residential setting, with an emphasis on smart (or automated) homes. CE credit will be offered for Alabama, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. CLE credit will be offered for Colorado (764353), Florida (1804468N), Oregon (6528*9), and Washington (1071329). Click here to register.

Arizona Insurance Claims Association Meeting
February 21, 2019 – Phoenix, Arizona

“Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for Aerial Inspections” presented by Lindsay M. Oleson, BSE, ACTAR, Senior Consultant, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc.

The Arizona Insurance Claims Association Meeting will consist of a one-hour course designed to educate adjusters and other insurance industry professionals on potential and practical use of UAS (commonly called drones) for aerial inspections. The course will overview FAA regulations, requirements, aircraft specifications and capabilities. Forensics, property, industrial, construction and vehicular accident reconstruction applications will be discussed with a variety of examples that demonstrate the benefits of their use. Click here to register.

CLM Retail, Restaurant, and Hospitality Webinar
February 21, 2019, 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM ET

“Handling Foreign Object Complaints and Rapid Response Planning” presented by Janci C. Lindsay, PhD, Principal Consultant, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc., Kevin Murch, Attorney, Perez and Morris, LLC., and Kendra Schopp, On the Boarder Grill and Cantina.

The Claims Litigation Management (CLM) Handling Foreign Object Complaints and Rapid Response Planning Webinar is a half hour presentation that will provide an overview of how to appropriately handle foreign object claims involving food, from the time of reporting through collection, establishing chain of custody, choosing a laboratory, investigation and risk assessment. How to control brand reputation through social media will also be addressed and case studies will be offered. Click here to register.

CLM Annual Conference
March 13, 2019 – Orlando, Florida

“Collaboration over Competition – An Old Idea for a New World” presented by DeShaune Williams, MBA, District Manager, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc., Guy Hollingsworth, Hanover Insurance, Megan Lieber, Collins Collins Muir and Stewart, and Glen Mangold, Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty.

“Let’s Talk Talc” presented by Annette B. Santamaria, PhD, MPH, DABT, Technical Director, Toxicology and Food Safety, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc., Kathleen Lyons, Swiss Re, Nicolas Martin, Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman and Dicker LLP, and Elliott Zucker, Aaronson Rappaport Feinstein and Deutsch, LLP.

The Claims Litigation Management (CLM) Annual Conference is an annual event for professionals in the claims and litigation management industries. The conference is a mix of interactive educational sessions, and networking events. Participants can select from more than 100 collaborative educational sessions focused on all facets of the industry. Click here for more information.

DRI Toxic Torts and Environmental Law Seminar
March 13, 2019 – Orlando, Florida

“Regulatory Headwinds Facing Industry” presented by Philip R. Watters, MBA, PE, LEED®AP, Principal Consultant, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc., Robert F. Helminiak, Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates, and Robert J. Wolcik, Stem Chemicals, Inc.

The Defense Research Institute (DRI) Toxic Torts and Environmental Law Seminar will include topics involving environmental and toxic tort law and will focus on litigation tactics, science, and regulatory updates. Click here for more information.

GCube Insurance Advisory Council Conference
March 14, 2019 – Newport Beach, California

“Failures on Utility Scale Solar Installations” presented by Roderick Rennison, MA, PE, CSP, CXLT, Senior Consultant, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc.

The GCube Insurance Advisory Council Conference is an invitation-only advisory council event that occurs biannually, bringing together risk management and renewable energy insurance leaders from the US and further afield. The event allows for the exchange of ideas and experience in a confidential setting and includes a number of presentations and break-out sessions to encourage discussion and debate on some of the trends and developments facing the industry today. Click here for more information.

Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc. CE/CLE Webinar
March 20, 2019, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT

“Vehicle Theft vs. Fraud” presented by Avelaino McGibbon, PE, Senior Consultant.

The Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc. Vehicle Theft vs. Fraud CE/CLE Webinar is a one-hour presentation designed to assist participants in determining if vehicle damage claimed after recovery is consistent with a theft scenario. This course covers vehicle theft methods consistent with various vehicle types. It also examines how manufacturer’s ignition systems and technologies are possibly defeated to allow vehicles to drive away. CE credit will be offered for Alabama, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. CLE credit will be offered for Colorado (768194), Florida (1900486N), Texas (174037132), and Washington (1091748). CLE credit is currently pending Oregon. Click here to register.

ABA Transportation Megaconference XIV Trucking and Motor Carrier Litigation
March 21, 2019 – New Orleans, Louisiana  

“The Race for Autonomous Vehicles – Are We There Yet?” presented by Michael J. Urban, PE, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc.

The American Bar Association (ABA) Transportation Megaconference XIV Trucking and Motor Carrier Litigation will consist of continuing education programs for those involved in all aspects of trucking company-related litigation, providing attendees with practical, nuts-and-bolts approaches to transportation litigation, a national forum to learn from the experts, and an opportunity to meet, network, and exchange ideas with industry leaders and lawyers, executives, and those involved in the decision-making process. Click here for more information.

ABA Admiralty and Maritime Law Conference
March 22, 2019 – New Orleans, Louisiana    

“Preventing and Defending Personal Injury Claims Arising from Mental Health Issues and Drug Use” presented by Drew B. Haines, PE, District Manager, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc., Leanne O’Loughlin, President/Regional Claims Director, Charles Taylor P and I, Managament (Americas), Inc., Stephanie Propsom, Assistant Counsel Fincantieri Marine Group, Brian BA McAllister, President, McAllister Towing, and Paul Brewer, North American Team Claims Manager, Steamship Mutual.

The American Bar Association (ABA) Admiralty and Maritime Law Conference will feature more than 35 company representatives from the marine and energy market, plus a distinguished group of judges. Attendees will be eligible to earn over 11 hours of CLE hours, including 2 sessions of Ethics. Click here for more information.

PLRB Claims Conference and Insurance Services Expo
April 2, 2019 – Indianapolis, Indiana    

“Biomechanics of Injury Causation: How People Get Hurt” presented by Richard V. Baratta, PhD, PE, Senior Vice President, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc.

“Quality E-Learning for Claims Adjusters” presented by Vanessa M. Britton, Marketing Communications Manager, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc., Suzanne Baillargeon, Manager-Claims Training, Main Street America Group, and Shonda Boyer, MBA, Instructional Designer, American Family Insurance. 

“Building Codes: New Developments, Variances, Etc.” presented by James W. Jordan, PE, SE, Vice President, National Property Division Manager, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc., Craig E. Burgess, AIA, Indiana State Building Commissioner, and Edwin L. Rensink, Principal, RTM Consultants, Inc.

The Property and Liability Resource Bureau (PLRB) Claims Conference  and Insurance Services Expo is a conference that will allow attendees to network with a diverse range of claims professionals and service providers from hundreds of companies across the nation. Click here for more information.

Recent Presentations

CORESTA Meeting
October 24, 2018 – Kunming, China

“Quantitative Risk Assessment to Compare Health Risks of Chemicals in Consumer Products” presented by Annette B. Santamaria, PhD, MPH, DABT, Technical Director, Toxicology and Food Safety, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc.

The Cooperation Center for Scientific Research Relative to Tobacco (CORESTA) Meeting discussed the current state of the science pertaining to QRA and how it can be used to characterize exposures and estimate and/or compare human health risks associated with different types of consumer products, including tobacco products. It included a description of the data and methods available for conducting each step of the QRA process and the potential uncertainties/challenges with each step. Click here for more information.

Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc. CE/CLE Webinar
Currently On Demand!

“Forensic Toxicology for Drug and Alcohol Cases” presented by Carla J. Kinslow, PhD Director, Toxicology and Food Safety Division.

The Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc. Forensic Toxicology for Drug and Alcohol Cases CE/CLE Webinar is a one-hour course designed to help participants understand the technical issues surrounding the usefulness and validity of drug and alcohol testing in the determination of the degree of impairment in transportation, industrial, and premises liability accidents. The information within the course will provide fundamentals of drug and alcohol toxicology and descriptors of degree of impairment. On-demand viewing is now offered through December 23, 2019. Participants can earn CLE Home Study credit for Colorado (767036), Florida (1808956N), Oregon (6528*13), and Washington (1085002). Click here to register and view the on demand webinar.

Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc. Kansas City Pipe Freeze CE Seminar
January 23, 2019 – Lenexa, Kansas 

“Pipe Freeze Investigations” presented by Adam R. Hall, PE, NAFI-CFEI, Senior Consultant, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc.

“Water Mitigation” presented by BluSky Restoration.

The Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc. Kansas City Pipe Freeze CE Seminar featured presentations on Pipe Freeze Investigations (topics include CPVC pipe freeze, construction deficiencies, insufficient insulation of piping, pipe freeze conditions) and Water Mitigation – Initial Inspection, Extraction, Moisture Readings, Demolition, Equipment.  A total of two Texas CE credits were offered.  This seminar and Jack Stack BBQ lunch were provided free of charge. Click here to view our upcoming seminars.

Houston West Chamber of Commerce Luncheon
January 23, 2019 – Houston, Texas

“Women’s Excellence in Business” presented by presented by Annette B. Santamaria, PhD, MPH, DABT, Technical Director, Toxicology and Food Safety, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc.

The Houston West Chamber of Commerce Luncheons are held on the third Thursday or Friday of each month, and hosts anywhere from 80 to 600 attendees. Networking was available from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm; and preceded the program and luncheon which ended around 1:00 pm. Click here for more information.

DRI Product Liability Conference
February 6, 2019 – Austin, Texas

“Agricultural Construction Mining and Industrial Equipment – Stories that Stick: How to Tell Your Client’s Story at Trial” presented by John (Jack) A. Dolan, PE, CBC, President, Rimkus Building Consultants, and Jill D. Jacobson, Husqvarna Group.

The Defense Research Institute (DRI) Product Liability Conference included networking events, trial tactics, how to prepare company witnesses for depositions, and more. Click here for more information.

CLM Business Retail, Restaurant, and Hospitality Conference
February 6, 2019 – Grapevine, Texas  

“The Parking Lot is Full (of Risk)” presented by Louis (Ray) Wood, CPP, CCPO-Florida, MA, Special Consultant, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc., Benjamin T. Irwin, PE, CXLT, Eastern Region Property Division Manager, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc., Sherri Johnson, Interstate Hotels and Resorts, and Joseph Bias, Vernis and Bowling.

“Don’t Get Tripped up on Tribometer Misinformation: The Truth and Myths on Various Tribometers” presented by Thomas L. Parco, RA, LEED®AP, Western Region Property Division Manager, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc., Pam Colpoys, Ashford, Inc., James Eiler, Muchison and Cumming, LLP, and Wayne Maynard, Liberty Mutual.

The Claims Litigation Management (CLM) Business Retail, Restaurant, and Hospitality Conference consisted of sessions that apply to individuals in the retail, restaurant, and hospitality claims resolution profession. Participation at this conference offered the opportunity to for attendees to share their expertise in partnership with other authorities from across the country while building relationships. Click here for more information. 

Recent Publications

Georgia Defense Lawyer Magazine 
Fall 2018 

“Autonomous Vehicles” written by Michael J. Urban, PE, ACTAR, Transportation Division Manager, Great Lakes Region, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc.

The Georgia Defense Lawyer Magazine contains details about The Georgia Defense Lawyers Association (GDLA) activities, and recent developments in case law. Click here for more information.

WP Magazine 
December 2018 
 
“Environmental Risks of Roof-Mounted Solar Panels” written by Ben Daee, PhD, PE, Senior Consultant, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc. 

The WP Magazine is the official journal of the Ontario Insurance Adjusters Association (OIAA), which is a professional organization consisting of 1,000 claims professionals. They provide networking, professional development, industry news, and support to insurance adjusters across Ontario. Click here for more information

ASCE Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
February 2019

“Lessons Learned from Two Elementary School Collapses during the May 20, 2013 Moore Tornado” written by Lisa M Holliday, PhD, PE, Principal Consultant, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc.

The ASCE Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities featured this article that evaluates the failures and failure mechanisms that were observed in both schools, with the purpose of determining structural inadequacies and proposing design, fabrication, and construction practices to create a more robust system. The findings of the forensic investigations and discussion of the structural shortcomings are presented in this article. Click here for more information.