TODD HARTZLER

Professional Engineer - Electrical

SUMMARY

Todd Hartzler is a Forensic Electrical Engineer with over 2,200 cases of experience investigating the electrical aspects of: Fires (cause vs effect, arc mapping); Equipment Damage (fire, water, lightning, electrical surge); Personal Injury (electrical shock, worksite safety, training) and Electrical Codes & Standards (NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, National Electrical Safety Code, NFPA 70E Electrical Safety in the Workplace). He has provided Expert Testimony in more than 40 depositions and trials for State and Federal courts in civil and criminal cases.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Hartzler Engineering & Consulting Services, Clive, IA

Forensic Electrical Engineer | 2023-Present

Independent Forensic Investigations Corporation, Urbandale, IA

Co-Founder, Vice President & Forensic Electrical Engineer | 2006-2023

• Business management, supervision of engineering services and staff
  • Develop KPI’s and lead monthly staff meetings
  • Develop back office systems for IT, accounting, payroll, case management
  • Oversee regulatory and business licensing compliance
  • Work with outside accounting, legal, and insurance vendors to provide our staff and business with appropriate services
• Site and Lab inspections, documentation, photography, evidence collection
  • Plan and lead investigator/expert group inspections. Work out schedules with 2-20 investigators, develop written protocol (outline) for safety and investigation steps, key points, and methodology.  Lead group introductions, Q&A, and negotiate concerns.
• Review electrical plans, environmental control programming, alarm systems
• Analysis of circuit breakers and fuses
• X-ray imaging analysis
• Author and review engineering reports
• Present investigation conclusions to insurance companies and legal counsel
• Provide sworn expert testimony in depositions and courtroom trials
• Produce and present engineering/technical training classes for industry seminars, clients, and the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau

Leuwerke & Associates, Des Moines, IA

Forensic Electrical Engineer | 2004-2006

OnSite Engineering & Forensic Services, Prior Lake, MN

Forensic Electrical Engineer | 2000-2004

Anderson Engineering of New Prague, New Prague, MN

Forensic Electrical Engineer | 1999-2000

Electrical Engineering Intern | 1996-1998