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- Matter
- Doe v. Riverside Property Mgmt., No. 2025-CV-08812
- Retaining counsel
- Okafor & Lin LLP (Plaintiff)
- Expert
- Marcus T. Bell, P.E.
- Role
- Forensic civil & safety engineering expert
OpinionsAwaiting your input
Within a reasonable degree of engineering certainty, the stairway did not conform to the maximum-riser, riser-uniformity, and handrail provisions of the applicable building code at the time of the incident 5 4. [Expert input needed: state the opinion on how the nonconforming conditions relate to the reported fall.]
Browse the other 10 report sectionsProfile, methodology, factual background, bases, and exhibits
Scope of AssignmentCited to your evidence
Okafor & Lin LLP retained the expert to evaluate the condition of the exterior stairway at the subject property and its conformance with the building-code requirements in effect at the time of the incident 1. The assignment was limited to the engineering and code-conformance questions and did not extend to any medical or damages opinion 1.
BackgroundCited to your evidence
The plaintiff reported falling while descending the exterior concrete stairway at the north entrance of the property on March 14, 2025 2.
Site Inspection and ExaminationCited to your evidence
A site inspection documented a six-riser exterior concrete stairway at the north entrance 3. Using a calibrated digital level and tape, riser heights were measured from 5.5 to 8.25 inches (a 2.75-inch variation, with the tallest riser exceeding the 7-inch maximum), tread depths from 9.75 to 11.25 inches, and no graspable handrail on either side 4. The conditions were photographed and catalogued in the attached photo log 6.
Facts and Data ConsideredCited to your evidence
Engineering AnalysisCited to your evidence
The 2021 International Building Code limits risers to a maximum of 7 inches, limits riser-height variation within a single flight to 0.375 inch, and requires a graspable handrail on stairways of four or more risers 5. The measured maximum riser of 8.25 inches and the 2.75-inch variation exceed those limits, and no handrail was present at the time of inspection 4. The maintenance records reflect no stairway inspection in the preceding 24 months 7.
Basis and ReasonsCited to your evidence
ExhibitsCited to your evidence
QualificationsProfile content
Marcus T. Bell, P.E. Licensed Professional Engineer with a Master of Science in Civil Engineering and membership in the National Academy of Forensic Engineers, as detailed in the attached curriculum vitae.
Prior Testimony (Last 4 Years)Profile content
Vega v. Summit Builders (2024) — deposition testimony.In re Harborview Stair Collapse (2023) — deposition and trial testimony.
Statement of CompensationProfile content
$325 per hour for inspection, analysis, and report preparation; $475 per hour for deposition and trial testimony. Compensation is not contingent on the opinions expressed or the outcome of the matter.