Analysis · Design · Legal
Plastic Expert Witness & Litigation Support
Polymer scientists providing failure analysis, expert testimony, and litigation consulting for attorneys and insurance professionals. 580+ litigation-related projects across 30+ US States and 5 Countries.
As Seen On CBS 60 Minutes
Pictured: Scott Pelley interviews Dr. Duane Priddy Sr.
580+
Litigation-Related Projects
2000+
Client Matters
70+
Experts
Global
US, Europe & Asia-Pacific
Why Attorneys Choose Our Plastic Expert Witnesses
Specialized polymer expertise that withstands scrutiny.
Daubert-Aligned Methodology
Our expert witnesses follow rigorous scientific methodology aligned with Daubert requirements: standardized testing per ASTM and ISO protocols, audited analytical techniques by the A2LA accreditation agency, and clearly documented chain-of-evidence procedures.
Full-Service Failure Analysis Network
Our network of affiliate laboratories ensures that we have state-of-the-art analytical testing and forensic science capabilities.
Exclusively Plastics-Focused
Unlike general engineering firms, Plastic Expert Group focuses exclusively on polymer science. Every expert witness has decades of hands-on plastics manufacturing, processing, and testing experience.
Clear, Jury-Ready Communication
Our experts are experienced in providing oral expert testimony. Complex plastic/polymer science is simply explained so any jury can understand it. Our experts are known for analogies that make failure mechanisms intuitive, turning microscopy data into compelling courtroom narratives.
Litigation Support Services
Deep expertise across every category of plastic failure litigation.
Plastic Pipe Failures
PEXa, PEXb, PEXc, CPVC, PVC, HDPE, and PP-R systems from manufacturers and brands including Uponor, Zurn, Nibco, Spears, Tyco, Harvel, Charlotte Pipe, Viking, BlazeMaster (Lubrizol), JM Eagle, and Aquatherm.
Plastic piping systems fail through exposure to products containing incompatible chemicals (ESC), oxidative degradation, improper installation, defective design, and manufacturing defects. Our experts have analyzed failures in residential plumbing, municipal water systems, and industrial process piping across the country and internationally.
- PEX tubing degradation and brass fitting failures
- CPVC embrittlement from chemical incompatibility
- HDPE butt fusion joint failures in gas and water mains
- Polypropylene (PP-R) fusion joint and system failures
- PEXa pipe and tubing failures, including crimp and expansion connection failures
Automotive Plastic Component Failures
Modern vehicles contain hundreds of plastic components, from engine compartment and interior system parts to structural brackets. When these components fail, the consequences can be catastrophic. Our experts analyze material selection errors, manufacturing defects, and environmental degradation in automotive plastics.
- Fuel system component cracking and leaking
- Radiator and coolant system plastic tank failures
- Interior trim and airbag housing material failures
- Structural bracket and clip fatigue failures
- Under-hood heat degradation of polymer components
- Active headrest (AHR) failures
Product Liability & Consumer Products
When a consumer product made from plastic fails and causes injury or property damage, our experts determine whether the failure resulted from a design defect, manufacturing defect, misuse, or material selection error.
- Children's product and toy structural failures
- Appliance component cracking and fire causation
- Furniture and fixture material failures
- Sporting goods and recreational equipment failures
Medical Device Plastic Failures
Plastic components in medical devices must withstand sterilization, body chemistry, and long-term mechanical loading. Failures in these applications can lead to patient injury or death. Our experts analyze biocompatibility failures, oxidative degradation, stress cracking in implantable devices, misuse, and sterilization-induced degradation.
- Implantable device plastic/polymer degradation
- Surgical instrument plastic component failures
- Drug delivery system material compatibility failures
- Catheter and tubing material failures
Industrial & Commercial Plastic Failures
Industrial plastic components operate under demanding conditions: chemical exposure, high temperatures, continuous loading, and UV exposure. Our experts investigate failures in tanks, vessels, piping, liners, and structural components used in commercial and industrial settings.
- Chemical storage tank and vessel failures
- Industrial piping and fitting failures
- Geomembrane and liner system failures
- Structural FRP composite failures
- Conveyor and material handling component failures
- Pulley failures
Our Expert Witness Track Record
With 580+ litigation-related projects across 30+ US States and 5 Countries, our plastic expert witnesses bring a depth of litigation experience that few polymer specialists can match. Our experts have been retained by both plaintiff and defense counsel in complex plastic failure litigation, providing testimony grounded in laboratory evidence and standardized test methods.
All plastics degrade over time. Like spaghetti becoming brittle when left out overnight, polymer chains break down through UV exposure, chemical attack, and stress, leading to catastrophic failures. Our job is to determine why a plastic part failed, when the degradation began, and who bears responsibility.
Our methodology follows rigorous scientific principles. Every opinion is backed by standardized testing (ASTM, ISO), documented material data, and reproducible laboratory results. This approach ensures our testimony withstands the most demanding legal scrutiny.
Representative Cases
A selection from our 580+ litigation-related projects.
Polypropylene (PP-R) Commercial Heating System Failure
Polypropylene (PP-R)
Determined the root cause of leaks in a commercial PP-R heating system.
PEX Plumbing System Failures: Residential
Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEXc)
Demonstrated PEXc design defects.
CPVC Fire Sprinkler System Brittle Fracture
Chlorinated PVC (CPVC)
Proved chemical incompatibility between CPVC pipes and common building materials caused embrittlement and cracking.
Automotive Radiator Tank Failure
Glass-filled Nylon (PA66-GF)
Identified manufacturing-induced stress concentrations leading to premature cracking under thermal cycling.
HDPE Municipal Water Main Failure
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Revealed improper butt fusion procedures and inadequate quality control as failure root cause.
PEXa Expansion-Fitting Connection Failures
PEXa with expansion fittings
Analyzed expansion ring and fitting interface failures in residential and commercial plumbing installations.
Have a similar case?
How We Build Your Case
From initial consultation to courtroom testimony: a proven six-step process.
Initial Consultation
We review the case facts, identify the plastic component(s) involved, and outline the scope of analysis needed.
Evidence Collection & Preservation
Proper handling and chain-of-custody documentation to ensure evidence integrity. We advise on preservation protocols before samples arrive.
Laboratory Testing
FTIR spectroscopy, DSC thermal analysis, microscopy (optical & SEM), mechanical testing, and chemical analysis performed using our field instrumentation and our accredited affiliate-lab network.
Root Cause Analysis
We determine why the plastic failed (material defect, design error, manufacturing flaw, environmental degradation, or misuse) within reasonable scientific certainty.
Expert Report
A comprehensive, court-ready report with clear opinions, supporting data, annotated photographs, and references to published standards and literature.
Deposition & Trial Testimony
Our experts present complex plastic/polymer science in clear, persuasive terms that attorneys, judges and juries understand. 580+ litigation-related projects of courtroom experience.
What Our Clients Say
Trusted by litigation teams and industry leaders across the country.
"One of my company's most well-established products failed during use and we were being threatened with a possible litigation. Plastic Expert Group proved that our product was not defective. I plan to continue to use Plastic Expert Group to solve all of my polymer analysis, plastic consulting, and plastic failure analysis needs."
Frank Webb
Paragon Sourcing
Product Liability Defense
"Plastic Expert Group's investigation report was thorough and clearly presented. I have used their expert witness services twice and plan to continue to use them whenever I have any matters involving the failure of plastic materials."
Roger Dreyer
Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora
Plastic Failure Litigation
"Plastic Expert Group's failure investigation clearly identified the defects in the product that injured my client. Their expert opinion report was meticulously prepared and their conclusions supported with excellent data and analysis. I plan to continue to use Plastic Expert Group for my cases involving defective plastic parts."
Tony Baratta
Baratta Russell Baratta
Personal Injury: Defective Plastic
What Attorneys Ask Us
Common questions about plastic expert witness services and failure analysis.
We work as expert witnesses for both plaintiffs and defendants, in MDL and in individual litigation. On the plaintiff side we are retained by national homebuilders, general contractors, property owners, and insurers pursuing recovery. On the defense side we are retained by resin producers, pipe and fitting manufacturers, and product manufacturers defending their designs. We are retained for technical objectivity, not advocacy.
Trusted By Nationally Recognized Industry Leaders
2,000+ client matters since 2004
Accreditations & Affiliations
Independent accredited labs across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Australia, and the Middle East
Request a Free Case Review
Tell us about your case. Our plastic expert witnesses typically respond within 24 hours with an initial assessment of how we can help.
24-Hour Response
Initial case assessment within one business day.
Prefer to Call?
+1 (989) 281-4465