Bob’s first examination in 1977 involved a fourteen year old boy who, while trying to surprise his father on his birthday, fatally contacted a 19,000 volt power line. This incident introduced Bob into the application of the scientific method to the world of collecting, organizing and analyzing data, and presenting it in a court of law. Since then, he has been involved in hundreds of electrical injury cases, both for the plaintiff and the defense. Bob has carefully evaluated all of these cases for their merit in light of the data collected.
These personal injury cases have involved electrical shock, electrocution, arc-flash explosion burns resulting in severe injury and death, electrical equipment malfunction resulting in personal injury and death, personal error, and fraudulent claims. Voltages involved have ranged from 120 volts to 69,000 volts. The parties involved are of all ages and include, but are not limited to, electrical utilities, electricians, manufacturers, contractors, workers, and the public. Bob has also testified for state and federal prosecution in cases involving the use of electricity as a cover up in arson and homicide. Bob takes his forensic analysis role very seriously, whether it involves property damage, injury or loss of life.
Bob’s studies and experience in human factors engineering have been valuable in his assessment of the role that the person-machine interface has played in these incidents. This, combined with his experience as an electrician, has assisted him in understanding how an incident could occur and the roles of the victim(s) and electrical system(s). Bob is proficient with a wide range of ANSI, IEEE, NEMA, NFPA, OSHA, UL and national standards relating to safety, such as The National Electrical Safety Code, Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces, Electrical Standards for Industrial Machinery and Specifications for Accident Prevention Signs.
Meet the Staff
DR. ROBERT J. SVARE ~ P.E. - BEE - MSIE - PHD
Dr. Svare is a licensed Master Electrician, Electrical Contractor, Professional Electrical Engineer and educator who has been involved in the practice of forensic engineering since 1977. He is a graduate of the Brown Institute of Industrial Electronics and has a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (BEE) degree, a Doctorate in Vocational Education (PhD) from the University of Minnesota (with supporting work in electrical engineering and human factors), and a Master of Science in Industrial Education from St. Cloud University of Minnesota. Bob’s hands-on experience as an electrician and scene examiner has qualified him as an expert in all levels of court, from mediation/arbitration through federal, and he is listed as an expert witness by the United States Department of Justice. Bob’s natural teaching ability makes him a much sought-after speaker for a wide variety of world audiences, from IAAI seminars to in-depth classes at the US ATF National Academy.
Barb Novak is a graduate of North Hennepin Community College where she obtained an Applied Science degree from the paralegal program. Barb has twelve years experience working for the police departments of the Minnesota cities of Golden Valley, Minnetonka, and Hopkins, where she was responsible for a multitude of tasks and interfacing with the public. Barb also worked for the prosecution department for the law firm of LeFevre, Lefler, Kennedy & O’Brien, LLP. Barb has been with SPE since 1988 and currently holds the roles of office manager and research assistant, being the central ‘hub” for all primary communications between the clients and Bob Svare. Barb is fully conversant with all case work and is able to assist clients with a multitude of inquiries should Bob not be available.
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