Eric M. Defend

Eric M. Defend, P.E. is a Mechanical Engineering expert specializing in mechanical failure analysis and root-cause analysis of complex equipment failures. With extensive experience in analyzing heavy construction and mining equipment systems, he brings a detailed understanding of mechanical systems and their failure mechanisms to litigation work. His work centers on investigating root causes of mechanical failures, assessing structural and fatigue failure mechanisms, and evaluating whether design defects contributed to equipment malfunctions.

Mr. Defend has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across Illinois, involving cases related to heavy construction and mining equipment failures. His Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, along with his Professional Engineer (P.E.) certification, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving hydraulic systems, structural components, and critical assemblies in off-highway and large mining equipment.