Finding a Landscape Architect Expert Witness for a Park Injury Case

A law firm seeks an expert in recreational park design for a case involving an elderly woman who fell into an uncovered pole-vault pit on a high school track—hidden by autumn leaves. The incident occurred in the Chicago area last October.

Qualified Expert Sources

Two professional organizations maintain directories of landscape architects and recreation professionals qualified as expert witnesses:

1. American Society of Landscape Architects – Illinois Chapter (ILASLA)
   www.il-asla.org
   22-page membership directory; filter for Chicago-area practitioners with park design and expert testimony experience.
2. Great Lakes Council – National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA)
   www.nrpa.org
   Focuses on recreation facility standards, risk management, and park safety—directly relevant to track/field design.

What to Look For

• Licensed landscape architect (IL registration).
• Portfolio including athletic facility/park design.
• Prior expert witness testimony (deposition/trial experience).
• Familiarity with ASTM, CPSC, and ADA standards for sports facilities.

Contact both organizations with case specifics—they can refer qualified members. Retaining an expert early ensures thorough site analysis before conditions change.