Security Expert Witness

Ken Wheatley is a testifying or consulting security expert witness for defense and plaintiff counsels in the area of premises liability.

The following services are provided for most legal cases:

• Obtaining and analyzing data
• Document review (e.g. testimony, pleadings, manuals, contracts, etc.)
• Research (e.g. industry standards and practices)
• Report preparation, deposition, and trial

Professional Level Member of the Forensic Expert Witness Association (FEWA) - Member of the National Board of Directors, & President of the San Diego Chapter.

McKown v. Simon Property Group - retained by plaintiff counsel for premises liability case. Their client was one of 7 people shot at the Tacoma Mall in Washington State. Deposed. Case settled.

Allen and Laura Bricker v. Clark County and First Response - retained by Clark County defense counsel for negligent security case. Mr. Bricker, an employee of the VA in Washington State, was shot twice at work by a former employee and survived. Plaintiff was seeking $8 million in damages. Deposed and then testified at trial. Jury found in favor of defendants. 

Shelia Coe v. Securitas Security Services USA - retained by plaintiff counsel in Los Angeles. A wage & hour dispute. Deposed. Case settled.

Michael Gray v. The Hertz Corporation - retained by defense counsel in Texas for negligence, malicious prosecution and false arrest case. Wrote report. Jury found in favor of defense. 

Allen v. USA - retained by plaintiff counsel as consulting expert in a negligent security case. Their client wanted to bring suit against TSA. After consultation they dropped the case.

Doucett v. Target Corporation - retained by plaintiff counsel for premises liability and negligent security case. Plaintiff, an employee of an eyewear store within a Target store, was shot during a carjacking in the Target parking lot. Reviewed documentation, interviewed plaintiff. Case settled.

Daron Jerome Willis & Subrinna Lynn Coleman v. Beaumont Independent School District - retained by plaintiff counsel in Texas on a use of force case. A school police officer broke the arm of the plaintiff, a student, during an altercation. Wrote a report. Case settled.

Carolyn Grant v. Houston Airport Hospitality LP dba Holiday Inn Houston Intercontinental Airport - retained as consulting expert by defense counsel on a rape/negligent security/premises liability case. Plaintiff dropped case.

Jose Luis Lopez v. City of Port Arthur, Texas - retained by plaintiff counsel on a case involving use of force resulting in death by the police department. Mr. Lopez's wife was shot and killed. Upon consultation, case was dropped.

Helmandi v. Sunset Entertainment Group - retained as a consulting expert by defense counsel in a case involving bodily injury. Case outcome unknown.