Dean Biomechanics

At just 17, Keith Stolworthy’s hopes of becoming an orthopedic surgeon took a devastating turn when a near-fatal accident left him paralyzed. Rising like a phoenix from the ashes, Stolworthy refined his focus on biomechanical engineering to understand the very forces that changed his life.

Stolworthy’s journey followed a remarkable trajectory. Driven by a quest to understand the mechanics behind his own injuries, he sought to reconstruct his own accident and discovered a passion for forensic biomechanical engineering. This new path allowed him to merge his love of science, medicine, and failure analysis, setting the stage for an illustrious career. Over the years, he gained invaluable experience at each step: Brigham Young University, Action Target, Rimkus Consulting Group, Vanderbilt University, and Delta V Biomechanics.

Returning to his hometown of Henderson, Nevada, Dr. Stolworthy started Dean Biomechanics—a forensic engineering firm specializing in injury causation analysis and accident reconstruction.

Although he regained the ability to walk after years of physical therapy and could walk short distances, his physical limitations remain a significant part of his daily life. His perseverance enables him to lead an active lifestyle while managing the chronic pain resulting from the accident.

Stolworthy’s experience with physical limitations and firsthand knowledge of disability, rehabilitation, and medical devices influences his professional career, providing a unique perspective, especially in his forensic engineering work. He is deeply familiar with the challenges faced by individuals in traumatic accidents and this empathy is an essential aspect of his approach to both his professional work and personal life. Despite his physical limitations, Stolworthy continues to live with determination and resilience, balancing his time between family, career, church service, and hobbies like adaptive sled hockey.

Today, Dr. Stolworthy is a respected leader in the forensic engineering field, and his journey stands as a powerful testament to human determination. By rising above devastating setbacks, he proves that even in the face of life-altering challenges, one can forge a path to a future filled with possibility and impact.

Dr. Stolworthy’s positive and persistent attitude has allowed him to convert challenges into opportunities throughout his life and drive meaningful change. Marked by resilience and adaptability, his journey continues to inform his work, helping individuals find answers while empowering them to overcome their own challenges.

“Combining my experience, passion, and skills as a forensic biomechanical engineer, I hope to help individuals understand their injuries and offer clarity and resolution in the investigation,” says Dr. Stolworthy.

Uncovering The Story Behind Every Injury

Dean Biomechanics’ process begins with a comprehensive, step-by-step approach that treats each accident as a unique event. A biomechanical analysis expands on traditional accident reconstruction, focusing on the distinctive factors that explain why individuals sustain specific injuries. This attention to detail is highly effective in injury cases, including vehicle accidents, falls, or other fatal events.

The company emphasizes understanding the math and scientific principles behind the analysis. By establishing upperand lower-bound envelope conditions for various parameters, you can begin to understand the possible scenarios that could have caused the alleged injuries, or determine if a more likely alternative explanation exists.

To ensure accuracy, the company uses established accident reconstruction tools and commercial simulation programs when necessary. Depending on the precision required, the team establishes broad envelope conditions to evaluate specific problems. These conditions are refined as new information emerges, allowing the team to quickly set expectations and communicate findings clearly and effectively to clients.

Taking a scientific approach, the team begins by formulating a hypothesis and conducting calculations based on established methodologies in accident reconstruction and injury biomechanics. Dean Biomechanics applies basic engineering principles, such as Newton’s laws, to analyze these factors. Rigorous testing then proves or disproves the hypotheses. By working with fundamental principles, the team establishes expectations for accident severity and the forces or motions an occupant would most likely experience.

In one case, a single-vehicle rollover caused all occupants to be ejected, resulting in one fatality. The central question involved determining who had been driving, as the available evidence provided conflicting accounts. Using proven methods in vehicle accident reconstruction and biomechanical analysis, Stolworthy determined the only possible seating position of each occupant, concluding that the driver was one of the survivors.

“People can be involved in the same accident yet experience significantly different outcomes,” says Dr. Stolworthy. “Understanding how a person interacts with the environment during the incident is crucial to analyzing the nature and extent of their injuries.”

An analysis of the medical records identifies the diagnosed injuries and helps us understand the pre-incident biomechanical health. If an injury claim does not align with the biomechanics, the analysis provides clear evidence to explain the inconsistencies.

In another case, the company’s detailed examination led to a favorable court ruling, absolving a client of liability and sparing them claims worth tens of millions of dollars.

Precision Meets Empathy—A Winning Combination

Dean Biomechanics goes beyond simple accident reconstruction by meticulously analyzing the biomechanics of each injury to ensure every contributing factor is understood.

For instance, in a multi-stage accident involving a car on autopilot, the company’s biomechanical analysis revealed the order that each injury occurred, clearing the client of liability and explaining the complexities of the incident.

Dean Biomechanics primarily operates in the western U.S. However, what sets the company apart is its ability to blend precision and empathy, grounded in Dr. Stolworthy’s technical expertise and ability to communicate his findings. This combination enhances the quality of the services offered and also enables Dean Biomechanics to serve many clients.

A meticulous approach, coupled with resilience and dedication, cements the company’s position as a leader in forensic injury analysis. Dean Biomechanics continually redefines how injuries are understood and resolved, emphasizing thorough investigation and evidence-based solutions.

Looking ahead, the company aims to expand its reach while maintaining high-quality forensic work. It seeks to hire additional engineers and administrative staff to provide expert testimony and develop educational campaigns for individuals and businesses, primarily serving companies in litigation matters – manufacturers, insurance, and defense or plaintiff attorneys or law firms.

Driven by a blend of personal experience, professional growth, and a commitment to truth, Dean Biomechanics navigates the evolving landscape of forensics with integrity, mentorship, and a genuine desire to help others pursue justice.

“It is about more than just numbers for us. It is about seeking truth and making a difference in the lives of individuals and the broader community,” says Dr. Stolworthy.