FRAUD & ARSON

Fraud and arson is an area in which we have served the needs of our clients for over 30 years. The Special Investigative Units of our carrier clients have asked us to become involved in fraud and arson claims at all stages of the investigative process. We frequently are called for opinions on claims handling, coverage and investigation. We have assisted clients in responding to complaints filed with the Department of Insurance.

Examinations Under Oath are an extremely useful tool in the investigation of suspicious claims. All of our partners have taken sworn statements in a variety of claims in which fraud is suspected including automobile, homeowner and business thefts, arson fires, and phantom or staged accidents.

If litigation results, we have defended cases in state and federal courts. We know the backgrounds and areas of concentration of expert witnesses who can help us in presenting the more technical aspects of a case to a jury whether it be the incendiary origin of a fire, the lack of forced entry on a vehicle or building, or the improbability that a particular claim occurred the way it was reported. We defend these cases to a conclusion and through the appellate process if necessary.

In view of our broad experience in handling fraud and arson matters, our clients have asked us to participate in seminars and conferences to discuss investigation techniques, examinations under oath, dealing with public adjusters, and the general handling of fraud cases. In some instances our insurer clients have asked us to file suit against their insured under various theories of recovery for payments made to lienholders or mortgage holders, or for payments made to the insured under false pretenses.