Investigation On Behalf Of the Carrier. Fire and Arson Investigator.
December 1997.
Abstract: The insurance company is considered a private, corporate
citizen with no connection to the government or authorities. They may face
severe civil penalties for promoting a criminal investigation. This article
explains the hardships insurance companies are confronted with when investigating
fires.
Extra-contractual damages often deter insurance companies from prosecuting
a case. These are punitive damages that juries are allowed to add on to
the amount awarded the plaintiff if the insurance company loses the case.
To avoid losing a civil suit, insurance investigators must be objective
when examining the evidence. Unfounded suspicions or biased thoughts could
work against the fire investigator in court. When determining the fire cause,
the investigator should not take into account any evidence of motive. A
cause of fire determination influenced by financial or other motive factors
will benefit the insured rather than the insurance company in court.
Another hardship insurance companies face is the expense of conducting
investigations of every suspicious fire. This requires that claims personnel
must carefully select the cases to further investigate. They must select
investigations that will benefit the insurance company. Investigators must
also manage resources to cut avoid waste and inefficiency.
For more information, contact:
International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)
300 Broadway Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63102-2808
Phone: 314-621-1966
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