Evidence handling, documentation and storage is an important aspect of claims handling.  When physical evidence is obtained as part of an investigation, it must be properly documented, and secured as soon as practical to avoid spoliation.  Chains of custody must be maintained at all times.  Evidence analysis and testing can come at a later date as long as the documentation and securing has been performed properly.  Parties must be put on notice for proper laboratory examination.

 

Have you ever paid a claim or lost a case
because of inadequate information and/or spoiled evidence?

Unfortunately today, the request for an investigation sometimes may take place months after the loss occurred and valuable evidence may have already been lost.  Following the investigation, this evidence must still be held for a period of time so that all parties, even those not currently apparent, are given the opportunity to make their interest in the property known and/or agree to the destruction of said evidence. 

 

Having this knowledge can prevent overpayment on a claim, paying a claim that should not have been paid, losing a lawsuit and/or avoiding future litigation arising from parties who were not initially involved.   In summary, our experience has shown us how to best protect your interests.  Proper documentation and securing of evidence quickly, if not immediately following the loss, is imperative in today’s litigious environment.

 

This is why many I-ENG-A members offer ‘EVIDENCE ENCASEMENT SERVICES’.  Our rapid response evidence encasement services are designed to provide our clients with relevant scene evidence documentation.  Once the evidence is encased, an information file is supplied to the client to hold until needed. 

 

If litigation develops (usually after a considerable time), the encased evidence can be retrieved and provided to a designated expert.  It is a known fact that experts with good information and appropriate evidence are more credible and have greater success in defending their position. 

EVIDENCE HANDLING

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