“Arson Investigations and the Pursuit of Bad Faith Claims”

Swift Currie partner Melissa Segel authored an article for Claims Journal discussing the rise of fraudulent arson claims and key strategies for insurance companies to succeed in an arson fraud case.

According to Georgia law, insurance companies must identify the origin of the fire and establish the motive the insured would have to set the fire, as well as providing evidence that would link the insured to the arson. Segel highlighted the importance of thorough on-site investigations to determine if the fire was intentional, detailed witness interviews and gathering admissible evidence that can be used to establish motive and opportunity.

“Diligent claim handling is using all resources that the policy and applicable law provides you while allowing your inherent curiosity to lead you to the proper legal and ethical conclusion,” Segel remarked.

To view the full article, you may click here.