Fanning the Flames of Subrogation
The Problem
One evening, a family of three awoke to the acrid scent of smoke, the frantic sounds of neighbors knocking on their front door, and the horrifying realization that their home was ablaze. Trapped upstairs by the flames, the fire department had to forcibly enter the home to rescue the two elderly residents and their adult son, who was residing with them at that time. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries, but the questions remained: what was the origin of the fire, and what factors had led to its ignition?
The Solution
Advanced Analysis, a Division of Pete Fowler Construction, was hired by the insurance company of the resident to determine the origin and cause of the fire. This was done by means of a site inspection, where the investigator took photographs, conducted interviews, and collected evidence needed to confirm his final hypothesis.
Fire scene findings decisively ruled out any involvement of a structural electrical system malfunction as the source of this fire. Examining variables such as the burn patterns of the structure as well as soot and smoke staining on the walls and windows, our investigator was able to determine the exhaust fan positioned directly above the bathroom toilet as the fire's cause. The flames quickly advanced to the surrounding construction materials, leading to widespread property damage.
Reports from the family indicated that the bathroom fan had exhibited a persistent squealing sound during the days leading up to the fire. Taking into account these observations, our investigator recommended testing that confirmed the fan's product failure. In addition to determining the origin and cause of the fire, our report provided our client with the supporting evidence needed to begin subrogating the costs of the claim.