Loss Investigations

Investigate fire and explosion events to determine cause, to identify contributing factors, and—ultimately—to prevent similar incidents

Establishing the cause of a loss and identifying factors contributing to the extent of the loss is necessary to prevent similar incidents and to correctly assign liability.

How PLC Can Help

Fires and explosions often destroy the evidence of their origin, which makes determining the cause of the event, and the reasons for the extent of damage, a difficult undertaking requiring specialized expertise.

Our loss investigation and forensic engineering services range from file/report review to complete investigation and reporting, and are carried out by experts with the knowledge and experience to assist in explaining fire and explosion events.

Our Expertise

To every investigation, PLC’s team brings expertise in important subjects including:

• Fire cause determination
• Fire growth and spread
• Fire and explosion dynamics
• Modeling of fire events
• Identification of factors contributing to the loss
• Material flammability
• Fire protection system operation/contribution
• Role of emergency response in controlling losses
• Fire safety codes and standards

PLC’s specialists apply scientific methodologies to reach supportable and defendable conclusions which consider all factors and views of a particular loss

Findings are discussed with the client and, where appropriate, documented in a report; prior to finalizing a report, all investigations are subject to an internal, formal quality review, to ensure technical accuracy. Our specialists apply scientific methodologies to reach supportable and defendable conclusions which consider all factors and views of a particular loss. This approach involves collecting facts, gathering evidence, and forming and testing hypotheses, before reaching final conclusions regarding the loss event.