A devastating fire, explosion, or other catastrophic loss presents complex issues requiring immediate and effective handling. We represent insurers in claims for property loss, as well as schools, product manufacturers, property owners, and hotels in claims of property damage and personal injuries. If a fire or explosion event results in significant property damage, business loss, injuries, or fatalities, our Fire + Explosion practice group lawyers can arrive on the scene quickly, ready to lead the investigation and minimize any adverse effects to our clients.

We provide immediate response to a catastrophic event by assembling a team of investigative experts who go on scene to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and document information from appropriate authorities. A thorough early investigation can help avoid most litigation and may save significant expenses in the long run. We have the national experience to help companies minimize liability claims and the business impacts of a catastrophic fire loss, and we also guide our clients through the legal implications of a government investigation.

Our Services

Our Fire + Explosion practice group is highly experienced in leading investigations, which involve more than sending a specialist or engineer familiar with a product to the loss site. A proper fire or explosion investigation requires determination of these factors:

• Source of ignition or detonation
• First fuel ignited
• Circumstances that brought the ignition source in contact with the first fuel
• Why the fire was not suppressed or controlled by the fire suppression system
• What factors allowed the fire to spread beyond the area of origin

Our lawyers work with a nationwide network of top forensic professionals who promptly respond to loss sites anywhere in the United States. Together, we approach the following tasks head on:

• Investigating fully the root cause of the loss
• Analyzing the potential liability
• Helping adverse parties identify the persons or entities legally responsible for the incident and damage

Our Team

Our Fire + Explosion attorneys regularly present on fire and explosion topics across the United States. We also maintain strong relationships and communicate with government agencies, including:

• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
• Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)
• State and local fire marshals
• United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

We have a strong connection with the fire science community, and we are actively involved in many fire organizations, including:

• International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), as well as some of its local chapters
• International Association of Fire Investigators (IAFI) Attorney Advisory Committee
• International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) and the committee that authored “Introduction to Fire Origin and Cause” (3rd ed.)
• National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI)
• National Fire Protection Association (NPFA) 921 Technical Committee, where we helped write the book on the industry standard, entitled “NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations”

Our top-tier Fire + Explosion practice group is equipped to help your company minimize liability claims and the business impacts of a catastrophic loss, working collaboratively with investigative experts—and with highly-experienced and knowledgeable attorneys throughout our firm’s diverse practice areas.