Practice Areas & Industries

Arson-Fraud Litigation

Insurance fraud, whether it be arson or some other fraudulent scheme, is a major concern to society at large, and to the insurance industry in particular. Fraudulent claims result in increased premiums to honest consumers and can undermine the insurance process. Since its inception 20 years ago, the Arson-Fraud Practice Group has been a leader in litigating arson and fraud claims on the insurance industry's behalf. In addition, the group's lawyers serve our clients by providing seminars across the country to educate the insurance industry and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies about insurance fraud.

The lawyers in the Arson-Fraud Practice Group have tried over two hundred cases to verdict, including receiving the largest arson-fraud related verdict in the history of the State of Missouri. The group publishes a comprehensive treatise, Arson, Fraud and First-Party Insurance Law, that is relied on by insurance professionals nationwide. The group also reports cases, legal updates and events of significance to the firm's clients in a quarterly newsletter.

From the first notice of loss to the conclusion of a claim, the lawyers in the Arson-Fraud Practice Group guide and counsel claims personnel to successful resolution of arson and fraud claims. The group's lawyers take examinations under oath, provide coverage opinions, draft reservation of rights letters and advance payment agreements. They also recommend experts in the field of cause and origin, structural engineering, chemistry and many other disciplines that may be involved in arson and fraud claims. In addition, they serve as facilitators for the International Association of Arson Investigators Courtroom Technology Project and are involved in training various government and private arson task forces throughout the Midwest.