When it comes to fire investigations, do subrogationprofessionals really know what is going on at a scene inspection?Is a product manufacturer's defense team being called to a firescene with real reason -- or just a hope that a wallet will open?Those are but a few of the questions and aggravations addressed inthis morning's session, "The Defense - What Are TheirExpectations?" at the National Association of SubrogationProfessionals' annual conference taking place at the BroadmoorHotel in Colorado Springs, Colo.

"We are frustrated on the defense side because often we willshow up to a fire scene and realize the proper homework hasn't beendone," said Ted Tedford, an attorney with Tedford & Henry, LLP."In many cases, there are short cuts being taken, and there is noattempt made to really figure out where the fire started. In somecases, a simple list of products found at the scene is collectedand those companies are put on notice."

Tedford's co-presenter, Fire Investigator Robert Schroeder ofSchroeder Fire, said that those called to an examination on thescene should be given proper explanation and reasoning.