Evidence: Handling, Storage & Examination

Evidence is a key component in any investigation. Often times, properly documented evidence can be the deciding factor in a loss adjustment settlement, mediation, arbitration, or court litigation. All evidence must be legitimized and a foundation must be established showing how the evidence was collected, who collected it, where it was collected, who has and had custody, how it was processed, and when changes of custody occurred. A $5 plumbing fitting that resulted in a $100,000 water loss is no longer worth just $5. It is now the key component to a subrogation case. That fitting must be protected and preserved. ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) has specific guidelines and protocols on how to manage the handling, storage, and examination of the evidence. These guidelines will explain what you should and should not do to prevent spoliation.