All California automobile insurers are mandated to maintain Special Investigation Units to identify and resist potentially fraudulent claims. The handling of SIU claims by the defense attorney requires special training and the development of fraud detection skills. Furthermore successful SIU defense requires a solid understanding of the specific SIU standards and practices of the insurance client. Fernandez & Lauby partners are trained and highly experienced in SIU investigation and defense. Special deposition techniques and precision examination of medical and employment records are utilized to expose fraud indicators. The goal is to position the SIU case such that the plaintiff attorney understands that the wise course is to drop the case. In the alternative, the case is prepared with a defense posture for arbitration or trial, so long as that objective is compatible with the interests of the insured client.
Fernandez & Lauby partners have successfully arbitrated and tried thousands of SIU cases. Additionaly, Founding Partner, Edward A. Fernandez, is the recipient of the 2008 Defense Attorney of the Year Award presented by The International Association of Special Investigation Units, Southern California Chapter.
In addition, they are routinely called upon to conduct sworn statements involving automobile policies (pre-litigation bodily injury claims, stolen vehicle claims, vandalism claims, fire losses and various physical damage claims) and homeowners/renters policies (fire, theft, water damage, smoke damage, etc.).
Please contact us today to schedule a meeting with a partner and to discuss how we may assist your company.
