Major Damages
Major damages, which are defined by exceptionally high material, personal, or financial losses and are characterized based on specified damage amounts or other criteria, require meticulous and sensitive analysis concerning the cause and the question of fault. The fact that we are entrusted with the examination of such significant events almost daily is a clear sign of the trust placed in us. Our professional approach has already led to meaningful recourse results and pioneering court decisions in numerous cases. Some of the most severe damage cases in post-war history were successfully handled by us with perseverance, profound expertise, and creative solution approaches, leading to recourse actions.
In this context, we have realized that the analysis of the cause of damage must not be solely reduced to the investigation of the cause of the fire or the ignition source. The recourse examination of major damages demands a methodical, engineering-based approach. This promise is what we give to our clients.
Fire cause analysis
Every analysis of the cause of fire begins with a preliminary assessment. This is based on records, witness statements, and initial damage photos. This assessment helps us anticipate the probable outcomes and determine the next steps. Naturally, this is always done in close consultation with our client. Our aim is to take measures only when the results appear meaningful and can be utilized. If the preliminary analysis indicates that the likely cause of the fire does not fall within our jurisdiction, we refer the case to an appropriately specialized colleague.
The initial evaluation determines whether an on-site intervention is necessary, or if we can request evidence and limit our investigations to laboratory activities.
Our laboratory is equipped with the latest technology, including a high-resolution fine-focus X-ray machine. This allows us to non-invasively examine the interiors of devices damaged by fires and search for clues to the primary cause of the fire. As a result, we can significantly enhance the chances of pinpointing the exact cause of the fire.
With comprehensive experience and deep knowledge of technical standards, regulations, laws, and alternative mechanisms, we assist, among other things, in the review and preparation of subrogation claims of the property insurer, or in the evaluation of subrogation demands from liability insurers.
Damages to renewable energy sources.
Damages to photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, and other renewable energy technologies often arise from inadequate planning or a flawed risk assessment. These technical systems, which are increasingly vital for a sustainable energy future, necessitate a detailed and technically astute analysis. Our expertise isn't confined to photovoltaics and wind energy; we also possess extensive experience in investigating damages related to cutting-edge renewable energy sources. This includes hydropower plants, both onshore and offshore facilities, as well as underwater current turbines, on an international scale.
Renewable energy systems are progressively leveraging advanced electrical storage technologies to efficiently store harvested energy and release it when required. Notably, storage solutions based on lithium technology have emerged as exceptionally valuable due to their high energy density combined with the capability for rapid charging and discharging cycles.
While these technologies usher in a new era of energy solutions, they are not without their specific risks. Explosions and fires originating from lithium-based storage systems can often be attributed to product defects, improper usage, or shortcomings in construction and maintenance. Such events not only result in significant property damages and personal injuries but also threaten the overall stability of the energy system.
Our work emphasizes the meticulous examination of subrogation claims and responsibilities. Unearthing errors in the installation, maintenance, or design of these systems often becomes pivotal in validating claims against installers, maintenance firms, or other involved parties. Employing a systematic and engineering-focused methodology, we ensure a comprehensive evaluation of all aspects, guaranteeing our clients receive a well-rounded and objective assessment.
Surge damages
Delving into the intricacies of overvoltage-induced damages is central to our expertise. Surprisingly, more than 80% of these damages leave no discernible external marks. Furthermore, the assessment of contemporary electronic components often surpasses the capabilities of traditional measurement methods, occasionally leading to misinterpretations – an aspect not commonly broached in industry discussions. To counteract this, our fine-focus X-ray equipment stands as our standard analytical tool. This state-of-the-art technology permits a profound examination of electronic components, enabling us to pinpoint the precise origins of malfunctions. It's crucial to note that identifiable overvoltage damages often underscore the lack or improper installation of protective measures. Given that technical standards have mandated overvoltage protections for three decades, it's prudent to evaluate potential claims against installation and maintenance entities, especially when damages are substantial.
Industrial Electronics
Technical systems, especially in industrial applications, are often a conglomerate of various disciplines and are characterized by their high complexity. Understanding and evaluating these interdisciplinary systems requires not only years of experience but also the ability to look beyond the horizons of one's own specialty. With a global scope, we examine damages to industrial plants, where we not only assess the causes of damage but also develop innovative solution strategies for repair and replacement measures.
However, we know: Time is money. Damages to industrial plants can lead to significant operational interruptions, which are often associated with enormous costs. For this reason, we adopt an agile approach that guarantees quick response times and efficient problem-solving. Our engineering teams work hand in hand to ensure prompt diagnostics and corresponding solution proposals, ensuring that systems are up and running as soon as possible.
Medical Technology Damages
Technical devices and systems in medical technology, whether it's X-ray technology, ultrasound systems, medical analysis technology, or rehabilitation technology, are of vital importance for patient care and health diagnostics. A failure or defect in this equipment can have far-reaching consequences for both healthcare facilities and the patients.
In many cases, damages or malfunctions can be attributed to product defects, faulty planning, or inaccurate risk assessment. Our expertise in the detailed and technically adept analysis of these highly complex devices ensures that we can precisely identify the core of the problem. We focus not only on pure damage analysis but also on potential subrogation claims and the review of duties, to trace back the causes to their origins, be it manufacturing defects, installation errors, or maintenance shortcomings.
With a methodical, engineering-based approach, we offer an objective and well-founded assessment of all relevant aspects.
Q-Element Damage
Interruptions in supply can occur due to third-party actions. For instance, excavation or other groundworks often cause damage to cables due to negligence. These damages typically result in interruptions to power grids, which in turn disrupts the electricity supply to end-users. Such unplanned supply interruptions generally lead to a reduction in the quality element bonus for the network operator over time. This causes significant financial consequential damages for energy providers. Since the cause of the damage and the resulting downtime significantly impact the subsequent Q-element damage, it's crucial to examine any partial fault of the network operator even in primary damages. Since the well-known Federal Court of Justice ruling on the regulation of Q-element damages, the number of regressions by network operators at the expense of liability insurers has sharply increased. Experience shows that these damage claims are often inadequately justified and have many deficiencies. Upon close examination, a high degree of fault on the part of the network operators is often identified concerning the claimed damage amount. This usually leads to the rejection of the regression claim. Within the framework of an expert opinion order, we examine the responsibility of the various parties involved in the overall damage. Furthermore, the submitted documents, calculations, and other aspects are reviewed. The findings are documented in an expert report.
Lithium Battery-Induced Fires
The proliferation of lithium batteries in modern devices and systems has led to an unprecedented revolution in electromobility and many other technological sectors. Simultaneously, this development brings significant risks, especially concerning explosion and fire dangers. Misuse or construction flaws can lead to substantial property damage and severe personal injuries.
A particularly critical area we focus on intensively is electromobility, especially in devices such as scooters, e-bikes, and electric cars. Due to their daily use and the stresses they face, they are particularly susceptible to incidents caused by lithium batteries.
Our technically grounded approach allows us to pinpoint the exact origin of the damage or malfunction, whether due to user behavior, production errors, or constructive weaknesses. In all cases, our emphasis is on performing an objective and detailed analysis that illuminates potential claims and the adherence to safety standards and responsibilities.
With our experience and expertise, we aim to enhance the safety and reliability of devices and systems powered by lithium batteries, thereby minimizing risks for property and personal damages.
Review of Insurance Appraisals
In this area of activity, we focus intensively on the careful re-evaluation and revision of insurance reports. It has been shown that in many cases, technical standards or test procedures, especially in the field of electrical engineering, are misinterpreted and applied due to a lack of expertise by experts. Such misunderstandings and erroneous applications can lead to alleged breaches of duty before the occurrence of damage and even to complete misjudgments of the cause of the damage. This often results in insurers reducing the claim amount by significant percentages or even completely rejecting it based on these flawed reports.
Given this problem, we offer a comprehensive review of the original damage assessments. With our solid technical expertise, we ensure that all relevant standards and procedures are correctly applied and all facts are accurately assessed in context. Our reviews often conclude that the original evaluations and the resulting decisions on claims settlements need to be corrected.
Our services are valued and utilized by both legal experts and insurance brokers, as well as affected policyholders. Our mission is to bring transparency and fairness to the process of damage assessment and ensure that all parties act on a solid and accurate information base.
Paragliding Accident Analysis
Paragliding captivates with its freedom and closeness to nature, but it also carries risks that can lead to serious injuries and significant material damages in the event of accidents. One notable issue is the disruption of power grids upon contact during the charging process. A thorough accident analysis is therefore essential to uncover the exact causes and prevent future incidents. As an experienced pilot, I bring not only technical knowledge but also valuable practical experience. This allows me to view each accident from a holistic perspective - from weather conditions, equipment, to human behavior and decision-making. The aim of each analysis is to identify safety gaps, propose preventive measures, and thus make flying safer for everyone.
Accident Analysis of E-bikes and Scooters
With the rise of electromobility, E-bikes and scooters have gained increasing presence on our streets. However, with the increase of these vehicles, the number of accidents, often leading to significant property damage and personal injuries, has also risen. Our investigations suggest that many of these accidents can be attributed to design flaws, improper maintenance, or the use of inferior components. A concerning phenomenon that has gained importance lately is the unauthorized tuning of these vehicles. Such modifications can exceed speed and performance limits, substantially raising the risk of accidents.
We are specifically equipped to precisely identify the presence of such tuning measures and evaluate their impact on the course of the accident. This is an essential step to clearly differentiate between the driver's fault and the possible contributory fault of the manufacturer or other involved parties. Our young engineers, armed with profound knowledge and valuable experiences in the field of electromobility, confront this complex challenge with expertise and precision. The goal is always to identify potential sources of errors and risks and develop preventive solutions to increase safety.