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

"We are frustrated on the defense side because often we will show up to a fire scene and realize the proper homework hasn't been done," said Ted Tedford, an attorney with Tedford & Henry, LLP. "In many cases, there are short cuts being taken, and there is no attempt made to really figure out where the fire started. In some cases, a simple list of products found at the scene is collected and those companies are put on notice."

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