With spoliation of evidence claims on the rise, insurers need to be increasingly aware of steps that must be taken to preserve damaged property. To better understand this, it is important to first recognize and understand chain of custody.
The inception of chain of custody is the point in time at which evidence is collected, and the chain must be maintained until the evidence is disposed. Evidence comes in all shapes and sizes, and depending upon the nature of your claim, must be cared for in a variety of different ways. This chain ensures continuity in accountability and is essential, as any break in the chain may invalidate admissibility in court.
The chain of custody is a chronological written record of those individuals who have had custody of the evidence from its initial acquisition until its final disposition. These persons in the chain of custody must be identified, and any person coming in contact with the evidence must be documented.
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