When Emerging Risks Escalate, Defensible Forensic Clarity Is Essential

The insurance industry is experiencing a marked increase in losses involving lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicle (EV) charging systems, solar photovoltaic installations and other advanced electrical infrastructure. While these innovations are transforming residential, commercial and industrial environments, they also introduce complex failure modes that require specialised expertise.

Conventional approaches to fire investigation often fall short when addressing these technologies, which require in-depth knowledge of design, manufacturing processes and system integration. For claims involving these systems, it is critical to retain forensic experts with direct experience in the engineering, production and failure analysis of such devices. Most importantly, these experts must excel at root-cause determination through rigorous scientific testing, laboratory analysis and evidence-based validation, moving beyond origin-and-cause opinions to establish clear, defensible liability pathways that enable effective liability and financial recovery. In today's environment, the line between a contained incident and an escalating, high indemnity claim frequently depends on timely, technically robust insight at the point of failure.

The Escalating Impact of Technical Complexity

Losses tied to battery systems, EV infrastructure and renewable energy installations typically involve interconnected components, multiple stakeholders, rapidly evolving standards and cascading failure mechanisms. Traditional investigative methods are increasingly inadequate, resulting in:

• Elevated indemnity payments
• Prolonged claim resolution timelines
• Diminished liability and third-party recovery opportunities

Claims and major loss teams need reliable specialist partners to establish causation swiftly, confidently and in a manner that withstands scrutiny.

Why Forensic Failure Analysis Is Indispensable Today

A structured, failure-analysis-driven forensic approach delivers the precision insurers require to safeguard their reserves, strengthen their position and maximise recoveries. 

The involvement of a forensic expert ensures that:

• Comprehensive root-cause analysis for fires, electrical failures, thermal runaway events, and charging-related incidents
• Scientifically validated evidence that supports faster, more informed claim decisions
• Independent laboratory testing and failure replication to bolster liability prospects
• Expert guidance tailored to claims handlers, major loss adjusters, and recovery specialists
• Clear assignment of responsibility to facilitate financial recovery from responsible parties

This methodology accelerates claim progression, minimises cost leakage, and provides the technical defensibility needed as emerging risks continue to evolve.

Proactive Expertise in Emerging Risks

Rather than merely responding to new hazards, Jensen Hughes provides specialised forensic services that enable the insurance industry to anticipate and address them effectively. Our team combines electrical engineering proficiency, hands-on experience in battery and charging system design/manufacture, and proven failure-analysis capabilities, including advanced testing in dedicated facilities, to provide the clarity that protects outcomes.

When new risks emerge, expert clarity matters. Contact a forensic expert to navigate these complex losses with confidence.