Systematic. Standards-compliant. Defensible.

The core of our work is the systematic exclusion methodology. For every loss case, we first identify all technically conceivable causes. These are discussed internally within the team. As a rule, we examine each case from multiple perspectives, evaluate different approaches and compare possible causes, damage mechanisms and contributing factors against one another. The targeted investigation begins only on this basis.

We then examine each conceivable cause individually against the findings on site, the measurement results and the technical documentation. Causes that are incompatible with the findings are excluded with stated reasons. At the end of this process, the cause or combination of causes that is consistent with all observed traces and findings remains.

This approach differs from a simple plausibility assessment. We do not name the most probable cause. Instead, we demonstrate why all other causes can be ruled out. The result is a root cause determination that withstands judicial review.

On-site evidence collection is carried out with our own measurement equipment. Depending on the damage pattern, insulation resistance measurements, thermography, I-V curve measurements, power measurements, continuity tests and SF6 gas detectors are employed. Where field measurements are not sufficient, we draw on the laboratory facilities of the IGO Group. These include X-ray analysis, microscopic component examination and further material testing.

The results of the measurement investigation feed directly into the exclusion methodology. Each measurement serves a specific verification purpose within the root cause determination.

In claims settlement, the clear separation between primary damage and the resulting consequential damage is of central importance. In every expert report, we clearly distinguish between the actual cause of damage, the damage directly resulting from it and the knock-on effects on other system components or on operations. This differentiation forms the basis for correct cost allocation and for the assessment of recourse claims.