Subrogation Department Settles Another Spontaneous Combustion Case

Bill Schmidt, a partner in the Subrogation Department, recently settled another spontaneous combustion case, his second such settlement in recent months. In this case, the defendant agreed to perform painting and carpentry work for the plaintiff’s insured. The defendant allegedly applied stain and then improperly stored stain-soaked rags and/or drop cloths. These purportedly improperly stored materials spontaneously combusted and caused severe fire and smoke damage to the insured’s residence. Bill aggressively pursued the defendant and filed suit alleging, among other things, that the defendant was negligent for storing the rags and/or drop cloths improperly and for failing to warn the plaintiff’s insured of the dangers associated with the way it stored the materials. Ultimately, Bill was able to successfully settle the matter.