Don't Let The Clock Run You: Investigation Turnaround Times

Volume 2 / Edition 4

This Week; Focus On: Don't Let The Clock Run You: Investigation Turnaround
Times

Hmmm, it's 9:30 a.m. I'm here, so is def. counsel. The witness looks fine;
the court reporter is setting up his machine... Why does something not feel
quite right? Oh, no! The other witness!! The stronger one. This one here might
as well been asleep during the accident for all she states she can remember...

To properly pace a file, it's important to coordinate with your investigator;
to insure she has enough time to satisfactorily complete her assignment. In
this week's Bulletin, we'll lay out a turnaround timetable for the most common
requests an investigator receives and the information necessary to satisfy these
requests. (These tips are general rule-of-thumb ... not literal as each matter
is case specific.)
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Subject Locate; Full name, last known address and phone numbers, last known since (give month and year), known emergency contacts, DOB, SSN (if known); 1 – 10 business days

Basic Asset Search(In State); Full name, last known address and phone number, DOB, SSN (if known); 2 – 4 business days

Witness Statements; Full name, last known address and phone number, DOB and SSN (if known), date of loss, relation to client (non related witness, store owner…); 1 – 2 weeks (pending witness did not relocate or go on vacation)

New Client Sign Up; Full name, address and phone number, phone number of alternate contact, blank retainers and releases, attorney's business cards; 24 – 48 hours

Site Survey; Full name, phone number, exact location, date and time of loss, cause of loss, if known; any extraordinary details (ongoing construction @ location, conditions occur at a specific time…); 2 – 7 business days

Discuss beforehand the file details and any upcoming important case dates you
may have. Cushion your request by several weeks to allow for the unforeseen
(witness has moved, records are complex and more difficult to obtain, subject
is on vacation... ).

Your investigator should be able to give you a fairly accurate turnaround time
as she is the one scheduling and directing the request. In cases where the investigator
is requested to research information, be specific regarding your direction with
your case and the results you are looking for. If everyone is on the same page;
the results will fall in line - and in a more timely manner.

BNI investigators: Street smart; net savvy.

I look forward to any comments you may have or and questions I can answer for
you.

Sincerely,

Lina M. Maini
Editor, The Beacon Bulletin
CEO, Beacon Network Investigations, Inc.