importing a corrupted file

I have a script that is auto importing files.  If it tries to import a file that is corrupted, the script silently exits.  Is there a way to test if a file is corrupted; I tried

     replace = app.project.importFile(new ImportOptions(file));

     if(!replace){

          alert('noCanDo');

     }

but it never gets to the block because the script immediately exits  on app.project.importFile

any ideas on how I can accomplish this?