Insurance Expert Witness Services for Attorneys
Marshall Services provides IAUA CPAU-certified expert witness services for insurance litigation. Services include written expert reports, deposition testimony, trial testimony, case review, opposing appraisal critique, and strategic advisory. Supporting cases involving bad faith insurance claims, property damage valuation disputes, appraisal process disputes, and coverage analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can an appraisal expert testify to that a contractor cannot?
Methodology, not only price. A contractor can say what a repair costs; an expert on the appraisal process can explain how the amount of loss should have been determined, whether the opposing estimate followed accepted estimating practice, and where its scope or pricing departs from it. Reports here are prepared to meet the Federal Rules of Evidence 702 requirements.
Will you look at the other side's estimate before we retain you?
A preliminary look is possible and it is the sensible first step. A short read of the carrier's estimate and the appraisal file usually shows whether there is a valuation argument worth making, or whether the real disagreement is about coverage, which is a different case entirely. Conflicts and availability are confirmed before any engagement begins.
Can you act as the expert witness if you were the umpire on the same claim?
No. An umpire's duty is neutrality between the two sides, and taking one side's brief afterwards would undermine the award he signed. Party appraiser work and litigation support are separate services and can run together on a case, but the neutral role and a retained expert are never combined on one claim.
How much notice do you need before a deposition or trial date?
As much as you can give, and a call is better than an email when the date is close. Preparing an opinion that will hold up depends on how much of the file already exists — estimates, photographs, inspection access and the opposing expert's materials all have to be worked through first. Submissions receive a reply within 24–48 hours.