Appraisal & Expert Witness Support for Plaintiff Counsel
Marshall Services LLC provides independent insurance appraisal, umpire and expert witness support for first-party plaintiff attorneys. Four engagement types: party appraiser services, expert witness & litigation support, umpire services, and case consultation & strategy. Serving Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Colorado and California. IAUA CPAU certified. Appraisal resolves the amount of loss, not coverage — the boundary that keeps the rest of the case alive: coverage disputes and bad-faith claims survive the award untouched. Roughly 95% of files resolve between the appraisers without an umpire, over 15+ of experience in property claims. Six reasons experienced party appraisers who represent policyholders exclusively are preferred by plaintiff counsel: independent & impartial work free from carrier bias, IAUA CPAU certified appraiser and umpire, expert witness experience including deposition and trial testimony meeting FRE 702 requirements, multi-state coverage across five states, deep process familiarity with how appraisal disputes move through each state's courts and carriers, and 15+ years in property claims. Credentials: IAUA CPAU, FAA Part 107 licensed commercial drone pilot, construction and commercial roofing background. Confidential reference reports on carrier valuation patterns available to attorneys on request through the partners portal. Attorney matters submitted through a conflicts check & availability request — submissions are treated as confidential, sending a case summary does not create an engagement. Typical response within 24–48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does invoking appraisal waive my client's bad-faith claim?
No. Appraisal resolves the amount of loss, not coverage or conduct. A bad-faith claim arising from how the carrier investigated and handled the claim before appraisal was invoked survives the award untouched. The same is true of coverage disputes — appraisal settles the valuation question and leaves the legal questions exactly where they were.
Can you serve as the party appraiser on a case I am litigating?
Yes. Party appraiser work and litigation support are separate services, and we regularly support cases in active litigation. The appraisal clause can still be invoked even where litigation is pending, depending on the policy language and the jurisdiction.
What qualifies you to testify as an expert witness?
Marshall Smith holds the IAUA CPAU designation, which requires demonstrated proficiency in insurance appraisal, umpire work, Xactimate estimating, and USPAP compliance. Appraisals are prepared to meet Federal Rules of Evidence 702 requirements. We have provided expert testimony in both depositions and courtroom proceedings on insurance valuation disputes.
How does the umpire selection process work?
When the two party appraisers cannot agree on the amount of loss, they jointly select a neutral umpire. Any two of the three signing an award — either appraiser plus the umpire, or both appraisers — binds the determination. We can serve as either the party appraiser or the neutral umpire, but never both on the same claim.
How quickly can you respond to a matter with a short deadline?
We respond to every submission within 24–48 hours, usually faster when a deadline is noted. If a matter is time-sensitive, the fastest path is a direct call. Conflicts and availability are confirmed before any engagement begins.
What should counsel expect an insurance appraisal to cost?
The cost depends on the property's size, the disputed scope, document volume, travel, and whether an umpire becomes involved. Each side typically pays its own appraiser, while the parties generally share the umpire's fee. The policy governs cost allocation, and the engagement terms should identify the appraiser's fee structure and anticipated expenses before work begins.
How long should counsel expect the appraisal process to take?
Most appraisals take weeks to several months, depending on the loss complexity, inspection access, scheduling, document production, and whether the appraisers need an umpire. Prompt delivery of estimates, photographs, policy materials, and repair records can reduce avoidable delay. Any appointment or procedural deadlines remain controlled by the policy and applicable case requirements.