LOUISIANA LEGAL SERVICES
Key Services /
Insurance Appraisal
Damage Valuation
Disputed Estimates
Appraisal Awards
Louisiana Insurance Appraisal and Property Damage Valuation Disputes
Many residential and commercial property insurance policies contain appraisal provisions that establish procedures for resolving certain disagreements concerning the amount of loss.
Disputes may arise concerning the scope of appraisal, the selection and qualifications of appraisers, the authority of an umpire, and the effect of an appraisal award.
Ketry Law Firm, LLC represents Louisiana policyholders in legal disputes involving insurance appraisal provisions and proceedings.
Attorney George Ketry's 21 years of insurance-adjusting experience provide practical insight into property damage estimating, repair scopes, and insurance valuation disputes.
02 / OUR SERVICES
COMMON PROBLEMS
Common Problems /
Common Insurance Appraisal Disputes
• The insurer and policyholder disagree about the amount of loss
• The scope of property damage is disputed
• Repair quantities or construction methods are disputed
• Material pricing or labor costs differ between estimates
• The parties disagree about who may serve as an appraiser or umpire
• Questions arise concerning the qualifications or impartiality of an appraiser
• The scope or authority of the appraisal panel is disputed
• An appraisal demand is challenged
• The effect of an appraisal award on the insurance claim is disputed
• Coverage issues remain unresolved after appraisal
• A party seeks to enforce or challenge an appraisal proceeding or award
HOW KETRY LAW HELPS
How Ketry Law Helps /
• Review the insurance policy and appraisal provision
• Evaluate whether appraisal is available or required under the policy
• Review appraisal demands and objections
• Analyze disputed repair estimates and damage valuations
• Evaluate disagreements concerning repair scope, labor, materials, and pricing
• Review issues involving appraisers and umpires
• Analyze the effect of an appraisal award on the insurance claim
• Identify coverage or statutory issues that may remain unresolved after appraisal
• Work with qualified estimators, contractors, engineers, or other professionals when appropriate
• Represent policyholders in litigation involving appraisal proceedings or awards when necessary
Why Choose Ketry Law /
George Ketry's 21 years of insurance-adjusting experience include property damage investigations, insurance estimating procedures, damage documentation, and the use of Xactimate estimating software.
That background provides practical insight into the technical issues that often arise in appraisal disputes, including repair quantities, materials, construction methods, labor costs, pricing, and the extent of property damage.
Ketry Law Firm reviews disputed estimates and appraisal-related issues and evaluates whether additional documentation, inspections, or expert assistance may be appropriate.
The firm approaches appraisal disputes by considering both the insurance policy and the technical facts surrounding the loss.
Important Information /
What Is Insurance Appraisal?
An appraisal provision generally establishes a process for determining the amount of a disputed property insurance loss.
Depending on the policy language, each party may select an appraiser. The appraisers may then select an umpire, who may participate in resolving disagreements concerning the amount of loss.
The procedures and requirements vary by policy.
Appraisal does not necessarily determine whether the insurance policy provides coverage for the loss, and it may not resolve every legal issue between the insurer and policyholder.
Appraisal Versus Insurance Litigation
Appraisal and litigation serve different purposes.
Appraisal generally provides a contractual mechanism for resolving certain disputes over the amount of loss.
Litigation permits courts to address legal questions involving insurance coverage, contractual obligations, statutory claims, and other matters within the court's authority.
Whether appraisal is required, available, or appropriate depends on the specific policy language and applicable law.
In some circumstances, appraisal and litigation may involve overlapping issues.
Can an Appraisal Award Be Challenged?
An appraisal award may have significant contractual and legal consequences.
Whether an award may be challenged, enforced, or otherwise disputed depends on the policy language, the circumstances of the appraisal, and applicable law.
The existence of an appraisal award does not necessarily resolve all coverage questions or statutory claims.
Because appraisal-related rights and deadlines can be significant, policyholders should obtain legal advice before assuming that an appraisal proceeding or award resolves every aspect of their claim.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions About
Insurance Appraisal Disputes
What is insurance appraisal in a Louisiana property damage claim?
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Does insurance appraisal determine whether my claim is covered?
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What types of disputes can arise during an insurance appraisal?
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What is the difference between insurance appraisal and insurance litigation?
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Can an insurance appraisal award be challenged?
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Need Help With Your Legal Matter?
Speak directly with Attorney George Ketry about your situation and learn what options may be available.
