J.S. Held Acquires Shechter & Everett to Expand Forensic Accounting Capabilities for Family Law Disputes in Florida
Read MoreWe provide independent appraisal services for commercial and residential property and infrastructure damage, delivering objective insight across a wide range of insurance claims and disputes.
J.S. Held experts are retained as independent appraisers and umpires in complex property damage disputes. Our teams apply recognized appraisal methodologies to determine the amount of the loss, cost to repair, actual cash value (ACV), replacement cost value (RCV), and other valuation measures within the context of property insurance claims. Our expert appraisers provide guidance in seating appraisal panels, as well as umpire selection to promote procedural fairness and efficient resolution.
Our experts have served as appraisers and umpires in some of the most significant insurance matters in history and advise in middle-market property damage claims requiring trusted, independent appraisers. Regardless of the size or complexity of the claim, we bring industry-leading expertise that delivers clarity, confidence, and closure for our clients.
We transform what can often be a complex and contentious process, guiding all parties through a structured, transparent path to resolution and ensuring confidence in the final outcome.
Appraisal is a popular method to settle disputes regarding the value of a loss. Compared to litigation, it is considered fast, inexpensive, and relatively final – but one of the most widely-held criticisms of the process is that appraisals can produce awards which are unpredictable and of little use to the parties involved.
This paper, by J.S. Held Executive Chairman Jonathon Held, is intended as a “how-to” guide to make the process completely understood and useful to the parties settling disputes through appraisal.
Our property damage appraisers understand the importance of efficient resolution for all parties involved and help guide clients throughout the appraisal process, including:
Our team includes multidisciplinary experts spanning engineering, residential and commercial construction, financial analysis and forensic accounting, contents and valuation, and equipment consulting. We leverage extensive knowledge, training, credentials, licensure, and technical field experience required to manage the appraisal process in property insurance claims and disputes to a successful conclusion.
We apply industry-recognized valuation methodologies to determine actual cash value, replacement cost value, insurance to value, period of restoration, loss of rent, and many other metrics critical to property insurance claims. Our property damage appraisers evaluate factors including depreciation, market conditions, code compliance, and policy provisions when preparing appraisals and our assessments align with jurisdictional requirements and accepted standards.
We conduct a detailed review of all relevant documents including prior estimates, engineering reports, claim files, and financial records. This evidence is evaluated against policy terms and damage criteria to support consistent and accurate valuation determinations. Our teams work to identify discrepancies, gaps, or duplications that may affect the integrity of the appraisal, ensuring that findings are based on comprehensive and validated information. Our expert appraisers work with the panel to determine the proper scope and help make difficult repair vs. replacement decisions.
We develop cost evaluations for damaged systems, components, and assets including structural elements, mechanical systems, electrical infrastructure, and specialized equipment. These analyses consider repair feasibility, replacement cost, code-driven upgrades, and jurisdiction-specific pricing trends. Our approach supports accurate loss quantification and helps clarify costs associated with business interruption; extra expense; and legal, regulatory, and ordinance compliance.
We provide expert witness testimony and litigation support services in property damage disputes, offering authoritative insight grounded in technical expertise and industry standards.
Our experts are retained by legal teams to deliver clear, defensible opinions in court proceedings, arbitrations, and mediations. Leveraging backgrounds in engineering, construction, financial analysis, and forensic investigation, we translate complex damage assessments into comprehensive, evidence-based narratives.
We assist in case strategy development, deposition preparation, and courtroom presentations, ensuring that our findings withstand scrutiny and contribute meaningfully to dispute resolution. Our litigation support services help clarify valuation issues, quantify damages, and reinforce the credibility of the appraisal process.
icon to view directory
Our insights cover a variety of topics impacting businesses, society, the economy, and the environment. Check out our latest white papers, research reports, educational seminars, industry speaking engagements, and perspective articles.
