Insurance Dispute Attorneys For First Party Property Claims
Hardin Thompson PC has significant experience with homeowner claims, including hurricane damage claims and other catastrophic claims that have become more commonplace in recent years. We handle every phase of these claims for our clients, including the appraisal process, scope and damage disputes, and the ubiquitous fraud aspects inherent in many of these claims.
In the current climate of public adjustors and aggressive roofing companies, our insurance attorneys are well-poised to aggressively defend our clients’ interests. We have developed an extensive network of the most highly regarded experts, including engineers, mold and contaminant experts, as well as appraisers and general contractors available for consultation regarding our clients’ claims.
Our Approach To Resolving Cases
The firm’s highly experienced civil litigators are aggressive and motivated to pursue efficient and effective results for clients. Priority is placed on timely communications with claim executives for a fair and prompt resolution.
Our philosophy is to diligently investigate each claim at its inception and promptly advise the client of potential problems so that informed decisions can be made without the need for protracted litigation. If litigation is unavoidable, members of the firm pursue results through discovery, motion practice, aggressive trial and appellate practice.
One partner is assigned as coordinating counsel on each case. Within this framework most client cases are handled by a single partners to avoid duplication of effort and minimize expense. Claims adjusters communicate directly with the lead attorney to move each claim to its conclusion.
Representative Experience
- Sinkhole
- Wind damage
- Water damage
- Theft
- Lightning damage
- Hurricane damage
- Hail damage
- Fire losses
- Premises liability
- Negligent security
Rapid Response and Post‑Loss Compliance
When a first-party property claim is reported, timing and documentation are critical. We mobilize a rapid response team to secure scenes, coordinate inspections, and implement evidence preservation protocols that guard against spoliation challenges. Our attorneys guide carriers and self‑insureds through policyholders’ post‑loss obligations, prompt notice, cooperation, sworn proofs of loss, production of records, and mitigation, so the record clearly reflects compliance issues that may impact coverage. We design tailored document requests, deploy field adjusters and experts efficiently, and create defensible timelines that support sound coverage positions while reducing cycle times.
Coverage Analysis and Policy Interpretation
We provide clear, practical guidance on complex coverage questions that frequently arise in homeowner and commercial property claims. Our work includes analyzing causation and concurrent causation, application of deductibles and sub‑limits, anti‑concurrent causation clauses, collapse, mold and fungi endorsements, matching and line‑of‑sight issues, ensuing loss provisions, and ordinance or law coverage. We also address exclusions for wear and tear, deterioration, latent defects, and faulty workmanship, and evaluate misrepresentation or concealment provisions where appropriate. The result is a well‑documented, policy‑based decision that is defensible in appraisal, mediation, or court.
Appraisal, EUOs, and Fraud Mitigation
We handle every stage of dispute resolution short of and including litigation, with particular depth in appraisal and examinations under oath. Our team crafts precise scopes of loss, challenges improper pricing or scope inflation, and works with estimators to reconcile competing methodologies (Xactimate and other platforms). In EUOs, we employ targeted questioning to clarify cause, timing, and extent of damage, verify claimed personal property, and test the reasonableness of repairs or additional living expense claims. When indicia of fraud appear, pattern billing, vendor steering, weather mismatch, or duplicate claims, we coordinate SIU resources, forensic accounting, meteorological data, and engineering analyses to build a fact‑driven record that supports appropriate claim outcomes.
Resolution Strategies, Litigation Management, and Cost Control
We pair early case assessment with pragmatic resolution options to achieve results that align with business objectives. Our attorneys leverage settlement conferences, mediation, and targeted motions (including dispositive and Daubert challenges) to narrow issues and control exposure. We manage discovery with proportionality in mind, using protocol‑driven e‑discovery, focused expert retention, and budgeting tools to avoid unnecessary spend. Where recovery is possible, we pursue subrogation against responsible contractors, manufacturers, or third parties. Throughout the matter, clients receive clear litigation plans, KPIs on file aging and indemnity/expense ratios, and candid recommendations designed to close files efficiently without compromising defense quality.
Schedule A Call
To schedule a meeting with an experienced insurance law attorney, please call Hardin Thompson PC at 412-944-2166 or complete our contact form. With offices in Pennsylvania, New York and Michigan, our attorneys advise and represent clients nationwide.