Black Diamond helps you maximize every case by uncovering overlooked coverage and providing defensible, litigation-ready evaluations and expert testimony. With more than 125 years of combined experience working with insurance carriers, our team brings deep industry insight to every file. Our team works to ensure that every recoverable dollar is fully evaluated, supported and clearly presented on behalf of your clients.
Partner with Black Diamond for Expertise That Maximizes Case Values.
In the wake of legislative changes, case selection and recovery are more competitive than ever, making it crucial to maximize every case’s value. Black Diamond supports law firms by providing property loss claim consultation and thorough evaluation of Additional Living Expenses (ALE) to determine when such coverage is warranted. We also provide expert reports and testimony to help substantiate ALE damages, and in qualifying situations, we coordinate temporary housing when covered loss renders a property uninhabitable.
Trusted by law firms nationwide for ALE valuation, comprehensive expert reports, expert testimony and recovery support.
Why Law Firms Choose Black Diamond
Key Benefits & Services for Law Firms
Property Loss Consultation
Guidance and support in evaluating appropriate temporary housing and ALE needs following a property loss. Our team draws from extensive carrier-side experience to assist firms assess reasonable accommodations, document displacement-related costs, and coordinate practical housing solutions that align with the policy expectations and your client’s circumstances.
ALE & Loss of Use Reports
Accurate, defensible calculations of temporary housing, living, and displacement costs. Our experts handle both catastrophe (CAT) and daily ALE claims in-house for consistency and speed. Black Diamond also coordinates temporary housing solutions to ensure policyholders have a safe place to stay.
Expert Witness Support
Expert reports and testimony built to withstand review and challenge. Our experts have been deposed and qualified multiple times, bringing clear, well-supported reasoning to mediations, depositions, and hearings.
Claim Documentation & Evidence Preparation
Structured organization of statements, photographs, and valuations to create defensible claim files. We apply carrier-level documentation standards to help ensure claims are presented clearly and consistently.
Referrals to Trusted Specialists
Black Diamond connects law firms and clients with a vetted network of attorneys, engineers, contractors, and industry specialists. Firms can also join our internal referral list to receive referrals for cases requiring representation or litigation support.
Meet Our General Counsel
Hear directly from the attorney who leads our Litigation Support Strategy.
In this short video, Yolyvee Y. Rivera, Esq. explains how Black Diamond partners with law firms to strengthen case development, clarify Additional Living Expenses (ALE) exposure, and support defensible case presentation in mediation and trial settings.
Expert Witness Testimony That Strengthens Your Case
Every case deserves more than numbers. It deserves understanding.
Our specialists know that behind every ALE or Loss of Use dispute are clients navigating disruption, uncertainty, and stress. Valuation and Additional Living Expense (ALE) disputes are becoming central issues in property insurance litigation. Attorneys understand the stakes, but they also know they cannot serve as their own expert witnesses. Courts expect independent, qualified testimony supported by clear, and objective documentation.
Seasonal rental spikes, storm-driven housing shortages, and shifting local market conditions all influence displacement costs and timelines. These factors must be documented with accuracy to support the insured’s full recovery — and that is where expert support becomes essential.
Introducing Steven Marty, ALE and Valuation Expert Witness
Steven Marty is a trusted ALE and valuation expert witness with experience built on real claims work. As a former insurance adjuster, he handled homeowner claims, ALE evaluations, and policy interpretation firsthand. This background gives him a practical understanding of how insurers approach displacement, temporary housing, and loss documentation.
Marty has supported property claims across the country, including hurricanes in Florida, tornadoes in the Midwest, wildfire displacement in the West, and seasonal housing markets where rental pricing and availability shift significantly. He and the Black Diamond team evaluate actual housing options and account for regional and seasonal factors that influence ALE and valuation outcomes.
Attorneys rely on Marty because he delivers clear, defensible reports grounded in real-world data and practical experience. His responsiveness, straightforward communication, and deep understanding of policy expectations make him a reliable expert witness for appraisal, and trial. His work strengthens case strategy and helps legal teams present accurate, credible valuation evidence for their clients.
“Displaced families deserve housing that reflects how they lived before the loss. By documenting their needs with accuracy and real market data, we help attorneys and adjusters advocate more effectively and support homeowners as they work to rebuild their lives.”
– Steven Marty, ALE Expert
Ready to Strengthen Your Next Case?
Our results reflect a consistent pattern: when attorneys partner with our team early, litigation strategy strengthens and recovery value grows.
Disclaimer: All identifying information has been removed to protect privacy. Each case reflects a verified ALE valuation prepared by Black Diamond Claim Solutions.
Partner with Black Diamond for expert witness evaluation, reports and testimony that help support client outcomes and recovery efforts. We work alongside your law firm from early claim development through litigation support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you assist with complex or disputed claims?
Yes. We specialize in complex claims and disputed cases, offering detailed analysis, strategy recommendations, and expert reporting to strengthen your case outcomes.
What is a Law and Ordinance report, and why is it important?
A Law and Ordinance report identifies required code upgrades or compliance costs related to property damage claims. This often-overlooked report can significantly increase claim values and is essential for full recovery under many policies.
Are your consultants qualified as expert witnesses?
Yes. Our consultants not only have extensive industry experience but are also available to serve as expert witnesses in court or deposition settings when required.
Do you provide support for pre-litigation cases?
Yes. We assist with claim assessments, Law and Ordinance evaluations, and case strategy even before a lawsuit is filed, helping to strengthen negotiations and increase settlement potential.
How quickly can you deliver reports or consulting opinions?
Turnaround times vary based on the case complexity, but we prioritize urgent matters and can accommodate tight deadlines when needed.
What types of cases can Black Diamond typically support?
We primarily assist with Additional Living Expenses and Loss of Use cases, providing expert reports, testimony and temporary housing coordination when a covered loss renders a home uninhabitable.
Do law firms have to pay for services upfront?
Law firms have the option to pay upfront or work through our funding partner. Fees can be deferred and paid from the insured’s recovery after settlement, keeping your firm’s cash flow free during the case.
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