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
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.
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.
Flexible Funding Option
Through our trusted funding partner, law firms can access Black Diamond’s services with no upfront cost. Fees are deferred and paid from the insured’s recovery after settlement, allowing clients to receive immediate support without financial pressure on your firm.
Verified case valuation increase of
$18,986.66
In a kitchen water damage case against
fedNat Insurance Company
...after our ALE expert report validated overlooked temporary housing costs.
Verified case valuation increase of
$52,327.80
In a complete rebuild / uninhabitable case against
Universal property & Casualty Insurance Company
...after our ALE expert report identifead sustained housing needs.
Verified case valuation increase of
$63,547.98
In a cast iron pipe failure case against
Lake forest south homeowners association
...after our ALE expert analysis confirmed additional displacement costs
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.