[StBernard] Arbitration

[Westley Annis]

I have applied for arbitration in Mississippi, this is what I'm planning to 
do. Get an opinion from a structual engineer, it may cost $200 or $300 but 
will be worth it. Tell him what you are trying to do in regards to your 
windstorm. (I'm assuming that is what you are trying to collect on, I have 
State Farm too).  Get estimates for your damage from an independent 
contractor. Tell him that you are going to arbitration and you disagree with

your insurance company's estimates. Ask him to be as generous as possible, 
honest of course, but the insurance company will always try to pay less so 
it's better for your estimate to be on the high side of what is considered 
reasonable. Don't rely on your adjuster's opinion of what repairs will cost.

Bring your adjuster's paperwork only to show how inadequate it is. He works 
for them so you need someone working for you. If you are trying to prove 
wind storm damage, I don't think it would be a good idea to show pictures of

storm surge. You want to tell them and try to prove you have wind damage and

that things were already damaged by the time the water came the next day. 
Pictures of the damage and video would be good if it is proof of wind 
damage, like trees snapped and window broken. This is all assuming you are 
trying to prove wind. Don't bring pictures of water damage if it is wind 
damage money you are trying to collect. Also, some things to try to include 
that I was able to get paid on for my house in Meraux:  doors and the locks 
that were broken into by searchers, paint on the house, mold growing on 
area's that didn't have water like the ceilings and walls above the water 
line. I told them that this clearly showed that rain water must have leaked 
or been driven into the house. Include contents above the water line (rain 
must have damaged them) contents in your attic, fences, push the issue, they

had to blow down before the water could make them float away. I don't think 
the law allows them to say, well we are not going to pay for anything below 
the water line before they even come and inspect your property, if you were 
told that, like I was by my adjuster, that is bad faith on the insurance 
company's part to tell their adjuster's that blanket statement. The law says

they have to act in good faith. If your roof was leaking or had a hole in it

like my dad's, you could say the rain water entered first so therefore your 
house was already damaged by the time the flood water arrived. I hope this 
helps, this is just the things I'm trying, if anyone else has any 
suggestions for me, please tell me. Or if I'm wrong on some of my thinking, 
tell me. I also would go dressed nicely, like if you were going to testify 
in court. Your want to make a good impression.  Any other suggestions?

Laurie