Dallas Single-family litigation support and expert witness testimony assists legal counsel and the property owner in obtaining a reasonable and just settlement. Providing an initial assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of a case provides insights into the strategy that is appropriate for the fact situation. In some cases it is appropriate to thoroughly and precisely document the issues and damages related to the case, even if the expense to do so is substantial. In other cases, particularly when the case is weak, it may make more sense to encourage early settlement to minimize expenses related to litigation. Single-family litigation support can provide guidance and documentation at key junctures in litigation involving a home or houses. Some expert witnesses mistakenly believe they effectively serve their clients by affirming what they believe the property owner or legal counsel wants to hear. Skilled and experienced expert witnesses are aware that providing an accurate assessment soon after being consulted best serves the client. Litigation regarding a home is often a emotionally charged; a skilled expert witness can provide counsel and the home owner impartial insights. Single-family litigation support typically involves divorce, condemnation, construction defects or a seller not disclosing known defects prior to a sale.

Dallas Single-family litigation support can include consulting and/or valuation and expert witness testimony. Following are some of the types of support O'Connor & Associates can provide for single-family litigation:

• Assistance evaluating the case and the level of exposure or opportunity;
• Reviewing analysis or appraisals performed by third parties;
• Developing an appropriate measure of damages;
• Preparing an appraisal and developing an opinion regarding the amount of damages, if any exist;
• In-depth research regarding complex issues such as whether there is a deleterious effect on the market value of a home after a slab has been repaired or whether the existence of PVC pipe (which has not failed) negatively affects the market value of a home;
• Expert witness testimony at depositions and trial.

Most single-family litigation assignments are complex and require seasoned judgment. O'Connor & Associates depth and breadth of staff provide an invaluable resource for both simple and complex cases in single-family litigation. Our team of appraisers and expert witnesses have provided single-family litigation support and/or expert witness testimony for hundreds of cases. In one recent case involving a claim for damages related to mold involving approximately 20 apartment complexes in four states, O'Connor & Associates developed opinions (supported by voluminous documentation) refuting the plaintiffs claim that purported existence of mold had negatively affected rents and level of occupancy for the subject properties (within two weeks of being engaged). In addition to on-site inspections for each of the subject properties, O'Connor & Associates staff visited rent comparables and gathered voluminous supplemental data to document our conclusion.

O'Connor & Associates is the largest independent appraisal firm in the southwestern US and has over 40 full-time staff members engaged full-time in valuation and market study assignments. Their expertise includes valuing single-family and commercial real estate, business personal property, business enterprise value, purchase price allocation for businesses, valuation for property tax assignments, partial interest valuation, estate tax valuation, expert witness testimony and valuation for condemnation. They have provided litigation support to numerous attorneys, insurance companies and private parties.

To obtain further information for single-family litigation support, contact George Thomas or Craig Young at 713-686-9955 or fill out our online form.