Damage assessment

With Topo4D, we provide assistance to individuals, companies, and insurers to obtain a complete file regarding storm damage.

Assessments can be carried out using a drone to obtain a clear view of the damage. For example, we can get a clear view of a detached roof.

Subsequently, we can use these images to compile a reasoned report with our own independent experts.

As a company or individual, you can submit this to your insurer. The assessment can then also serve to resolve conflicts in or out of court. This can be unilateral, adversarial (at the request of two or more parties), or judicial. An amicable assessment at the request of two or more parties also ensures the necessary discretion and proceeds much more smoothly. In addition, the costs are significantly lower compared to judicial proceedings.

For assessments involving a counter-assessment, or where an insurer does not intervene, fees primarily depend on the scope of the assignment.

What is an expert investigation?

An expert investigation occurs when one or more parties call upon a person who is deemed to possess specific professional expertise. This may be to establish technical facts or to provide technically reasoned advice.

In this way, a problem can be analyzed using various scenarios and assessment methods to identify the cause.

Such a working method is documented in a report.

In a judicial assessment, there is a preliminary report to which parties can respond, an interim judgment, and a final report.

Such a report serves as substantiated evidence in a dispute, whether mutual or before the court.

What types of assessments are there?

First and foremost, there is the amicable assessment. This is between the parties themselves, where the expert takes on an independent role, and can be conducted out of court.

In addition, there is also the unilateral assessment or the adversarial assessment.

In a unilateral assessment, an expert is appointed by one party to make factual findings, provide technical advice, or act as a technical advisor.

This could involve, for example, estimating damage to a building caused by inadequate measures on a construction site. During judicial proceedings, the expert can then act as a technical advisor for the party.

Next, there is the adversarial procedure. In this case, a court expert is asked by two or more parties with conflicting interests to provide technical advice and/or to reconcile the parties.

The assignment comes from both parties, and the expert will act independently.

This can take various forms. An example is a binding third-party decision, where the expert rules on the problem and provides a binding conclusion with consequences. Naturally, this is first agreed upon between the parties.

Finally, there is the judicial assessment.

This is requested by the court or by the parties involved.

What are the advantages of an amicable assessment?

First and foremost, it represents a significant cost saving compared to judicial proceedings.

In addition, it proceeds much more smoothly and is always completely confidential.

What does an assessment cost?

This depends on your insurance.

Usually, you are fully entitled to a free counter-assessment at the insurance company’s expense to defend your rights and interests.

This is determined according to specific scales and policies in your insurance.

For instance, with a legal aid policy, the costs of a damage expert are usually covered.

Feel free to contact us, and we will check it for you!

For assessments involving a counter-assessment, or where an insurer does not intervene, fees primarily depend on the scope of the assignment.