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WJ Gould Law

When a documented property claim needs litigation

You've inspected the loss, prepared the estimate and worked to resolve the claim. If a coverage or payment dispute remains, WJ Gould Law evaluates whether litigation is appropriate and represents the policyholder in the legal dispute.

Property insurance litigation

Storm damage. Policyholder representation.

Defined referral and co-counsel roles

Scope and responsibilities addressed in writing.

Direct attorney involvement

William J. Gould · AZ Bar #037003

Build on the claim record

A public adjuster’s work can provide the foundation for evaluating a property insurance dispute: the scope of damage, repair estimate, photographs, inspection findings and history of communications with the carrier.

When pre-suit efforts have not resolved the claim, the next question is whether the evidence and policy support litigation. WJ Gould Law focuses on that legal work for Arizona policyholders, with storm damage at the center of the practice.

When a referral may fit

We evaluate the facts of each matter. A difference between estimates, by itself, does not determine whether litigation is appropriate.

How we work with you and the policyholder

The policyholder is the client. We discuss the legal representation directly with them and coordinate with you when authorized. Your familiarity with the loss can help identify supporting records and factual questions that need further development.

The public adjuster’s role may change after suit is filed. We address responsibilities and communication at the outset, consistent with the client’s instructions and applicable agreements.

Separate engagements, clear expectations

Your adjusting agreement and our legal engagement are separate. Fees and expenses need to be understood together by the policyholder before an engagement begins. We review those arrangements rather than promising that litigation leaves every role or fee unchanged.

As a firm policy, we do not pay nonlawyers for referrals or share legal fees with nonlawyers. No exclusivity or volume commitment is required.

What litigation adds

Depending on the dispute, the legal work may include pleadings, discovery, depositions, expert coordination, motions and trial preparation. We evaluate settlement opportunities as the evidence develops and discuss the available options with the client.

See our litigation approach.

Appraisal and other policy requirements

Appraisal, EUOs and outstanding policy obligations may be relevant to the case. Let us know if one is pending so we can evaluate the requested work and timing. Litigation is the core of the practice; any related assistance is addressed in the agreed scope.

Start with a general discussion

Use the form below to identify the property location, loss type, carrier, current stage and any approaching deadline. Keep confidential materials out of the initial inquiry. After conflicts screening, we arrange an appropriate process for receiving the records needed for evaluation.

If a deadline is close, call (602) 396-1658. An inquiry does not transfer responsibility for the claim or its deadlines; representation begins only when accepted in writing.

Attorney William J. Gould, WJ Gould Law

Attorney William J. Gould

Founder, WJ Gould Law PLLC. Admitted in Arizona and Minnesota.

Bill Gould focuses his practice on first-party property insurance litigation for Arizona policyholders, with an emphasis on storm damage. He works with public adjusters and referring law firms when a disputed claim needs to move beyond pre-suit negotiations.

JD from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. MBA from Iowa State University. Undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin. Admitted to practice in Arizona (2021) and Minnesota (2021).

Bill handles each accepted matter personally. The engagement defines the litigation work, communication and responsibilities so the client and any co-counsel know what to expect.

Read Full Bio

Frequently asked questions

When should I discuss a claim with you?
When a documented property claim remains disputed after pre-suit efforts, or a coverage issue or approaching deadline requires legal evaluation. You do not need to conclude that litigation is necessary before contacting us.
What happens to the work I have already done?
Estimates, photographs, inspection findings and claim correspondence can inform the litigation assessment. After conflicts screening and with the client's authorization, we coordinate the transfer of relevant materials and identify any further evidence needed.
Will I stay involved after a referral?
We discuss the public adjuster's role with the policyholder and coordinate as appropriate to the case, applicable agreements and the client's authorization. The role can change when a claim enters litigation.
What happens to my fee?
The public adjuster's contract and our legal engagement are separate. We review the applicable arrangements and discuss fees and expenses with the policyholder before an engagement. We do not promise that every fee or contract remains unaffected by litigation.
Do you pay public adjusters for referrals?
No. As a firm policy, WJ Gould Law does not pay nonlawyers for referrals or share legal fees with nonlawyers. There is no exclusivity or volume commitment.
Can appraisal or an EUO still be relevant?
Yes. Appraisal proceedings, EUO requests and other policy requirements may affect the litigation assessment. Identify those issues and their deadlines in the initial discussion so we can assess whether the requested work fits the engagement.
What losses fit your practice?
Arizona residential and small commercial first-party property disputes, with a focus on storm damage. These include hail, wind, roof and tree losses, as well as fire and water damage claims.

Request a referral discussion

Tell us the general dispute and its current stage. We aim to respond within one business day to arrange a discussion. If a deadline is approaching, call us directly.

Direct line: (602) 396-1658

Email: partners@wjgouldlaw.com

Based in: Mesa, Arizona (statewide coverage)

The initial discussion is free. Fees, expenses, scope and any attorney-to-attorney fee arrangement are addressed in writing for accepted matters, subject to applicable rules and required client consent.

Referral partner contact form

For time-sensitive matters, call (602) 396-1658. Submitting a date does not transfer responsibility for a deadline.

Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship, and we are not the policyholder’s counsel until a written engagement is signed. Please don’t send privileged or confidential case material before conflicts screening. Existing counsel and parties remain responsible for their obligations until a transfer is expressly agreed.

Homeowner with a storm damage claim?

This page is for referring professionals. If the damaged property is yours, start here instead — the consultation is free and we work on contingency.