John R. Ballinger III

Expert Witness Services

John serves as a retained expert witness and trial strategy consultant in insurance and transportation litigation, for both plaintiff and defense counsel, in state and federal matters. His opinions address coverage, claims handling, underwriting, and broker and agent standards of care. Each opinion is tied to the policy language, the documents in the file, and accepted industry practice.
Insurance policies and legal briefs prepared for expert review

What John Does as an Expert Witness

John reviews insurance policies, underwriting and claim files, and the conduct of carriers, brokers, and agents, and measures that conduct against accepted insurance industry standards and practices. His written reports explain how industry customs and practices apply to the facts of the case; legal conclusions are left to the court. He is available for deposition and trial testimony, and he can also be retained as a consulting expert to help counsel work through the insurance issues early in a case.

Where He Adds the Most Value

His deepest expertise is in cases where the insurance question is the central dispute, be it coverage denial cases, bad faith claims, transportation liability, wrongful death with multiple carriers, or any case where policy language interpretation can mean the difference between a settlement and a trial.

Expert Reports

John produces written expert reports that analyze coverage applicability, claims handling conduct, and industry standards of care. His reports are easily understood by all parties involved.

Deposition Testimony

John is experienced in providing clear, plain-language deposition testimony. He can clearly articulate complex insurance concepts without relying on jargon, making him a more effective witness for both plaintiff and defense teams.

Trial Strategy

John has served as a trial strategy consultant on cases involving wrongful death, $25M+ claims, and multi-carrier disputes. He helps attorneys understand the insurance dimensions of a case before it ever reaches the courtroom.

Co-Mediation

As a TN Supreme Court Rule 31 Mediator, John can also serve in cases where mediation is ordered or preferred, either as the primary mediator or as a co-mediator alongside another Rule 31 listed mediator.

Recent Case History

  1. 2026

    Dale Walker and Cynthia Walker v. The Cincinnati Insurance CompanyFederal

    Expert Witness / Trial Strategy

  2. 2026

    Steven Edwards Eldon Edwards vs. John D. Gossage and NAU Country Insurance CompanyState

    Expert Witness

  3. 2025

    MOCA Logistics and Industrial Solutions vs. Maria Esther Gutierrez Hernandez and Pablo CabreraState

    Mediator / Consultant

  4. 2025

    Elise Capotosta vs. Ernst Enterprises Inc.Federal

    Expert Witness / Deposition

  5. 2025

    S4 TN Adventures LLC and C5 Adventures LLC vs. Cumberland Wilderness Retreat Inc.State

    Expert Witness

  6. 2025

    Cobb v. State Fram

    Mediation, Trial Consultant

  7. 2024

    Concorde Centre LLC vs. Auto Owners Mutual Insurance CompanyState

    Expert Witness

  8. 2024

    James P. Little v. United Services Automobile Association Inc.State, Appeals

    Trial Consultant / Expert Witness

  9. 2023

    Contract Dispute, TN Corporation and AZ CorporationMulti-State

    Co-Mediator

  10. 2023

    Class 8 Motor Vehicle Claim, Ohio LawsuitState

    Expert Witness

  11. 2022

    Melissa Michels v. Nissan North America et al.Federal

    Trial Consultant / Expert Witness

  12. 2019

    Eva Cohen, Individually and as Administratrix of the Estate of Yehuda Cohen v. Destiny Transportation Inc.State

    Trial Consultant

  13. 2018

    Wrongful Death, Transportation Company vs. Retail Grocery Store, $25 MillionState

    Trial Strategy

  14. 2016

    Wrongful Death Involving 7 Insurance Companies and 5 BusinessesState

    Trial Strategy

High-value residential property undergoing storm damage assessment

Public Adjuster Experience

In addition to litigation support, John is a licensed public adjuster in Tennessee and Georgia. He has managed catastrophic property claims from initial assessment through final settlement, representing policyholders against insurance carriers.

$1,600,000

Total Loss House Fire, State Farm

Summer 2023 to Fall 2025

$2,200,000

Earthquake/Earth Movement

Spring 2022 to Fall 2024

$3,200,000

Single Home Tornado Claim

Fall 2020

Discuss Your Case With John

John reviews all case inquiries personally. If your case involves a complex insurance question, he will tell you directly whether he can help.

(423) 541-9109john@ballingerandassociates.com
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