No. Owners always have an option to file on their own. There are compelling reasons, however, to utilize the services of HCSA. HCSA is a claim service. We use our knowledge and experience to assist property owners in realizing the full value of their claims.

The claim process can often be complicated. There are dozens of manufacturers, each producing an entire line of siding or roofing products. Mergers and the sale of plants and manufacturing equipment between hardboard siding companies further complicate identification of the correct manufacturer. Our highly trained claims specialsits and siding experts can make positive identification easy. In some cases, we employ, at our expense the expertise of American Hardboard Association member experts for definitive analysis.

In addition to the issue of product identification, successful claims depend on following correct procedures involving the proper paperwork and documentation. Each manufacturer has a different claims process and different claims requirements. Our experience in filing both current and unreimbursed expense claims with a variety of manufacturers is unparalleled.

Further, a claim in progress needs to be monitored closely to ensure consistent progress toward completion. HCSA provides comprehensive reporting and follow up to complete the process in a timely manner.

Finally, if your initial claim fails to provide 100% compensation, our HCSA database automatically schedules the re-filing eligibility date. The correct subsequent-year claim forms will be sent to you well ahead of this date so these filing are made in a timely fashion.

We believe that the services provided by HCSA help most property owners to achieve the maximum value of their claims in the shortest possible time. This is the primary reason that owners and property managers of every type and description have chosen HCSA to assist with their claim filing needs.

There are literally hundreds of different types of hardboard siding produced by a score of manufacturers. Many of these products look virtually identical. For example, some of the presses used to produce hardboard siding by one manufacturer were later sold to another manufacturer. HCSA prides itself on its track record of expeditious, positive sample identification. A common problem encountered by many property owners is filing a claim with the wrong manufacturer. This can lead to frustration and loss of claim potential. In some instances, it can even result in an otherwise valid claim being denied.

When you provide HCSA with a sample, we can make a positive determination of the correct manufacturer and the proper claims program under which the claim should be filed.

The contract for services sets out in detail the rights and responsibilities of you, the property owner, and of Home Claim Services of America as your agent. The contract also outlines the details of the HCSA fee. The Limited Power of Attorney allows HCSA to deal directly with various manufacturers of your behalf. The powers granted by the Limited Power of Attorney are solely limited to those activities necessary to process your hardboard claim.

These two signed documents are necessary before HCSA can begin work on your behalf. Please read these documents carefully. HCSA recommends consulting with an independent attorney if you have any questions as to the legal significance of any of the terms of these documents. If your attorney has any further questions, we would be glad to arrange a meeting or conference call with one of HCSA's attorneys.

It can be very difficult, however, to prove in a court that the manufacturer is responsible for the problem and, if so, the extent of the manufacturer's liability. This is the point at which both sides realize that a negotiated settlement is in the best interest of each party. Because the settlement is negotiated, both side usually have to give up something. In exchange for not having to prove every element of damage and liability, property owners will usually not receive as much compensation as they would if they had prevailed in a lawsuit.

The settlement establishes a claim value determined by the actual amount of damage to the property. Individual property differences are usually not taken into consideration. Often, the compensation will not fully cover the owner's actual cost of repair or replacement but it is much more cost-effective and practical than to require that each owner file an individual lawsuit.

An important part of HCSA's service is helping each property owner obtain the maximum amount of compensation that is available under the terms of the particular settlement covering the product(s) on their property. This is the money that is due to you and HCSA wants to help make sure you receive the maximum amount possible.

The following disclosures are required by the Weyerhaeuser Claims Administrator to be posted on this website:

Important information concerning your rights in the Weyerhaeuser Hardboard Siding Class Action Settlement.

You are required to read and sign this page before you agree to pay anyone to assist you with your claim. This information is provided to you by the Special Master appointed by the Court to oversee the settlement claims process.

If you have received this information it means a person or company wants you to agree to pay them to file your hardboard siding claim. Such “claim preparers” often require that you agree to pay them from your “recovery” or “settlement.” Before you agree to use a claim preparer, be sure to understand your rights.

You are not required to use a claim preparer to file a claim. You are not required to pay anyone to help you make a claim in the Weyerhaeuser hardboard siding class action settlement. The court-appointed Independent Inspector inspects your property and reports to the Independent Claims Administrator. The court-appointed Independent Claims Administrator determines how much you will be paid, if any. Weyerhaeuser Company does not process your claim or inspect your property.

No person you agree to pay can get you more money for your claim. No one that you agree to pay to assist you with your claim can obtain more money for you than you would get if you filed the claim yourself. All claims are evaluated by the Independent Inspector and Independent Claims Administrator on the same basis and under the same rules. No claim preparer can change the decision on your claim or affect the amount, if any, that you recover.

Free help is available to assist you with your claim. If you have questions concerning how to submit a claim or how to complete the Claim Form, free help is available. You may call the Independent Claims Administrator at 1-800-365-0697, Assistance is also available on the Weyerhaeuser Class Action website (www.weyerclaims.com) including the option of sending a question by email to Class Counsel, who are your lawyers appointed by the Court. If you need additional assistance, you may contact Class Counsel at 1-877-947-9016 or 1-888-321-1510. This assistance is all available to you at no charge.