Public Adjuster vs. Attorney: Who Should Handle Your Insurance Claim?
When disaster strikes and your property suffers damage, navigating the complexities of insurance claims can be overwhelming. Two professionals often come into play to assist in these situations: public adjusters and attorneys.
Understanding their roles, expertise, and how they can aid you is crucial in making an informed decision. Let’s delve into the distinctions between the two and determine who might be the best fit for your needs.
Understanding the Role Difference
What is a Public Adjuster?
A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents policyholders in negotiating insurance claims. Unlike adjusters employed by insurance companies, public adjusters work exclusively for you, ensuring your interests are prioritized.
Learn More: Common Questions About Working With a Public Adjuster
What is an Attorney?
An attorney, in the context of insurance claims, is a legal professional who can provide advice, negotiate settlements, and represent you in court if disputes escalate. While they possess legal expertise, not all attorneys specialize in insurance claims.
Key Differences Between Public Adjusters and Attorneys
1. Fee Structure
- Public Adjusters: Typically charge a contingency fee ranging from 10% to 20% of the settlement amount. This means they get paid only if you receive a payout. ​
- Attorneys: Often work on a contingency basis as well, but their fees can be higher, usually between 30% to 40% of the settlement.
Advantage: Public Adjusters tend to be more cost-effective.​
2. Expertise and Specialization
- Public Adjusters: Specialize exclusively in insurance claims, possessing in-depth knowledge of policy language, claim procedures, and damage assessment.
- Attorneys: Offer legal expertise but may not have specialized knowledge in insurance claims unless they focus specifically on that area. ​
Advantage: Public Adjusters have specialized knowledge tailored to insurance claims.​
3. Claim Management
- Public Adjusters: Handle the entire claims process, from assessing damages to negotiating with the insurance company, ensuring all aspects are meticulously managed. ​
- Attorneys: Typically step in when disputes arise or legal action is necessary, rather than managing the day-to-day aspects of a claim.
Advantage: Public Adjusters provide comprehensive claim management.​
4. Time to Resolution
- Public adjusters aim to expedite the claims process by leveraging their expertise and established relationships with insurance companies. Their proactive approach often leads to quicker settlements.
- In contrast, legal proceedings handled by attorneys can be lengthy, potentially prolonging the resolution of your claim. If a swift resolution is a priority, engaging a public adjuster may be more advantageous.
- Litigation Capabilities
- Public Adjusters: Cannot represent you in court. If a dispute escalates to litigation, you’ll need to hire an attorney.
- Attorneys: Are equipped to handle lawsuits and legal disputes, providing representation in court if necessary.
Advantage: Attorneys are essential for legal proceedings.​
When to Choose a Public Adjuster?
If you’re seeking assistance in managing all facets of your insurance claim, from documentation to negotiation, a public adjuster is well-suited for the task. Their cost-effective approach ensures you maximize your settlement while minimizing fees. Additionally, their specialized expertise in negotiating with insurance companies can be invaluable in securing fair compensation.
For residents in California, Avner Gat, Inc. has been a trusted public adjusting firm for over 20 years, specializing in protecting homeowners from the complexities of insurance claims.
Learn More: The Benefits of Hiring a Public Adjuster for Your Insurance Claim
When to Opt for an Attorney?
In situations where your claim is denied, or if disputes arise that may require legal intervention, an attorney’s expertise becomes crucial. If you suspect your insurance company is acting in bad faith, such as unjustified delays or refusals to pay, legal counsel can help address these issues.
Additionally, when there’s ambiguity in policy language leading to disagreements over coverage, an attorney can provide the necessary legal interpretation and representation.
Collaborative Approach: Public Adjuster and Attorney
In certain scenarios, employing both professionals can be advantageous. A public adjuster can manage the initial claims process, and if disputes escalate, an attorney can step in to handle legal complexities. This tandem approach ensures both meticulous claim management and robust legal representation.
Your Takeaway
Deciding between a public adjuster and an attorney hinges on the specifics of your insurance claim and the challenges you face. For comprehensive claim management and cost-effective solutions, a public adjuster is often the preferred choice. However, in situations involving legal disputes or potential litigation, an attorney’s expertise becomes invaluable.
If you’re navigating the complexities of an insurance claim and seek expert guidance, Avner Gat, Inc. offers seasoned public adjusting services to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve.
Their extensive experience and dedication to policyholders make them a reliable ally in your insurance claim journey. Call them today at (818) 917-5256 for a free consultation.
