Public Adjuster vs. Attorney: Who Should You Hire?

When navigating insurance claims, many policyholders need help deciding whether to hire a public adjuster or an attorney. While both professionals bring valuable expertise, understanding their roles and specialties will help you determine which is best for your situation.

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Public Adjusters vs. Attorneys

Public Adjusters

Best for claims with significant or complex damage, like a large scale fire.

A claims specialist can save you money and expedite the settlement process IF successfully negotiated. Otherwise, the claim may end up costing you more in the long term.


Attorneys

Best for denied, underpaid, or delayed property insurance claims.

Legal experts can provide legal guidance, review insurance policies, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit on behalf of the policyholder.

Need help deciding which one is best for your unique situation? Schedule a Free Consultation to speak with an expert!

 

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We are pleased to assist clients with property insurance claims on a contingent fee basis, meaning that if the firm does not obtain a recovery, or if the amount recovered does not exceed the amount of costs and expenses, then the firm is not entitled to any fees.

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What Is a Public Adjuster?

A public adjuster is a licensed professional who advocates for policyholders during the insurance claim process. They specialize in assessing property damages, interpreting insurance policies, and negotiating settlements with insurance companies. 

Public adjusters work independently of insurance companies and are hired by the policyholder. Their main goal is to ensure a fair and accurate evaluation of the damages and to maximize the claim payout for the policyholder.

The Pros of Hiring a Public Adjuster

  • Expertise in insurance claims: Public adjusters specialize in this field and understand policy terms, coverages, and claims processes. They know how to navigate complex insurance policies and communicate with insurance companies.
  • Property damage assessment: Public adjusters have experience evaluating property damages and can accurately estimate the extent of the loss. 
  • Negotiation skills: Public adjusters are often skilled negotiators and can advocate for the policyholder's best interests during settlement discussions.


The Cons of Hiring a Public Adjuster

  • Can be expensive: Public adjusters typically charge a percentage of the final claim payout as their fee, ranging from 5-20% of the settlement amount. On top of that, if a public adjuster can't get the claim approved, they will often send it to an attorney. This means that both the public adjuster and the attorney will get separate percentages of the final payout.
  • Limited legal knowledge: Public adjusters lack comprehensive legal knowledge and can't provide extensive legal advice or assistance beyond the claim process. Their scope of services is limited to property damage assessment and negotiation with insurance companies.
  • Dependency on the policyholder's involvement: Public adjusters require active participation from the policyholder throughout the claim process. While they handle most of the work, policyholders may need to provide relevant documentation and information and cooperate with the adjuster's requests, which can be time-consuming.

 

What is an Insurance Claim Attorney?

An insurance claim attorney is a legal professional who can specialize in various areas of the law, including insurance law. They’re licensed to provide legal advice, handle legal disputes, and represent clients in court.

When it comes to insurance claims, an attorney can provide legal guidance, review insurance policies, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit on behalf of the policyholder.

The Pros of Hiring an Attorney

  • Extensive legal expertise: Attorneys specialize in all legal aspects of insurance claims and thoroughly understand insurance laws, providing valuable legal advice, identifying issues, and protecting policyholder rights. They navigate complex legal matters, identify loopholes or bad faith practices by insurance companies, and take appropriate legal action.
  • Litigation representation: In cases where negotiations fail, or the insurance company acts in bad faith, attorneys can file lawsuits on behalf of the policyholder. They can represent the policyholder in court and ensure their best interest is defended.
  • Comprehensive support: Attorneys handle policy language, legal documents, and communication with insurance representatives for a comprehensive claim resolution approach.
  • Access to a network of experts: Attorneys have access to a network of industry experts, including appraisers and engineers, who can provide valuable insights and evidence to bolster the policyholder's claim. These connections allow attorneys to gather expert opinions and gather strong supporting evidence, ultimately strengthening the case for the policyholder.

The Cons of Hiring an Attorney

  • Higher costs: Because of their involvement and knowledge, attorneys can charge higher fees compared to public adjusters. They may charge an hourly rate or work on a retainer basis, which can be costly for some policyholders.
  • However, it is important to note that most insurance lawyers (including The Lane Law Firm), work on a contingency basis. That means that any fees due to the attorney come out of the settlement, so clients never have to pay out of pocket.
  • Lengthier legal process: Including an attorney in the claim process has the potential to lengthen the timeline. Legal actions, such as filing a lawsuit, can be complex and result in delays.

Need help deciding which one is best for your unique situation? Schedule a Free Consultation to speak with an expert!

What others are saying

"Mr. Lane helped to negotiate a settlement for my claim for my homeowners insurance. The favorable outcome is directly attributed to his efforts. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend he & his firm."

- Confidential Client

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