Public Adjusters & Insurance Lawyers Have Unique Responsibilities to Property Owners
Both insurance dispute lawyers and public insurance adjusters have their own responsibilities to clients during insurance disputes., and it is important to understand the difference between the two.

September 27, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Public Adjusters & Insurance Lawyers Have Unique Responsibilities to Property Owners

Both insurance dispute lawyers and public insurance adjusters have their own responsibilities to clients during insurance disputes. Understandably, many insured persons are confused by the particular services that an attorney and a public insurance adjuster provide for their clients in disputed insurance claims. This article discusses some of the important differences between the two.

The Role of a Public Insurance Adjuster

A public insurance adjuster (PA) generally must hold a license or certification issued by the state in which he or she operates.

A PA can often provide valuable, efficient and relatively inexpensive services for policyholders. If the insured agrees, the PA may act as their representative to evaluate damages to property and negotiate with the insurance company for proper payment. A PA will conduct his or her own appraisal and try to resolve the claim with the insurance company.

Although each state may have different requirements, a PA typically works on a contingent basis if he or she successfully resolves the claim for the client. If the PA is unable to resolve the claim, the parties may seek the involvement of an attorney.

The Role of an Insurance Dispute Lawyer

Like a PA, an attorney acts as a representative for his or her client. A lawyer and his staff can conduct an appraisal and may negotiate with the insurance company. An attorney can also use his license to practice law to fully represent policyholders as insurance disputes become more intense.

Lawyers have the ability to file lawsuits against the insurance company under different theories of law, including breach of contract and insurance bad-faith for unscrupulous delay or denial of a claim. In these types of disputes, lawyers frequently work for clients on a contingent-fee basis that is negotiated by lawyer and the insured at the time that their attorney-client relationship begins.

Resolving Insurance Disputes

Both PAs and attorneys can play a valuable role in resolving insurance disputes. The particularities of each individual case determine whether it is most appropriate to involve a PA, an insurance dispute attorney, or both. Most PAs and lawyers offer free initial consultations for potential clients. After learning the details of one's case, a reputable attorney will provide the insured with insight as to whether the services of a PA or lawyer are most appropriate in their own insurance dispute.

Press Release Contact Information:

Findlaw PR