Strong winds can rip off roofs with ease, but building back up is a much longer and more complex process. In a state like Louisiana, dealing with a wind damage claim takes effort and persistence, and often requires specialized knowledge and expertise. Both insurance law attorneys and public adjusters play critical roles in helping policyholders navigate the claims process. Here are a few examples of how these two professionals work together to ensure a fair and favorable outcome for policyholders like you.
Understanding the Difference Between Public Adjusters and Attorneys
Before explaining how they work together, it’s helpful to first understand how the roles of public adjusters and attorneys differ.
Public adjusters focus on handling the claims and valuation process. They gather documentation, submit the claim, and ensure damage is correctly calculated. They are experts in the construction and claims processes. Attorneys, on the other hand, are experts in law. They step in to handle negotiation and legal aspects of the claims process, including litigation, disputes, and bad faith claims.
In many wind damage claims in Louisiana, public adjusters and attorneys work together to ensure a fair outcome for policyholders. Here’s how:
- Claim handling collaboration – To get proper representation, homeowners may choose to hire a public adjuster and an attorney from the start, especially if they have a particularly complex or high-value claim. Public adjusters get to work assessing and documenting the damage in preparation for submitting the claim. At the same time, the attorney reviews the insurance policy to understand terms, coverage, and ensure all documentation is thorough and complies with legal requirements.
- Strengthen negotiation – Public adjusters are experts in damage assessment and claim valuation, and attorneys are experts in negotiation and the law. If the insurance company disputes the claim or offers an inadequate settlement, your attorney and public adjuster will be able to put up a strong defense.
- Dispute resolution – If negotiations stall, the claim is denied, or other disputes arise, the public adjuster can hand over the case to an attorney for legal action while still standing by to offer support in the way of additional documentation, expert testimony, and other professional support.
Engaging public adjusters and attorneys can be beneficial to homeowners who have experienced wind damage to their New Orleans property. Together, they offer comprehensive expertise in the insurance claims process and enhanced negotiation power. Moreover, their collaboration often leads to more efficient claim resolution.
If you have wind damage to your Louisiana home or business, give us a call at Kandell, Kandell & Petrie Law to speak with one of our New Orleans claims advisors.
