If you are in the thick of an insurance claim that’s not going as you had hoped, don’t give up; it’s not too late to hire an attorney who can help. Our insurance claim attorneys have stepped in at all stages of a claim, from initial investigation to settlement, and untangled complex matters for our clients. As long as you have not formally accepted a settlement, help is available.
The Numbers Don’t Add Up Without an Attorney
One of the most common mindsets among people battling insurance companies on a claim is that they’ll be better off representing themselves and avoiding legal fees. The truth is, there’s plenty of data that supports the choice to hire an attorney for financial benefit and many other reasons.
Multiple studies, including those conducted by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) and the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), and other independent entities, clearly indicate that settlement amounts are significantly higher when a lawyer represents the claimant.
- A study on Social Security Disability Insurance claims conducted by the NBER indicated that legal representation increased the probability of an initial allowance by 23 percentage points.
- In 1999, the IRC released a study showing that insurance payouts average 3.5 times more for people who have an attorney on their side compared to those who do not.
5 Benefits of Having a Lawyer Represent You in an Insurance Claim Situation
Below are just some of the advantages of having an attorney to represent you in an insurance claim situation:
- Negotiating Power: To use a sports analogy, don’t expect to win in the big leagues with Little League equipment. Having a professional negotiator fighting for you against other professional negotiators is a compelling reason to hire an attorney.
- Case Valuation: Without knowing how to place a value on claims that don’t always have receipts, such as pain and suffering or punitive damages, you have no way of knowing if you are placing a high enough value on the contents of your claim. Having an attorney with experience valuing claims ensures you won’t accept a lowball offer.
- Complex Legal Processes: Deadlines and other filing procedures are no joke when it comes to insurance claims. Insurance companies won’t hesitate to pounce if you miss a deadline or complete a critical form incorrectly.
- Streamlined and Straightforward: Claims led by an attorney stay on track. Those that are not have a significantly higher chance of wandering and becoming bogged down. Insurance companies are far less likely to stall or try to take advantage of an attorney, but they will look for opportunities to use these tactics if a claimant does not have solid legal representation.
- Compensation: As mentioned above, even after paying an attorney’s fee, statistics are on your side; you are far more likely to end up with more money when all is said and done. Please note that our firm does not require upfront payment; our fee is assessed only after you have secured a settlement. If you don’t win, you don’t pay. This contingency fee structure ensures that everyone who needs it has access to exceptional legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
Hire an Attorney Even After You Start a Claim
Our attorneys have helped many clients who started on the right foot but then encountered technicalities or roadblocks. Others raised the white flag because the process just became overwhelming for them as they tried to handle a case while going about their daily lives. The good news is that you can hire an attorney at any stage in the insurance claims process, even if you have received – but not signed – a settlement offer or accepted a settlement payment.
So, if you begin handling your claim on your own but then realize you need a professional, it’s very likely not too late to bring someone in who will protect your rights and advocate aggressively on your behalf.
Insurance Claim Attorneys: Free Consultation, No Fees Unless You Win
If you need advice or support regarding an insurance claim, contact the insurance claim attorneys at Eason & Tambornini. Call (916) 438-1819 today to schedule a free consultation. If we take your case, you will pay nothing unless and until you win a settlement. You have one chance to receive the compensation you deserve, and our attorneys can significantly increase your chances of success.