Ontario Lawyer | You and The Insurance Adjuster- Understanding the Adjuster’s Role
Every month we receive telephone calls from Ontario accident victims who have been dealing directly with the insurance company in an effort to get fair compensation. In many cases it is possible for a non-lawyer to handle his or her own claim and come out just fine, especially if the injuries are small and the loss is straightforward.
However, the most serious mistake injured victims make is believing that the Ontario insurance adjuster is on their side and is working for them. This belief is just plain wrong and leads to many problems obtaining fair compensation for your case.
It is a fact that the insurance adjuster works for the insurance company. That is true regardless of whether the adjuster is an employee of the insurance company or a so-called independent adjuster who has been contracted to look after your case. It is also true if the adjuster is called a “claims representative” or a “customer service representative”. The person sent by the insurance company to meet with you or who calls you on the telephone from the insurance company works exclusively for the insurance company.
The mandate of the insurance adjuster is to settle your claim as cheaply as possible. The mandate is not to ensure that you receive all the compensation you deserve.
When the personal injury lawyers at Ottawa law firm Auger Hollingsworth explain this to injured victims and their families, they are often sceptical. We are told: “The insurance adjuster seemed so nice.” “She came to the hospital with a cheque for our parking expenses.” “She sent flowers.” All of this may be true. It does not change what the adjuster is there to do. In fact, the nicer the adjuster, the more likely you are to agree to whatever proposal she makes.
Auger Hollingsworth is not saying all insurance adjusters are evil. The vast majority of insurance adjusters are decent professionals who are just doing their job. Our personal injury lawyers enjoy excellent professional relationships with most adjusters. The fact remains, however, that their job is to settle your case, and all of the cases they are handling, for the least amount possible.
Would it make sense to have an Ottawa personal injury lawyer review your claim for compensation to see if you are on the right track? The personal injury lawyers at Auger Hollingsworth offer no obligation free consultations to all injured victims whom we believe we can help. To schedule a free consultation or to speak to a lawyer about your case, contact us today at [email protected] or by phone at (613) 233-4529.
