The Compact Book on Adjusting Liability Claims

Download or read book The Compact Book on Adjusting Liability Claims written by Barry Zalma and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 243 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This Compact Book of Adjusting Liability Claims is designed to provide the new adjuster with a basic grounding in what is needed to become a competent and effective insurance adjuster. It is also available as a refresher for the experienced adjuster.The liability claims adjuster quickly learns that there is little difficulty with a claimant (the person alleging bodily injury or property damage against a person insured) if the claim is paid as demanded. The insured may be unhappy if the claimant's claim is paid as presented since most do not believe they did anything wrong or fear an increase in premiums charged for subsequent policies.The adjuster must be prepared to salve the insured's emotions, explain why in the law and the policy it was appropriate to pay the claimant and that the settlement is in the best interest of both the insured and the insurer the adjuster represents.The adjuster knows, and must be prepared to explain to an insured, that if a claim is resisted or denied the claimant will be unhappy, will probably file suit. If not promptly settled the claimant's lawyers will rake the insured over the coals to prove that the insured is liable for the claimant's injuries. The litigation will take time, effort, and money to establish the extent of the injuries and who is responsible for the injuries. Failure to settle promptly can cost the insured his or her reputation and will certainly cost the insurer much more than the claim could have been resolved for had it been resolved before the claimant retained a lawyer.