As many are still grappling with the aftermath of the devastating LA wildfires, a common question emerges: “Do I need an attorney right away?” While it may seem like an understandable instinct to seek legal assistance following such a catastrophic event, the decision can be more nuanced than it appears.
At Kantor & Kantor LLP, we believe it’s vital to inform wildfire victims about the best steps to take as they navigate the complexities of insurance claims and recovery. The truth is, you may or may not need an attorney. Here’s what you need to consider.
Assess Your Situation
First and foremost, it’s essential to evaluate your unique circumstances. Not every homeowner affected by the wildfires will require an attorney immediately. In many situations, the immediate need for legal representation may lead to unnecessary costs that could diminish your settlement or insurance payout.
We are genuinely concerned about potential unethical and immoral conduct from any law firm or public adjuster that hastily accepts clients on a contingency fee basis without first assessing whether representation is appropriate. To make this determination, inspecting the home and evaluating whether the insurance company is conducting a thorough investigation and fairly compensating the claim is essential.
Of course, there are exceptions, and some individuals may require legal counsel immediately. If you have been told that you have no coverage and believe this information is incorrect, you should hire a lawyer sooner rather than later.
The Risk of Unnecessary Legal Fees
When considering hiring an attorney, especially on a contingency fee basis, you could pay a significant percentage of your benefits—often between 10 and 25%. This could amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars you might not need to spend. If your insurance company offers a fair settlement, bringing on legal representation at the outset may not benefit you as intended.
A significant percentage of homeowners are likely to be underinsured. When this occurs, insurance companies may only issue payments based on the policy limits. If this is the case, hiring a public adjuster or law firm that takes between 10% and 25% of your benefits is a waste of your money, as they may not provide any real value to you and will primarily serve their own financial interests.
Understand Your Coverage and Claims Process
Before enlisting legal help, take time to understand your insurance coverage and the claims process. Many homeowners are often underinsured or not fully aware of what their policies entail. If your insurance provider is responsive and provides a fair assessment of your claim, then an attorney might not be necessary right away.
Exceptions That Warrant Immediate Legal Support
There are, without a doubt, circumstances where involving an attorney is crucial from the start. If you feel that your insurance company is denying coverage unjustly or you believe you are receiving an inadequate settlement, seeking legal advice sooner rather than later may be imperative. Protecting your rights is essential, and knowing when to act is key.
- Are you having trouble getting information from your insurance company about your policy or claim?
- Has the investigation into your claim been inadequate or unfair?
- Is the investigation or decision on your claim taking too long?
- Is the proposed insurance settlement inadequate?
- Has your coverage been denied or canceled?
- Has your claim been denied?
Did you answer “Yes” to any of these questions? You may benefit from immediate legal support. It’s time to learn more.
Consult an Expert at Kantor & Kantor
Schedule a consultation with Kantor & Kantor to discuss these critical issues further. We can offer essential advice on when and how to hire an attorney and the steps you should take to safeguard your interests and support your recovery process.
Choosing whether or not to hire an attorney in the aftermath of the LA wildfires is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Take the time to assess your specific situation, understand your insurance options, and determine the best course of action. At Kantor & Kantor, our focus is on providing support and guidance that prioritizes your well-being and recovery—not on profit. We are not in the business of practicing law and winning cases only to make money, and certainly not from the suffering of others.
Remember, you’re not alone in this process, and we’re here to help you through it.
