by gb298888 » Wed Mar 05, 2008 05:02 pm
I have been in contact with the insurance adjuster and independent adjuster for a third party injury claim. I sent a big packet including all medical bills, records, other supporting documents and a letter stating why their insured is at fault and so on. The independent adjuster had no problem that i semt them in myself. He told me i can forward everything to him if i wanted to. Now i recently spoke to the adjuster at the insurance co, and she said that it have no value to claim and she cant evaluate it because i didnt sign the form for them to get medical bills and etc. This isnt right it is legal for me to send in my own records. Should i call the supervisor?
Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 09:32 am Post Subject:
Hey gb298888, here you need to understand the difference of interests between the two adjusters. The adjuster appointed by the insurer will try to protect the interest of the company and its customer and thus will evaluate your claim more critically in contrast to that of the independent adjuster. Her objective will remain to give out as minimum as possible towards the claim.
The independent adjuster, on the other hand will work on your behalf. However, most time, both the adjuster work hand-in-hand in settling a claim, but the company adjuster remains the final decision maker. If you wish you can speak to the supervisor of the adjuster, but I doubt, if you'll any different response form her as well.
Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 11:09 am Post Subject:
You usually always have to sign a medical release. Its all part of the procedure. It is also in your best benefit to keep a copy of all bills and records for your own file. You probaly will not get any different answer from a supervisor as Ridgesimon said. The adjuster all have their own rules to follow for their company. It shouldn't be any difference if you send th records or the other people.
Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 12:27 pm Post Subject:
The independent adjuster, on the other hand will work on your behalf
This isn't correct, unless I've mis-read somewhere along the line...the independent adjuster is hired by the insurance company...that is who they (the independent) works for...period...It is customary that they request a medical authorization, it's fine that you sent all this info, but doesn't mean that the adjuster still doesn't need to get this information 'straight' from the doctor...very common...sign the medical authorization, and let the adjuster get on with their job....speak to the supervisor if you want but the adjuster has done nothing wrong...the independent adjuster either didn't know the rules, or was saying (as I have before as well) you can send the information in if you want, but should've followed this statement up with, 'but i'm still going to have to request it directly from all the providers as well.'
why does this bother you so badly? just curious...
Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 07:18 pm Post Subject:
I was wondering the same thing. It sounds like the adjuster is just doing things by the book.
Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 04:46 am Post Subject:
If the person sends in the meds, there is nothing to prevent that person from removing certain notes from the records. As an adjuster, I always request records directly from the medical providers.
Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 04:57 am Post Subject:
This is difficult part being an independent. If you work for different carriers, they all require different things. Some demand the medical authorization and some don't and will accept bills and records directly from the claimant. Some want the meds in their hands as quick as possible, and some of it depends on the size of the claim.
Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 01:17 pm Post Subject: Should i speak with the adjuster supervisor?
Lori Post: 06 Mar 2008
Post subject: Should i speak with the adjuster supervisor?
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Quote:
The independent adjuster, on the other hand will work on your behalf
This isn't correct, unless I've mis-read somewhere along the line...the independent adjuster is hired by the insurance company...that is who they (the independent) works for...period...
Lori,
Maybe "Ridgesimon" meant to say *Public Adjuster*.
FK,
Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 01:33 pm Post Subject:
You know FK, that's what I thought too after I had typed that....
Maybe "Ridgesimon" meant to say *Public Adjuster*.
Thanks for bringing that into the tread I should've... :oops: for those who don't know a public adjuster is a type of independent that 'IS' hired by the insured or claimant to represent them 'against' the carrier....similar to an attorney without the legal degree, or ablity to practice law...they are generally paid on a contengency or commission basis...many states are flooded with them, while others see none...there are varying opinions on this portion/''profession'' in the industry...(opinions don't really vary too much with adjusters though :P )Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 03:38 pm Post Subject:
Thanks for the info. Never even heard of a public adjuster. This field of work sure does sound complicated. Does a public adjuster charge the same rate as an atty?
Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2008 02:10 pm Post Subject:
I don't know to be honest, I do know that many (not all) of them make some outlandish claims (that they can get you 100-1000 times more! :roll: on physcial damage claims!)
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