What Is a Public Adjuster and Should You Hire One?
A Homeowner’s Guide in Southeast Louisiana
After a major storm, fire, or other damaging event, homeowners are often left scrambling to file insurance claims and repair their property. If you’re in New Orleans, Metairie, or anywhere in Southeast Louisiana, you likely know someone who’s had trouble dealing with their insurance company.
One option many homeowners turn to is a public adjuster, but what do they actually do, and should you hire one? In this article, we’ll explain the role of public adjusters, how they differ from insurance company adjusters, and what to consider before hiring one.
If your claim is being delayed, underpaid, or denied, Bloom Legal Network can help you protect your rights and your recovery!
What Is a Public Adjuster?
A public adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who works on behalf of policyholders, not insurance companies, to assess property damage, interpret insurance policies, and negotiate settlements. They are hired by individuals or businesses after a loss to help prepare and file an insurance claim.
Public adjusters are different from the adjusters assigned by your insurance company. While company adjusters represent the insurer’s interests, public adjusters advocate for you and aim to maximize your claim payout.
Key responsibilities of a public adjuster include:
- Inspecting the damage and estimating repair costs
- Reviewing your insurance policy and identifying coverage
- Preparing detailed documentation and submitting the claim
- Negotiating directly with the insurance company on your behalf
If you’re dealing with roof damage, flooding, or fire loss in St. Charles Parish or surrounding areas, give Bloom Legal Network a call for critical help during the early stages of your claim.
When Should You Hire a Public Adjuster?
Hiring a public adjuster may make sense if:
- Your property damage is extensive or complex
- The insurance company’s initial offer is much lower than expected
- You feel overwhelmed by the claims process
- Your claim has been delayed, reduced, or denied
- You need an expert to understand policy language and exclusions
For homeowners in St. Tammany Parish and Jefferson Parish, storm-related insurance claims are a regular part of life. At Bloom Legal Network, we understand how to challenge undervalued property damage assessments and push back against common insurance tactics, especially after hurricanes or other major weather events in Southeast Louisiana.
Pros of Hiring a Public Adjuster
Many policyholders report improved results after hiring a public adjuster. Potential benefits include:
- Higher payouts: Public adjusters often secure larger settlements than policyholders who go it alone.
- Professional guidance: They know how to read policy language and document claims for success.
- Time savings: A public adjuster handles communication, paperwork, and follow-up so you can focus on rebuilding.
- Leveling the playing field: Insurance companies have experts—so should you.
If you’re not sure whether a public adjuster is the right fit, one of our attorneys can review your situation and help you evaluate your options.
Bloom Legal Network is here to help homeowners in New Orleans and beyond take control of their insurance claims, not just accept what the company offers.
What Are the Risks?
While public adjusters can be helpful, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Fees: Public adjusters typically charge a percentage of your final settlement, often between 5% and 15%. This comes out of your payout.
- Licensing: Only hire a licensed public adjuster. You can verify this through the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
- Conflicts of interest: Avoid any public adjuster who pressures you into signing quickly or pushes affiliated contractors.
- Limited authority: Public adjusters can’t offer legal advice or sue your insurance company—that’s where an attorney comes in.
If you’re in Metairie or St. Charles Parish and your claim involves legal complications, hiring an attorney may be more appropriate than hiring a public adjuster.
What’s the Difference Between a Public Adjuster and a Lawyer?
It’s important to understand that a public adjuster is not a lawyer. While they can help you present your claim and negotiate a higher settlement, they can’t file a lawsuit or pursue legal remedies if the insurance company acts in bad faith.
A lawyer, especially one experienced in insurance litigation, can:
- Review your insurance policy for coverage disputes
- Negotiate directly with insurance lawyers
- File a lawsuit if the company refuses to pay
- Pursue penalties for bad faith conduct under Louisiana law
If your insurance company is stalling, lowballing your damage, or ignoring your calls, it’s time to involve legal counsel.
Bloom Legal Network helps homeowners across Southeast Louisiana, from New Orleans to Jefferson Parish, connect with insurance attorneys who can step in when public adjusters have reached their limit.
Should You Hire Both?
In some cases, yes! A public adjuster can be useful for preparing and submitting the claim, while a lawyer ensures your rights are protected if the insurance company plays hardball. The two professionals can often work together to secure a fair resolution.
In major disaster zones like St. Tammany Parish or Jefferson Parish, where insurers are overwhelmed with claims, having both a public adjuster and an attorney may give you the edge you need.
Take Action, Know Your Rights!
Insurance claims can quickly become complicated, especially in the aftermath of a hurricane, fire, or flood. Whether you hire a public adjuster or go straight to an attorney, the most important thing is not to settle for less than you’re owed.
If you’re unsure what to do after property damage in New Orleans, Metairie, or Southeast Louisiana, Bloom Legal Network can help you understand your options and connect you with the professionals who can protect your interests.
Don’t face it alone! We are here to help you connect with the right professional, whether it’s a public adjuster or an experienced insurance attorney.
Call 504-599-9997
Email info@bloomlegal.com
You paid for coverage. Make sure you get what you’re entitled to.
Frequently Asked Questions
A public adjuster is a licensed professional who works exclusively for you, the policyholder, to help with your insurance claim. They are different from the company adjuster, who is an employee of your insurance company and represents the insurer’s interests. A public adjuster’s job is to advocate for you, assess your damages, interpret your policy, and negotiate for the maximum possible settlement, ensuring you get everything you’re entitled to.
You should consider hiring a public adjuster if your property damage is extensive or complex, the insurance company’s offer seems too low, or your claim has been delayed, reduced, or denied. If the claims process feels overwhelming or you need an expert to help you understand the dense language of your insurance policy, a public adjuster can provide the professional guidance you need. For homeowners in Southeast Louisiana, this is especially important after major events like hurricanes or floods.
The key difference is that a public adjuster focuses on the technical aspects of the claim, like assessing damage and negotiating a settlement. They cannot, however, provide legal advice or file a lawsuit. A lawyer, on the other hand, is an expert in the law and can take legal action on your behalf, especially if your claim is denied or if the insurance company is acting in bad faith. In some cases, it can be beneficial to hire both. A public adjuster can handle the initial claim submission and negotiation, and a lawyer can step in to protect your rights if legal issues arise or the insurance company refuses to pay.
