When an offshore injury claim is filed, it's often handed to a marine insurance adjuster for processing. These adjusters commonly come from within the insurance company itself, or a third party adjustment firm hired by the insurance company. It's their job to gather evidence and present findings back to the insurance company.
These adjusters can put up friendly fronts, and even try to imply that they're working in favor of the plaintiff—but they're not. Their interest is in the insurance company's bottom line and that means they're trying to minimize or dismiss your claim all together. This can be particularly damaging in offshore injury cases where a majority of workers are unaware of their rights and the array of complex conditions affecting their benefits under Federal Maritime Law. Adjusters will try to use this uncertainty to their advantage and to deface a legitimate claim.
That's why it's crucial for injured workers to seek timely representation from a maritime attorney. These cases are always facing large and infinitely more resourceful entities who are vigilant to dispel any claims against them. Disputes often come out of offshore injury cases, which is why informed counsel is crucial.
There are a number of ways a marine insurance adjuster can try to minimize your claim. These can often happen with the cooperation of the vessel owner or offshore company, as their pockets and reputation can also be hurt.
Insurance adjusters can hurt your claim by:
Often, workers may not realize that adjusters are working to counter their claim—or feel they have nothing to hide—and will cooperate with medical record requests and access to treatment plans. It isn't until later that victims realize that this information is being gathered to strategize and implement measures that can hurt their claim.
It can be a rude awakening for many injured offshore workers to realize that the legitimacy of their claim is being marred by the insurance company and they have to fight to prove their case. Disputes with an adjusters' findings are common and are always an unwelcome source of conflict—especially when dealing with serious injuries and an uncertain financial future. At Arnold & Itkin, we've made it our firm's mission to give a voice to offshore workers who are all too often silenced by marine and insurance companies. We can help push back against and resolve adjuster disputes and ensure that accurate information is presented in court.
Get a 100% free consultation with a proven offshore injury attorney. Contact Arnold & Itkin today!
Arnold & Itkin represented nearly a third of the crewmembers injured in the Deepwater Horizon explosion.
Because maritime law is so complex and so complicated, it is crucial that you work with an attorney who has an in-depth understanding of how it works and who has proven themselves in similar cases before.
