A Champaign personal injury lawyer may explain the differences between an insurer’s home offices and regional offices to a claimant. Each type of office fulfills specific roles within the framework of the insurance company. For example, a local claims office of a major insurance carrier may be controlled by a zone or regional officer. The ultimate authority over policy limit cases, coverage or other crucial matters belongs to the company’s home office. There may be a vice president in charge of claims or a general claims manager at the home office who acts as an authority. A Champaign personal injury attorney may be able to understand the chain-of-command within a particular insurance firm.

Role of the Home Office

If a Champaign personal injury lawyer receives notification that a case has been sent to the “home office,” it might indicate that the case is receiving special attention. Such attention might or might not be beneficial to the claimant. A Champaign personal injury lawyer may be able to determine whether or not the case is benefited by the home office’s attention.

For example, if a question regarding coverage comes up in a claimant’s case, the local adjuster most often won’t have the authority to make a decision on questions of coverage. Such questions may be the result of a driver operating a car without the owner’s permission, a lapse in premium payments or other circumstances. A Champaign personal injury lawyer may be able to explain the answers to coverage questions provided by the insurer.

Policy-Limit Questions

If a Champaign personal injury attorney asks for the policy limit, the request might garner the attention of the home office. The local adjuster might need some time to deal with the bureaucracy and send a request up the chain of command. This process may require up to 30 days to complete. If the settlement may be large, the adjuster may be given authority incrementally of a few to multiple thousands of dollars from someone in a position of higher authority from a supervisor, regional office or claims manager. If the case involves a large policy limit, the home office may be required to give the authorization. A Champaign personal injury lawyer might keep up communication with the insurance adjuster and may track the claim’s progress.

Legal Representation for the Insurer

Insurers often keep a law firm on retainer to provide legal counsel and representation in the event that a case is brought to trial in civil court. The success rate of an insurer’s law firm is closely monitored by the claims office. Defense attorneys who win most of their cases keep settlement amounts low and maintain compliance with the procedures outlined by the claims office are likely to be re-hired for additional cases. In order to maintain the relationship with an insurer, these attorneys are likely to fight vigorously to protect the financial interests of their employer: the insurance carrier.

The Role of a Champaign Personal Injury Lawyer

A Champaign personal injury lawyer may have the experience, background knowledge and resources to challenge a large insurance firm and its legal counsel in order to obtain the maximum possible payout. A Champaign personal injury attorney with a background in personal injury cases can be found at McCarthy Rowden & Baker. To schedule an appointment, please call 800-373-6050.