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And Now You Do What They Told Ya…

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“Why Did You Take That Case? It’s Not Worth Your Time!”

A question recently posed to me by an insurance defense attorney that thinks certain cases should be beneath legal assistance because there is no real margin for a positive financial return. It reminded me of the real reason I became a lawyer and constantly reminds me of the every day people that need lawyers not solely focused on the bottom line. I realize this is a hard task because we are still running a business that has to pay overhead expenses, support ourselves and our families, and pay those law school loans! On top of that in South Carolina you are “assigned” cases that you are going to be spending time and money on for free anyway, which could easily fill that small philanthropic,or charitable void, in your cynical, cold heart.

Rise up, my cynical counterparts and cohorts in the business of assisting those in need when the tyrannical insurance company rears its ugly head. We must unite and bring forth our swords swiftly to sever its head before it begins to breathe fire and destroy all that is pure and just in a world bombarded with:

  • low balling adjusters reading from a computer screen;
  • experienced insurance adjusters being pushed to retire for college graduates that can read;
  • denials based purely on money saving tactics;
  • Allstate Insurance Company practices focused on trying to squeeze out the desire for attorneys to help;
  • property damage claims (See: South Carolina Property Arbitration:Your Weapon Against Insurance Adjusters) ;
  • minor property damage claims; and
  • anything quasi legal that comes out of the mouth of an adjuster.

How about grab that bravado that made you a plaintiff’s attorney and start saying, “F&*^ You, I want do what you tell me!” You can make the time for half a dozen of those cases a year. I know you “Million Dollar Advocates” can spare some time to feel reinvigorated and you young associates that do research all day can feel like real trial lawyers by taking on a Magistrate Court case or Property Arbitration. By pushing back on what the dragon is trying to force feed us we can eventually slay the large reptile and save the townspeople.

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When Insurance Claims Adjusters Refer You Clients-It All Makes Sense

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I conclude my initial interview with new clients by explaining to them my goal is to do such a good job with their case, that they refer friends, family, and enemies to my office when they know they are being taken advantage of by insurance companies.

In this past year I have received several clients by way of what I would consider unusual means-Insurance Claims Adjuster referrals.  Sallie Jane* & Jenny Laura* of Deny, Delay, & Defend Insurance Company recently referred Johnny Adjuster*, a friend of theirs that was also a claims adjuster.  Johnny had been involved in an accident and did what he thought was right and not what he knew he should have done to cover his tail with the evil empire of insurance companies and their tactics of denying, delaying, and defending.

Having been an adjuster, Johnny knew he needed an attorney that was actually willing to file and follow through with a lawsuit. Not an attorney that was looking for a quick settlement. When Johnny shared his struggle with his friends, they knew exactly the attorney to call.  As Johnny explained, “I needed an attorney that was a pit bill but not so much that he was a complete Jack Ass!”  In steps Trey Mills, personal injury attorney.

A true story where only the names have been changed. There are many more adjusters that would just refer to me as a Jack Ass or worse. However, seldom do I back down from a fight. It use to be that was the case in or out of the court but with age and abstinence from alcohol that has evolved into more court than street/bar fighting.

I hate insurance companies! They tried to take advantage of me when I was dying of cancer and I see them taking advantage of you all everyday. I can’t take on every battle and everyone’s case. However, there are others out there that fight the good fight, like I do everyday. Do not accept mediocrity and second rate treatment from those SOB insurance companies! Take action.

*The names have been changed to protect the innocent.