Phone answered 24/7 · Chandler, AZ and nearby communities

Call 24/7: (480) 526-4676
Kyrene Water Damage HelpChandler, AZ · Answered 24/7

Why Do Homeowners Hire Both a Pa and an Attorney?

Last updated October 23, 2026

Call Now (480) 526-4676

The short answer

Understanding the Two Different Roles

A public adjuster, or PA, is a claims professional you can hire to represent your interests. They assess damage, document everything, and negotiate the repair scope and valuation with your insurance company. Their focus is maximizing the financial settlement for the covered loss. An attorney, on the other hand, specializes in legal interpretation, contracts, and litigation if a dispute arises.

The key distinction is the nature of their work. The public adjuster handles the technical and financial evaluation of the damage. The attorney addresses legal rights, policy language, and potential lawsuits. You might need only one, but a severe denial or underpayment could require both skill sets to resolve.

When a Public Adjuster Is Needed

Consider hiring a public adjuster for a large or complicated water damage claim. They are experts in reading policies and construction estimating. If you feel overwhelmed by the documentation or believe the insurer's offer is too low, a PA can provide a detailed second opinion. They work on a percentage of the final settlement, so their incentive is to get you a fair payout.

Common scenarios include disputes over the extent of damage, the cost of repairs, or whether certain items are covered. For instance, if hidden mold is found during water damage cleanup, a PA can argue for its inclusion. Their expertise is in building the strongest possible claim file for negotiation.

When an Attorney Becomes Necessary

You may need to consult an attorney if the insurance company denies your claim outright or acts in bad faith. Legal counsel is crucial if you suspect the insurer is violating state laws or the terms of your policy. An attorney can send demand letters, file a lawsuit, and represent you in court. This step focuses on enforcing the legal terms of your policy, not just the claim amount.

Bad faith can include unreasonable delays, failing to investigate properly, or offering a settlement far below the claim's value. An attorney analyzes the denial letter and policy for legal weaknesses. They provide advice on whether you have grounds for litigation, which is a separate path from the PA's negotiation.

  • Your claim is denied for reasons you believe are wrong.
  • The insurer delays payment or communication excessively.
  • The settlement offer is drastically lower than repair estimates.
  • The insurer denies coverage for a peril you believe is covered.
  • You face a complex legal issue like concurrent causation.
  • The insurer refuses to pay for code upgrades required for repair.

How They Can Work Together

In a contentious claim, a public adjuster and attorney often collaborate. The PA builds the technical case for the damage's value, creating a solid foundation. The attorney then uses that documentation to make the legal argument for coverage or to prove bad faith. This tandem approach combines detailed evidence with legal pressure, which can be very effective against an insurer.

Typically, the public adjuster's work comes first to establish the financial stakes of the dispute. If negotiations fail, the attorney steps in with the threat or action of litigation. They may refer clients to each other, as their specialties are complementary. The goal is to use both professional avenues to reach a resolution.

Key Considerations for Homeowners

Hiring both professionals increases your upfront costs, as both work on contingency or hourly fees. You must weigh this against the potential for a much larger settlement. It is a strategic decision for high-value claims. Always check the credentials and references of anyone you hire. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

For water damage in Chandler, immediate cleanup is essential to prevent secondary issues. Once the property is secure, you can evaluate the claim's complexity. Document everything from the start with photos and notes. Understand that a public adjuster negotiates the claim, while an attorney fights a legal battle. Your specific situation dictates the need for one or both.

Water damage does not wait

Phones are answered 24/7 for Chandler and nearby communities.

Call Now (480) 526-4676

Frequently asked questions

Does hiring a public adjuster ensure a higher payout?

Hiring a public adjuster does not ensure a higher payout. A public adjuster provides expertise to advocate for a full, fair settlement based on the policy and damage. The final amount still depends on your policy limits, the cause of loss, and the insurer's assessment. Their goal is to ensure no covered damage is overlooked.

Can an attorney help get my claim covered?

An attorney can help if the denial involves a legal dispute over policy language or insurer conduct. They cannot force coverage for something explicitly excluded. Their role is to challenge the denial on legal grounds, potentially through negotiation or litigation, to get a covered loss paid.

Should I hire them at the same time?

Not usually. Most homeowners start with a public adjuster if the settlement seems low. If the insurer refuses a reasonable offer from the PA, then you might bring in an attorney. Consulting an attorney early for advice on a complex denial can also be a prudent step.

Call Now (480) 526-4676