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April 02, 2020 01 min

How Do I Choose a Homeowners’ Insurance Lawyer?

When disaster strikes, many homeowners’ insurance companies fall short of their responsibilities. This is particularly common after large-scale events like storms, when claims flood in and insurers often struggle to keep up with the demand. About 26% of homeowners said they were unaware that delaying necessary home maintenance tasks could affect their homeowners policy, the survey showed. Many insurance companies, driven by cost-cutting measures, either delay claims processing or offer settlements that fall well below what homeowners deserve.

In some cases, they may even deny valid claims altogether. Unfortunately, some penny-pinching insurers lack the resources to handle a high volume of claims, leaving homeowners waiting or underpaid. But this failure isn’t your fault—and as a policyholder, you shouldn’t have to bear the burden of their shortcomings.

In such situations, having a reliable and experienced lawyer by your side is essential. You need someone who will not only protect your rights but also aggressively fight to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. To make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top qualities that define the best homeowners’ insurance lawyers in Los Angeles. With the right advocate, you can navigate these challenges with confidence and secure the support you deserve.

Top Qualities to Look For in Your Home Insurance Lawyer

Experience

Experience is key when choosing a home insurance lawyer. This is not the time for a lawyer who is still learning the ropes—you need someone who knows exactly how to handle your claim. A lawyer with relevant experience will be able to navigate the complex process and fight for your rights effectively.

However, don’t be fooled by years of practice alone. Simply having many years of experience doesn’t always mean the lawyer is right for your case. For example, a lawyer who has been practicing law for decades in areas like personal injury or criminal defense might not have the expertise needed to handle home insurance disputes.

What matters is whether the lawyer has specific experience dealing with insurance companies and successfully fighting for fair settlements in similar cases. Look for someone who specializes in homeowners’ insurance law and has a proven track record of helping clients win their claims. The right lawyer will have the knowledge and skills to get you the compensation you deserve.

Diversity

Many California attorneys only practice one kind of law, such as homeowners’ insurance law. Frequently, these lawyers are much like storm chasers. When wildfires or other disasters strike, they move in.

Generally, that is not the kind of attorney you want. Instead, an established lawyer who is not completely dependent on one area of law is usually a better choice.

As a general rule, there is strength in diversity. An attorney who practices in several different areas, such as insurance matters and personal injury, can break down your claim and see all the angles. Another lawyer might be unable to see the big picture in this way.

Location

The best attorney-client relationships are partnerships. This kind of relationship is almost impossible to form unless attorney and client are geographically close. Sure, there is Skype and FaceTime and old-fashioned phone calls. Additionally, most attorneys are willing to meet clients at coffee shops or other places.

But these visits are not the same as in-person visits at an attorney’s office. Furthermore, if the meeting occurs in a semi-public place, communications between attorney and client might not be confidential.

So, your lawyer should be close to your home or place of business. That’s especially true for people who have just experienced disasters. There are so many things going on that they do not have time to drive across town and back to see their lawyers.

Accessibility

Choosing the right attorney is like picking a restaurant. If there are no cars in the parking lot, it could be a sign of trouble. Similarly, if an attorney is always available and has few clients, they may lack experience. On the other hand, if a lawyer is too busy to meet with you, they might delegate most of the work to junior staff or paralegals.

The key is finding a balance—an attorney who has enough experience and a manageable caseload to give your claim the attention it deserves.

Conclusion

Choosing the right homeowners’ insurance lawyer is essential for ensuring that your claim is handled effectively and that you receive the compensation you deserve. With the right attorney by your side, you can navigate the complexities of dealing with insurance companies, especially in times of widespread disaster when they often fail to meet their obligations.

By focusing on qualities such as experience, diversity of practice, proximity, and accessibility, you can select a lawyer who will work diligently on your behalf. Remember, the right legal representation can make all the difference in securing a fair settlement and protecting your rights.

If you’re in need of an experienced and reliable homeowners’ insurance lawyer or Property Damage Lawyer in Los Angeles, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation with the Law Offices of Eslamboly Hakim. Let us help you get the support you need during this challenging time.