What should an adjuster refrain from advising a claimant regarding legal representation?

An adjuster should refrain from advising a claimant to seek legal advice because doing so can imply that the adjuster is crossing the line into providing legal guidance, which is outside their professional purview. Adjusters are trained to handle claims and assess damages, but they are not licensed to give legal advice. Encouraging a claimant to pursue legal advice could also create liability issues for the adjuster or the insurance company, especially if the claimant relies on the advice and it leads to negative outcomes in their case.

While an adjuster can inform claimants about their rights or the claims process, suggesting that they engage a lawyer carries potential implications about the claims handling process that could mislead the claimant about their options without fully understanding the legal nuances involved. Therefore, it is vital for adjusters to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and refrain from giving legal advice to claimants.