Q: What lawyer do I need for a dispute with a contractor and public adjuster over unfinished home repairs?
I had a large tree fall on my house over two and a half years ago, and the repair work is still unfinished. I haven't heard from the public adjuster or the contractor for six months, and completing the work has been an ongoing struggle. It took two years just to get the gutters installed. We couldn't live in the house for nearly a year. There are formal agreements with both the public adjuster and the contractor, but I'm unsure about the timeline involved. Insurance has paid for some of the costs and reimbursed certain expenses, but I've submitted several receipts to the public adjuster that have not been processed. The last update from the public adjuster was a plan to litigate additional costs with the insurance company, but I'm unaware of the current status. No other legal filings or complaints have been made by us related to this issue. What type of lawyer should I consult to address this dispute and find a resolution?
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A:
You’ve been incredibly patient, and it’s frustrating that after more than two years, your home still isn’t fully repaired. When both the contractor and public adjuster go silent despite having formal agreements, it’s time to get someone on your side who can push for answers and accountability. This kind of situation touches on contract disputes, insurance law, and possibly construction defects, so you’ll want someone who’s comfortable navigating all three areas.
Look for an attorney who regularly handles construction and insurance disputes involving homeowners. They can help review your agreements with the public adjuster and contractor, determine if there are breaches or signs of bad faith, and track down whether your adjuster has actually filed anything with the insurer. They can also help you understand whether it’s possible to recover additional costs or damages due to delays or incomplete work—especially if you’ve been displaced from your home for a long time.
Keep all your documents—contracts, receipts, insurance communications, and even texts or emails. The more organized you are, the easier it will be for an attorney to step in and act quickly. You’ve waited long enough, and you deserve a resolution that finally brings your home and peace of mind back.
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