If you feel taken, then file a compliant with your State Insurance Dept on line under Consumer Help or assistance. Ask them to review the facts for you, that's what your taxes are paid for.
Lest we forget, there is a lot of work done behind the scenes you may not know about that the adjuster may have done. As a retired adjuster of 40 yrs in the field and at the Home Office level of many National Carriers, I can tell you the adjuster file may be 4 inches thick. Many times the fact that a PA shows up makes the typical staff adjuster look closer at the loss and damages as they expect the PA to contest their appraisals if not on the high side. Even if the PA only filed the claim and showed up and you did the contents inventory (because you have the best direct knowledge as to its value and age) the PA many times knows the field adjusters or inside managers which results in a more favorable and faster resolution for you without you ever realizing it. Many other times I have seen claims set for a denial or excessive depreciation applied , "but for" the PA being involved the claim was paid to avoid a long drawn out confrontation and added costs.
Lets face it, even an atty does little more than send out 2-3 letters on a file after 8-10 months and plays a waiting game using his title to win you more money, he did little to nothing for you except use the threat of a suit and you pay them 33-40%.
However, lets assume you foolishly did agree to a 25% fee, which is almost unheard of today and in many States like Florida, Michigan and many others, its against the law to charge more than 10% fee on most claims. I cant think of anyone that would sign a contract for 25% and be sane. Stop drinking the Vodka when conducting your business with a PA.
In your favor, report this outrageous fee to your DOI. Also you need to request IN WRITING from Metro a full copy of the work they did for you, ie letters to the insurer, appraisals, contact sheet of calls to whom and when, basically the file "time record" of what work they did for you. If they refuse then the DOI can mandate to see the file and what work they did. To use the DOI it costs you nothing!
Let the DOI do your investigation for you and determine if in fact your right that they did nothing. If they are guilty of non-performance as you claim, you will have the State Atty General office for fraud to help nullify their contract. Remember though, nobody can guarantee the outcome of any claim. Just because you desired a higher recovery or outcome does not make the contract invalid.
What do you have to lose? Go for it and good hunting.
The Claim Advocate
