i dont trust their word since they change it each time i try to ask questions. as my lawyer, i feel they should supply me with proof of the amount. how do i know if they are trying to give me less than what i am due.
It's not unusual for the claims adjuster to make an initial offer over the phone. The final settlement should be in writing however. However, unless you are being asked to settle without signing anything at all which is very unlikely since no insurance company will release a check that way, you may be out of line alleging your lawyer is a crook.
As I am not licensed in your state, I cannot offer you specific legal advice as to Georgia state law. However, you appear to have some serious trust issues with your attorney. That is unfortunate.
It is very likely that your attorney has received a phone offer of settlement. There may or may not be a follow-up letter from the insurance carrier, depending on the adjuster involved and the relationship the adjuster may have with your attorney.
You could ask your attorney to have the adjuster document your file by sending at least a faxed or e-mailed offer. If and when you ever settle your case, you will be presented with a general release which will specify the amount of the settlement..
Normally you would be asked to sign a release as part of any settlement, and that document should specify the total amount being paid in settlement of the case. If you decide to accept the offer, then you should expect for the lawyer to provide that document to you so that you can verify the amount of the settlement. The problem here is that you should be relying on, rather than questioning your lawyer's advice. I don't know what the lawyer has done (or not done) to lose your trust, but recommend that you have an honest conversation with the lawyer about your concerns -- there may (or may not) be a good explanation for whatever he or she has done (or hasn't done). Best of luck to you.
I have to agree with previous post, it is very common for the insurance company to make an offer on the telephone. Usually, they will follow up with an offer in writing as well. At the very least your attorney should confirm their offer in writing with them in case they did not hear the correct amount.
Unfortunately, there is a bigger issue here than proof of the offer which is on the table. It sounds as if there are some trust issues with your attorney. You need to do what you can to resolve these issues, it is very important to trust your attorney, if you do not feel comfortable you need to determine why and speak with your attorney about the specifics. Then your attorney will have two choices, to either correct the issue or not.
