Post Northridge Info Here.

Name:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
E-Mail:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
City/State:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Comments

This comment is to Ron Patterson: Your letter is very interesting, however I must take issue with some of your claims. At the time of the Earthquake most people had guaranteed replacement. When people asked their agent if they had enough coverage they were told, don't worry you have guaranteed replacement. The other claim you made, is that carriers end up paying more than what the policy covers and that is why the premiums are so high and we all have to pay for it. I would like you to list these carrier's because I want to get that insurance. I do believe if a client tells his carrier to pay the claim and the carrier does not, and it goes to trial and the verdict is over the policy limit the carrier will have to pay that amount plus whatever the cost of the trial, etc.. The policy holder will not. Thus the carrier will go over the limit. I do know in many instances the carrier will drag the claim out so long, that it cost much more than the claim, but for some strange reason the carrier loves to this. They go to the expense of lawyers rather than just paying what is fair and reasonable. Why don't you post the claims that are paid out per year in addition to the legal fees you pay your attorneys to fight the claim along with the amount of premiums that are paid year, after year after year. Then tell us how the carriers are hurting. If insurance carriers paid fairly and what is right you would put plaintiff attorneys out of business. Carriers are the reason there are so many attorneys because the carriers will never do what is right. You state that you are in business to make money, well so is Ford Motor, the only difference is when you pay Ford for a car you get a car. When you pay carriers you have to fight for the very product you paid for. Sorry Ron, save it for someone who believes you. Once again be sure to post those insurance companies who so generously pay over the limit. Best regards

Name:
Luis A Valdes
E-Mail:
CubanWing@comcast.net
City/State:
Bel Air, Maryland

Comments

I need some help: I was involved in a M/C accident where the other party is at fault. They (Allstate) will likely settle for $20,000. Oour original claim was for $250,000, but the other guy's policy only covered $20,000. My BC/BS payout was >$16,000 and they have put a lien on my 20K settlement. My policy has an underinsured clause for $20,000. Can I use that part of my policy to help pay legal/medical expenses? Thanks for your time and consideration, in advance. Luis A. Valdes

Name:
Ron Patterson
E-Mail:
City/State:
San Clemente, CA

Comments

One important thing for everyone to learn. In most (not all) cases, the reason for the low claim pay out is because you did not carry enough insurance. If you were under insured, part of the responsibility goes to your insurance agent, if they did not offer you adequate coverage for your property. Especially in CA, you will need to re-evaluate this on a yearly basis as home values can go up over 100% a year at times. Also keep in mind that when you sue the insurance companies, you will pay for it later regardless, consider it a loan. The rest of us will pay it as well in increased premiums, or lack of competition when companies pull out of areas that are a high risk to them. Another misconception is that insurance companies are raking in the money. No, they are a business like any other. Companies that don't carry a profit like USAA charge about the same premiums as do Alstate. Alstate must keep enough funds to cover a disaster like Northridge, and Alstate will re-invest some of those funds, thus where they make a profit. If there were more of a margin, you would pay less for insurance, much like taking a loan for a car. The bank takes a risk on you and gives you money that you pay back. You pay the bank a fee to take that risk in intrest payments. As an individual with the help of an advisor (insurance agent), we are to determine how much of the risk we want to transfer to the insurance company, and how much we want to accept with lower payments. Minimum liability in California will pay for damage to one car, but what happens if you cause a multi-car accident? Well, you do not have enough insurance, and the other parties will sue you and your insurance company. The insurance company will usually settle for more than your coverage limits. Is this fair to everyone else who carries higher limits and pays more? A vicious cycle is then created wherer the cost of insurance goes up for everyone. After a major disaster, your insurance company has to look at the X billions of dollars they have in reserves to cover the disaster and make a determination of how much they can pay out and still have enough to cover the Tornado's in the midwest and huricanes on the east coast for that year. In that case, they will try and stick to the contract (your policy) and what you are truly covered for to make sure everyone is covered within the policy limits. I have seen a lot of posts regarding bad workmanship on a claim. In most cases, the insurance company has you get estimates, or works off of a guide that is the standard pay for particular work. If the work is not done right, it is not the insurance companies fault, but the fault of the company you choose to do the work. Some companies, like Doctors do not want to fall into a fixed rate for a job. If we choose to use them, then we pay the additional. The true meaning of insurance is to get you back to where you were before the event occured, not give you a new car or house for a small amount of damage. The more you sue, the higher the rates will go. If your policy limits do cover the loss and the insurance company refuses to pay, or wants to give you something less than your coverage states, then by all means sue them. READ YOUR POLICY. Sit down with your agent and make them explain everything to you, and what you covered for. RECORD the conversation with the agent, as many times it is the agents fault for not offering or explaining the insurance to you. They pay insurance that covers this and like a Dr. should be liable for the mistake, not the hospital, unless the hospital is not covering the contract you had with them.

Name:
linda
E-Mail:
beautiful010405@hotmail.com
City/State:
dallas texas

Comments

did denzel washington star in the allstate commercials?

Name:
dana worlock
E-Mail:
dana@danaworlockdesign.com
City/State:
Brooklyn, ny

Comments

what ins. co. do you recommend? For home ins.

Name:
Kim Pettit
E-Mail:
kim10022@aol.com
City/State:
Astoria, NY

Comments

What was the outcome of the Northridge Meadow Apartment Residents' lawsuit against the builders of the apartment complex? Do you have any formal articles, etc?

Name:
BEFORE HIRING A LAWYER TO ADJUST YOUR CLAIM
E-Mail:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
City/State:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Comments

Before you hire an attorney, you should read the article Evangeline Fisher Garris wrote in the "Advocate" March 2004 issue. RE: THE CALIFORNIA FIRES. She states "The influx of calls from potential clients means that attorneys are being asked for advice at every stage of the adjustment. While this can smooth the adjustment process for the client , it can creat complications for the lawyer. It can make the lawyer a witness concerning the adjustment process, making it virtually impossible for the lawyer to represent the client should there be litigation arising out of the adjustment. And most lawyers would rather practice law than act as public adjusters. " She works for the firm Shernoff, Bidart & Darras , part of the classaction attorneys. I wonder if that firm notified there clients of The Northridge EQ they were acting as adjusters and not as attorneys?

Name:
Gina Gatto
E-Mail:
gegatto@yahoo.com
City/State:
LA, CA

Comments

Does anyone know what "wet rot" is?

Name:
Amy Mecham
E-Mail:
amech@dkolaw.com
City/State:
Salt Lake City, Utah

Comments

I am trying to get my hands on some Allstate Commercials for a lawsuit (showing that we are "In good hands..." Any ideas on how I can obtain them without watching hours of TV?

Name:
Kurt
E-Mail:
Kurt@mitraining.com
City/State:
Cedar Glen, CA

Comments

Not only do they suck in Northridge they are screwing us in Cedar Glen!

Name:
Jacob Dror
E-Mail:
jacobdror98@yahoo.com
City/State:
Northridge, CA

Comments

CASE NO LC058858 LOS ANGELES. DOES ANYONE HAVE A CAM POLICY THAT INCLUDE EQ WITH CNA, CONTINENTAL, TRANSPORTATION FOR 1992/1993 OR 1994. NEED A COPY, FOR ME=MERCANTILE POLICY UNDER CAM PROGRAM TO BE USED IN THIS CASE. WILLING TO PAY FOR THE COPY. THIS CASE WILL GO FOR TRIAL TO PROVE, THE FRAUD THAT WAS DONE BY DELETING COVERAGES /POLICY TYPE ETC AFTER THE CLAIM WAS REPORTED. A COPY OF THE CLAIM CAN BE E-MAILED UPON REQUEST.

Name:
Jessica Homer
E-Mail:
bluhnr@yahoo.com
City/State:
new york, ny

Comments

I have a question about a lawsuit. I had an accident in my car and it had to be repainted. Now, few months later, the paint is bubbling and peeling off on the front bumper (plastic part). I went through the insurance company that covered most of my accident expenses. They sent an expert who said that the car will not be re painted because I had to hit someone for paint to come off. Now it is clear that the paint is peeling on its won in several spots. Many car specialist told me I got screwed on the paint job. Now I want to sue the insurance company for the hassle. What are my chances in this case???

Name:
TO EMPLOYEE OF ALLSTATE
E-Mail:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
City/State:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Comments

The agents may have undervalued the property, but none the less most policies were gauranteed replacement. A note to the person in Carson. Before you hire an attorney read the whistle blower trial and what happend to Harry Booth/ Harry Miller and what he said those attorneys did to their own clients. From what Harry Booth stated, those attorneys cannot be trused.

Name:
Rick
E-Mail:
"><A href="http://California-Earthquake.US"> California Earthquake Information </a>
City/State:
Reno NV

Comments

This is a California earthquake information web site. It contains up to date details about the most recent earthquake activity in California and Nevada.

Name:
Barbara Davis
E-Mail:
Babs0715@hotmail.com
City/State:
Tulsa, OK

Comments

do you have to have two estimates on your car that someone else was at fault before insurance company will pay ?

Name:
Joe
E-Mail:
joe9999b@hotmail.com
City/State:
Los Angeles

Comments

I was One of the contracters certified by the courts for the independent readjustment program who visited homes along with the independent adjusters to re-assess the damage. We typically found between 2-4 times the damage that allstate originally paid on the claim. All these estimates were paid through court order. Today I continue to get similar results for people suing their insurance companies for earthquake or other damage in the Los Angeles area.

Name:
EMPLOYEE
E-Mail:
City/State:

Comments

THIS EARTHQUAKE COST ALLSTATE A FORTUNE,MANY OF ALLSTATES AGENTS HAD HOME AND PROPERTY SO UNDER VALUED AND INSD,THAT MANY WERE COVERED FOR 100,000.00 THAT COST 3 MILLION TO RE-BUILD ! NOW DOES THIS SOUND LIKE AN INSURANCE CO.THAT DOESN'T WANT TO HELP IT'S INSD'S ? IN ALL TYPES OF SITUATIONS,PEOPLE FEEL SCREWED SOMEHOW AND JUST WANT TO GET BACK AT THE ONES THEY FEEL ARE RESPONSABLE.AND I CAN UNDERSTAND THAT.BUT I WORK IN THIS INDUSTRY FOR TOO REASONS,TOO HELP PEOPLE AND TO GET A PAYCHECK. AND EVERYDAY I THANK GOD FOR BOTH. HAVE A NICE DAY.

Name:
Joe Love
E-Mail:
jose323@aol.com
City/State:
Carson, CA

Comments

My claim for earthquake damage to my home as a result of the Northridge quake was not resolved to my satisfaction. Where can I get legal assistance? I recently saw ads on television about an ongoing investigation but did not get the telephone # of the law firm.

Name:
Audrey Lanier
E-Mail:
berland@bellsouth.net
City/State:
Louisville,Ky
Remote Name:
209.214.171.110
Date:
May 21, 2002

Comments

What is the statue of limitation on getting a medical bill paid, It happened three years ago. I got paid for my car but not my hospital bill. Please let me know. Thank you.

Name:
alia
E-Mail:
ponowailani@hotmail.com
City/State:
hilo, HI
Remote Name:
4.3.6.204
Date:
May 09, 2002

Comments

I wasn't sure where this should go, so I decided to put it here. I was in a car accident almost four years ago, and at the time I was diagnosed with whiplash. Today as a result of this accident (which wasn't my fault) I have severe neck and back pain and tmj. I was told after the accident by my agent (never was put in touch with an adjuster) I have four years from the date of the accident to receive medical care. I've tried repeatedly to contact allstate for help and they refuse to give me any information regarding my case. So my question is this: can anyone share with me the policy on medical claims after a accident? They told me that the medical was good only for a year, and that the property damage was good for up to four years. Thank you.

Name:
Kipp
E-Mail:
kipp@ankgrp.com
City/State:
newport beach, ca.
Remote Name:
64.60.17.35

Comments

I'm trying to hire a structural engineer who has a background or potential background for expert witness testimonies. The best candidate would be one with an IRP ( independent readjustment program ) background. We basically need this individual to perform forensic reports on Buildings and submit them to our clients who are generally insurance groups.

The position would be in Los Angeles. Not sure if you cover that side of the insurance market but thought it was worth a try.

Thanks for your time.

Name:
amber miller
E-Mail:
dancer4305@yahoo.com
City/State:
KPT/TN
Remote Name:
208.183.105.4

Comments

ARE YOU A STRUCTUAL ENGINEER ? DO YOU LIKE THE JOB? WHAT DO YOU DO? WHAT KIND OF STRUCTURS HAVE YOU DESINGED?

 

Name:
Wennie Husbands
E-Mail:
wenniengai@aol.com
City/State:
Ontario, Canada
Remote Name:
205.188.200.184

Comments

I recently got into a car accident and so I called Allstate for the claim. Apparently my car is a total loss and now they are asking me for my deed of sale. do they have a right for that? My Ford explorer 1995 is worth quite abit, so should I fax it to them?

Name:
David Yarborough
E-Mail:
dbyarboro@aol.com
City/State:
Charleston, South Carolina
Remote Name:
66.147.2.169

Comments

Do you know of any ex-Allstate claims adjuster employees who would be knowledgeable of Allstate's bad-faith auto claims adjusting practices and qualified and willing to testify as an expert in a bad faith lawsuit for failure to pay underinsured auto benefits to a minority who clearly had damages in excess of the limits and where liability was admitted by allstate at trial. I have a bad faith suit filed and need an expert for trial. I would like an ex-allstate employee. Thanks, David

Name:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
E-Mail:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
City/State:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Remote Name:
209.179.130.77

Comments

Here is an interesting rumor, what did the class attorneys do with the settlement money that they took on behalf of the class from the experts that they settled with sometime ago. There should be an audit of all the money that was received on behalf of the class.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.134.59

Comments

Edward M. Liddy is president, chairman and ceo of this carrier. Could you please post the spreadsheet on this web, as it would be very helpful. Hope this helps.

Name:
M. Kashner
E-Mail:
mkashner@yoyomail.com
City/State:
Seattle, WA
Remote Name:
208.8.185.141

Comments

Hello, I am developing a spreadsheet of the Allstate chain of command and contact information for everyone. Particularly valuable are email addresses and physical addresses. If you have any name and/or contact information for anyone from the top down to "claims adjuster/manager" please send them my way. I will send this developing spreadsheet to anyone interested.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.134.237

Comments

How is that in the State Farm lawsuit for the Northridge Earthquake there were 117 clients and the carrier paid 100 million dollars? The very same attorneys, the very same players. I guess State Farm did not offer to buy these attorneys off. The very same witnesses.If they had known they would roll over and sell their clients out they would have. You can bet, the next time these attorneys have a go around with State Farm or any other carrier, or any other client they will just laugh and pay these hacks off. I wonder who the judge was that over saw the State Farm settlement. He must be an honest one .Just like they sold out the Hinkley residents, the Hollyhills residents, just like they sold out Harry Booth and according to Harry their own private clients . They have no credibility.

Name:
To the person filing a small claims suit
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.178.129.187

Comments

Before you file contact the home office in Norhtbrook, Ill. Send letters to the President certified. If you sue allshaft they just claim they did not know anything about your case and they are not responsible for outside contracts. ie the adjusters. Make sure the carrier denies your claim before you sue. If they are still dealing with you then they have not denied your claim. Also get bids and offer to take less. Do all of this in writing. Certified letter to the home office attention president. Then you name the carrier and does 1 through 100. If they refer you to a local person copy the home office on everything.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.128.128

Comments

For the Fumento web. site try http://www.fumento.com/erinforbes.html

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.128.128

Comments

Did anyone get a letter from their attorney in reference to the screwman vs allshaft class. It is rumored that they are offering 22000. or if you feel you have more damage you can go through readjustment. It is rumored that they averaged out the damage and this is the figure they came up with . It is rumored that these attorneys do that with all their cases. No matter what damage you have it does not make any difference they go through and get a lowball figure and no matter what the client is stuck. What has been going on for the last three years?? NOTHING. If you go through readjustment how much longer will it take? Did you read the Fummento Letter of May 28, 2001, he had another letter on the Erin Brocovitch bunch, it named Masery, Garbage and Sleese,llp and Stingsome , Thescumb and Hack llp,two firms that handled the Screwman vs Allshaft class,Fumento said their only client is the dollar bill. He said how the Brocovitch clients from Hinkley were very unhappy and how they took 40% and 10 million in cost out of the 333 million dollar arbitration award. It also goes on to say how they held onto the money for six months and dumied it up to make it look as if they paid interest. Some of those people were having financial problems and they would not take their phone calls. It goes on to say that some of those people sued for malpractice and then the schiesters counter sued. Does any of this sound familiar??

Name:
todd plumlee
E-Mail:
tmtodd1@earthlink.com
City/State:
los gatos ca
Remote Name:
63.23.195.145

Comments

 

I am preparing to file a small claims suit against all state and need to know who i should name in the suit. I do not think I should be my agent but some one from corporate. Please email me with any advise you may have.

thank you Todd Plumlee

Name:
To Sick and tired
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.178.128.59

Comments

In reference to the Screwman vs Allshaft , have everyone you know start contacting your attorneys on a daily basis. They are the ones who sold out. Try to get together and have news conferences and get the word out that you want attorneys that can meet the needs of the class. Last year these very firms were going around blaming that one attorney that is advertising on television. No doubt that he is an attorney from hell but it is rumored he is the "designated fall guy". They only difference between the other firms and him is the address and the window dressing. Get a group together and contact all the media that there will be a news conference. Contact the politicians. It is rumored that after April no settlements are made until Jan. of the following year. It is rumored this is how shernoff bidart firmed worked from 95 through 98 with their voodoo settlements . All of the class would have had fraud and punitive damages but the class attorneys flushed that down the toilet. There is no way these firms can handle the class. Look at the case load they have not only in reference to this but they have a case with the truckers, they have the holocaust case, just to mention a few. They are running their firm just like a boiler room. They will get the attorneys fees paid whether you win or lose. According to Harry Booth they sold out their own clients, they have no loyalty to anyone except their pocket books.

Name:
Sick and tired and I am in the company of a couple of thousand
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Northridge
Remote Name:
63.203.146.54

Comments

Just when you cant believe it gets worse it gets plenty worse. The Sherman versus Allstate Class Action is the biggest farce. How many people have claims that are still not closed. Hello out there Mr. D.O.I. Commissioner, what are you going to do about this travesty. I think that ACLU and everybody who handles older peoples rights like the grey panthers and all the panthers need to get involved. Don't wait forever. Its time to force resolutions for the people who have been harmed.

 

Name:
Jim Tatum
E-Mail:
Ari_Dri@bellsouth.net
City/State:
Marietta, Ga
Remote Name:
209.214.71.55

Comments

Our company is a restoration company providing a wide range of emergency services on insurance losses. Our company now has expanded to handle mold mitigation. I have heard of several horror stories the way insurance companies handle these losses including Allstate.

Please e-mail me if you have any questions. We have been mitigating mold losses for almost one year. And our company has more knowledge than any insurance company. This is because most all insurance companies are in denial.

Good luck,

Jim Tatum

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.136.16

Comments

The department of insurance will not help anyone who is involved in litigation with the carriers. Of course if the DOI would have helped these people in the first place, there would not have been any litigation. If you want to see another case that was handled by one of the class attorneys go to your search engine and look up 20th Century Insurance and Building Consultants. Looks like another Booth case or they are just are totally incompetent. I heard at one point 20th settled their cases with all the other firms and would not settle with this one. The 20th clients received $400000.00 each and the other firms said that 20th would not settle with this particular firm. This is the firm you go to if you want your case flushed down the toilet. It is rumored that this is the best little whore house in town. When they want your case they tell one thing, then when your case comes up they sit there and do nothing. They don't even tell the clients what they should do according to the policy. Someone else said the old man that is suppose to be the insurance expert in that firm should have been put out to pasture long ago. There is nothing worse than an old lying coward. It is also rumored that the associates are just as bad and disgusting. One of the associates is like a genetic experiment gone horribly wrong, maybe the bastard child of Norman Bates and Knucklehead Smith. If you are familiar with the firm you will know who he is. Again this is just rumor and innuendo.

Name:
To Charlie
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.178.128.244

Comments

I don't know if this is where the carrier is going, but in the policy it reads you must commence with construction. Maybe this is the way they will fight the claim. If they gave you money before and did you not use it to repair your house then they can possibly deny your claim as you did not commence with construction. Whatever you do, make sure you do some type of repair to your home.

Name:
You clearly misunderstood Charlie
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
63.203.146.50

Comments

Ossias and Low are in a position to assist victims, yet in spite of Ms. Ossias coming forward bravely, her actions did not move forward the resolution of Allstate or other claimants. If you have information to suggest otherwise, we all look forward to reviewing and submitting our own claims for review. It's one thing to save your own rear and quite another to be truly concerned about the victims. In short, nothing has been done by DOI to assist Northridge victims by DOI and shame on them. Charlie, I think the information you provided was interesting but again you appear to have your own agenda. Opinions are opinions and these are mine and a couple dozen other senior victims. Thanks.

 

Name:
Charlie PI
E-Mail:
claims@mediaone.net
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
24.30.125.183

Comments

I am working on several cases with Allstate. Allstate has sent a letter out to several insureds. The letters come out of the one-year unit, held proudly by M. Ryan. It is basically a reservation of rights letter, pending Allstate's wishfull thoughts that SB1189 will be over turned by Vu, or other cases. Their confidence evidently comes from their generous contributions made to the campaign funds of those great judges and politicians in high places. This letter advises the insureds that they should have all receipts of dollars spent ready and avaliable for the adjuster to take and process. (anyone cooperating with this request is hereby advised not to give the originals to the adjuster!)MAKE YOUR OWN COPIES if you so choose to follow their instructions. I question the relevancy of Allstate's request and have withheld this information from most adjusters accordingly, based upon various statutory references. Has any other Norhtridge EQ victums that have reopened their claims received this type of letter from Allstate? As we all know ordinarily, if you file a supplimentary claim on any loss you are not asked for an accounting of previous moneys given, unless you are requesting the full replacement value, at which point you provide a copy of the receipt. Why then is Allstate requesting such information? Think about it, is it material to suplimental claim or to the concluding the earthquake claim as a whole? Always vigil-Chuck

Name:
Charlie PI
E-Mail:
Claims@mediaone.net
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
24.30.125.183

Comments

It's beyond me how anyone here could be ragging on Cindy Osias. I guess the spikes through her wrists weren't enough. My god this women put her life on the line for us Northridge victims. I don't know about Low but lets give him a chance. You stay united by flowing power to those who helped not trying to get the group to turn on one another.

Name:
From United Victims To  Low and Ossias
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Northridge California USA
Remote Name:
152.163.197.189

Comments

Seattle Washington Allstate victims dont look for anyone to look out for your best interest regarding your earthquake damage. Photograph everything and when possible videotape. Also stay far away from alleged groups who claim to be meeting places for information. 9 times out of 10 they can be affiliated with law firms and receive substantial kickbacks. While this in and of itself might not sound so bad it does compromise your best interest. The real question is what are Commissioner Low and Ossias doing for victims. Why has no further investigation been held into the Shernoff Quakenbush connection and Giradi Burton connection as in the airplane trips.  Who are the great puppet masters? I think everyone knows. Why no one is squawking is the real curiosity and tragedy.

Name:
Charlie
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.178.129.125

Comments

If anyone gets anything I will be surprised. This whole bill was just a dog and pony show. It will help very little. Look at the class action. I doubt if anyone will get much out of that. The classaction attorneys blew it for everyone.They dumped on Harry Booth and they dumped on their own clients. They out and out lied every inch of the way. They lied just to lie. This bill was something to look like they were doing something. The whole Quackenbush thing was only political. The investigation only put a bandaid on the cancer. Call Burtons office and Spiers office and you will see as far as they are concerned they did their part.Even if you call the consumer group that received 5 million dollars as part of the settlement, they will tell you it takes time to investigate the cases, they also think the classaction is a good class. Of course they do they received part of the victims money. Why is it o.k. with them now to drag out the claims but before they were taking to long. Well I guess 5 million that they were not entitled to will do it. You see the polititians can still receive campagine funds from the carriers, but the commishioner can't receive them only at certain times. The laws have to be changed. The corruption has to be cleaned out. At this point the carriers are only doing what they are allowed to do . When there is something agregous the retired judges just turn the other way and make another trip to the bank. The Hocus Pocus trails and judges and plaintiff attorneys he to be exposed and cleaned out. Then maybe the carriers will do what they are suppose to do. According to some people the only attorneys that did their job and did the best for their client were the defense attorneys. It is rumored that going to trail with the classaction attorneys was like going to trial with an "empty suit." What they did or in some cases didn't do is unbelivable.

Name:
Charlie PI
E-Mail:
claims@mediaon.net
City/State:
Sunland, CA
Remote Name:
24.30.125.183

Comments

Hello Group, > > I have been out of town for a week or so, just got back, wanted to say hello > and share some news about Allstate. Upon my return my office had scheduled a > site inspection for me with an Allstate adjuster at a reopening of a > Northridge Earthquake claim. Based on the Burton Bill, I approached this > claim with an open mind only to be brought back down to reality very quickly > by the Allstate adjuster who quickly surveyed the property damage said in > re-evaluating this property loss, I see little additional recovery. > The adjuster began to explain to me, what he thought were the facts of life, > "As I have an estimate with a contractors name on it and his signature as to > what the room by room scope of work was needed at the time, I see no > obligation or need to adjust the original scope of work or appraised damage > value agreed to by Allstate and the homeowner's contractor at the time of > the last adjustment." > > Not believing what this "seasoned" adjuster (I had investigated this > adjuster 's appraisals several times before) had just said, I asked him to > repeat it. Offended by this request he skirted answering this question, > asking me to re-word what I thought he had just said. Trying to be polite > and suffering from jet lag, I did my best to handle his request. Each time I > trying to repeat what he had said. Each time he denied it and we eventually > got into loggerheads over his statement. > After several requests on my part to ask him to leave the premises he > eventually altered what he said to mean that "if I don't find any new > damages the old estimate by the contractor sticks" which changed to "any > additional damages". Which changed to any low repair items or additional > damages", which led to "lets re-appraise this estimate so we can close this > claim out." > Why am I communicating my experience to you? Well let's look, there have > been so many people in California and outside California that have fought > long and hard to reopen these claims. I don't want them to be run into the > ground by such nonsense. These claims were re-opened because they (carriers) > deceived so many people. The deception was wide spread and therefore the > past estimates have to be discarded as "junk". > Don't let this happen to you. You are entitled to a complete reevaluation of > your damages. Allstate or other carriers can not assert damage amounts that > were a product of stale dated documents, created by confused contractors > brought in by the homeowner (insured) or contractors who were guided by work > scopes written by Allstate's "pet engineers", that were based upon > pre-written QVP pricelists. Let's stay awake and stay united so the second > adjustment isn't a repeat of the same thing. > If anyone on this list has had similar experiences please contact me so we > can unit and stand strong. > Always vigil, > Chuck > Claim Support Services > PO Box 4077 > Sunland, CA 91041 > Claims@Mediaone.net > 818.353.1220 >

Name:
MARKENT CONDUCT EXAMINATION REPORTS
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.178.129.179

Comments

http://www.senate.ca.gov/FTP/SEN/COMMITTEE/SUB/JUD_CON_RIGHTS/_home/ Hope this works, it came from the graham web. page. If you print it you can read it.

Name:
Fritz Daviscourt
E-Mail:
davisct@earthlink.net
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
63.38.200.155

Comments

Don Warren,

I have the answer to your questionnut no way to contact you.Pleases e-mail me your address.

Name:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
E-Mail:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
City/State:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Remote Name:
209.179.137.37

Comments

Good web. site on judicial corruption. There is a partial list of judges that have been name in an alledged cover up and corruption scandal. One of the names listed is Judge Harry W. Low. Could this be our squeaky clean new insurance commissioner. The web. site is http://www.druggingamerica.com/

Name:
If what Harry Booth said is true about the Sherman classaction attorneys
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.178.129.88

Comments

If what Harry Booth has to say about the Sherman Classaction attorneys is true, think what this means. This means that no client can trust them. They are not any good to anyone no matter what side they would be on. The carriers would not use them, because they know they can be bought and plaintiffs can't use them for sure. Who ever their opposition is they know , they will sell out their clients for the right dollar amount. They can't go from one carrier to the other because all the carriers know they sell out and would cut a deal so whatever case you have or whatever carrier you have it does not make a difference. Maybe they did good with the Statefarm case,but after that they sold out, now anyone with Statefarm or 20th ect. would not do well now because they know they are sellouts and those carriers will say we will just make them a low offer and these sellout trators will take whatever we offer or we will take every case to trial, and they will not do that. They have lost all credibility. Even if they stay out of the insurance industry , who could trust them. If they sell out in one field why wouldn't they sell out in another. Think of the assosiates who work and participated in this scam. The ones who lied right along with them. They have no credibility either. God forbid they ever defended criminals if this is the best deal they could get victims. They would be seeing the short end of a needle, or taking a short walk to "old sparky" before you could say guilty.If what Harry Booth said and the Holly Hills residents and the Hinkley residents are true then these firms would be any clients worst nightmare. They talk about the millions they recovered off of these cases. Well it seems they did get millions but the clients did not. How could they possibley give all of those clients the best leagle council they were entitled to under the if they had so few lawyers and so many clients. How could the judges allow this?

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.136.180

Comments

The Market conduct report were posted on Sen. Martha Escutia web. page at one time. When it showed on the screen you could not read them, but if you printed them you could. I don't know if she still has them on her web. but that is where they were.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
63.46.207.172

Comments

Has anyone seen or have copies of the Insurance Commissioners Market Conduct Examination Reports Re: Allstates handling of earthquake claims?

Name:
If you are looking for insurance
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.135.11

Comments

On the FBIC, FIGHT BADFAITH web page they state the number one insurace is 1) Chubb 2) Amica 3) Middlesex Mutual. To the person who had a fire why don't you try an insurance brooker and see what they can offer.

Name:
To Schultz
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.135.11

Comments

Dear Schultz, When checking the state bar,it only shows one Mark Bailey, and his firm name is Shultz and Bailey, could this be a relative or maybe your partner?

Name:
To the 11000 of you , You should strike while the iron i s hot.
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.128.108

Comments

If you have organized in any way you should contact the media and have a press conference. Let the people of Seattle know what you are going through. Let them know about the long road ahead of them. They will be stuned to know what is happening. Send an open letter to them and use the media. You must strike while the iron is hot.Tell them about this web. page and maybe some people can help them out and give them a little indication of what they are in for. You can talk to a media person, set up a time and post it on all the web. pages. You don't need just this carrier, you can have the top three who will be involved. People from Statefarm, Farmers, 20th. . The media would be interested at this time. Even if you contact the media in Washington I am sure they would be interested.You have to unite. Remember the carriers, the attorneys , their method is to devide and concur. Remember divided we fall, united we stand. That should be your main objective. There are strength in numbers.Even if you only have 10 or 11 people in your group that is enough for a press conference.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.178.128.43

Comments

I beleive it was rumored that Fox and Blue, and Garcia opposed it and others. I don't know about Baily. It would be public record. I heard that the judge would not talk to any of the victims when they went to the trial.I heard some of those attorneys who opposed did settle out.I heard what one of them said afterword and I will not post it until I receive permission from the person that said it. Just one thing I will say , do you know where you client file is or who has it??? If I were the clients I would ask their attorneys for their complete file. The client owns them.We should face it we live in a society where there are more corrupt people than good people. Everyone is on the take and it makes me sick, it is o.k. to lie,it is o.k. to cheat you name it everything goes as long as it does not effect me.There are a lot of people that think Linda Tripp did a horrible thing. She was asked to lie and cover up and she did the wrong thing? She was reporting a crime. I Can't remember the times in recent years that I wished I had a tape recorder I have run into so many lier and cheats.Someone said that it is easy to raise a PHD, Lawyer , ect., thousands and thousands grauduate each year, but try to raise an honest person that would be the sucsess story and they are few and far between. Someone asked about Giradi and Burton. We know what we have read in articles about this man posted on other web. sites. In addition to what Harry Booths motion to dismiss, he abandoned the Holly Hills residents. Masursky was the attorney that sued "Goliath", over that We have read "The Real Brockovitch Story", Salon Magizine,how he bought off the judges with a cruise along with another class firm. How he gave some of the Hinkley residents a decent settlement, and how others got hardly anything. If you go to the fumento web. page he states that some of those Hinkly residents are suing him. If you read the Harry Booth motion to dismiss it sounds like he did the same thing to his private clients.It tells that the Hinkly money was held onto for months.It also states that he and the other firm also a class firm would not give an accounting of the money.It is also posted that he has pledged 2 million dollar to his alma mater Lyola, for a building to be built with his fathers name on it . He is pretty geneous with the money he made off of victims. I wonder how the Jesuits that run the school would feel, if they thought the money was tainted with the victims of these firms. Now it is rumored that he and the other class firm is or thinking about suing the big engine companys for truckers. Think what they will do to them.If you go to Shernoff, Bidart web. page you can see where Aetna Insurance called him a highly skilled ambulance chaser,The carrier said we didn't. I wonder if that meeting he had in early 1994 with the policy holders would encourageing them to sue, stating that all of this is bad faith would be considered ambulance chasing. Giardi was there amoung others. He stated we have the ware with all to fight the carriers.Another class attorney said that will be something when we go after the adjusters. I don't believe they went after one adjuster. If anyone knows of any please post. Burtons number is posted on this web. page, how many people that are effected by all of this have called to state how you feel or what you think he should do weather he flies around with him or not. The phone number is posted for the Foudation for consumers and tax payers. It takes courage to stand up for what is right. If you don't do it, who will. If you don't do it it is like playing Hangman.You will be the last one standing alone and there will be no one left to help you. Jackie Spiers office said there are no more town meeting. I beleive her number is posted. The only way you will fight it is to speak out. This is not for cowards. It takes courage, it takes effort. Either roll over and die or fight it .

Name:
Re: Bailey Office and Seattle
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
63.203.146.50

Comments

I only know what I heard directly,from an elderly couple I spoke with who required assistance follwoing the earthquake.They said that his office, if this is the same Bailey who was in Orange County, was going to oppose the Class Action, and suddenly backed down. I have heard a rumor that Bailey and other attorneys monitor this site consistently. It is always best to ask the source directly, and have them respond in writing.An example might be, do you, have you, or will you receive any funds from Allstate regarding settlement of Northridge Earthquake claims?

I am not an Allstate victim or any other kind of victim personally. I work with Senior Citizens, and others who have been taken advantage of by numerous corporations on a daily basis.It is heartbreaking.

Name:
Parade Magazine and Allstate Insurance Sucks please help!
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
63.203.146.52

Comments

Dear Parade Magazine and Allstate Insurance Sucks.Com,

I am a big fan of your format and appreciate the information you investigate and impart. Is it true that Senator Burton of California often flies in a plane owned by a lawyer named Giraldi of California. Also is it true that Attorney General Locklear of California attended the Wedding of Steven Garcia, an attorney who was offered $250,000. in the Harry Booth Trial not to have Pike appearto testify? And is it true, that an attorney who used to work for Quakenbush and who is said to have approved the Sherman v Allstate Class is now working in Shernoff and Bidart office who have an invested financial interest in the class going through.

I You have Senator Burton flying around in Giradi's plane. You have Lockyear attending Stephen Garcia the lawyer in the Booth Trial's Wedding, you have Shernoff and Bidart who allegedly have an attorney that approved the Class working in their office.

Please let us know as soon as possible as nearly eight years have passed.

Victims who are not holding their breath,

11,000 of us

Name:
Seattle earthquake rerorted anywhere from 7.0
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.131.57

Comments

Lets hope everyone is safe, we will pray for the injured. Said possible liquifaction. If anyone reading this from Seattle hear are some insuance tips. I understand up to a couple years ago these people still had Gauranteed replacement. 1. call your carrier immediately report you have damage and send it in writing certified when you get a chance. 2.Take vidio tape and pictures, if you have to pay someone do it. It will be worth it in the long run.There are reports of possible liquifaction in the area. Get a strucual engineer and a soils engineer to work together at the same time.Then higher a contractor to do the report on the loss.Remember you are not an expert, and the strucural engineer is not a soils expert. The strucural engineer will make his report off of the soils engineer and the contractor will make his report off of the strucural engineer which the strurcual engineer should have made his recommendation on the method of repair based on his report and the soils report.Make sure both of them do a through examination. Don't settle for the 500.00 walk through.I can't say it enough. Have them check the crawl space and the attic. If you are on a slab pull carpet back.REMEMBER VIDIO TAPE EVERYTHING AND TAKE PICTURES.If your doors are out of jam or if you have a lot of sizeable cracks get a strucual engineer. Make sure whatever expert you hire that they are reputable and have been in business a long time and make sure they are honest. The minuet you detect they are inflating anything get rid of them.What they do can reflect on you. Get on honest on hands contractors and engineer. When you hire anyone put a completion date as when they will be finished with the reports. If they say it will take 3 weeks, write 3 weeks completion on the contract before you or he sign it . Make sure they sign it as well as you. You also should have the abestoes checked in your house. Remember it cannot be cleaned out of soft surfaces. That goes for clothes carpet etc. and must be abated. Your whole house could be contaminated. Even if you did not have a lot of strucural damage your entire house can be contaminated and it will have to be abated and replaced.Get a test immediatly. If you think about it this could run hundreds of thousands of dollars if your whole house is contaminated.It will not be safe for you or your family to live in until it is abated.Even if you are not on a hilly area if you have cracks in your foundation you will need both to prove your loss. Have someone go into the crawlspace and have it vidio taped immediately. Make sure they get any cement dust or any chips, as the carrier will tell you it is old damage.If your engineer says the house is unsafe and is not habitable make sure it is done in writing. Save all of your contents. If you must clean it up, sweep it up and keep it in boxes. Later when you go through your list you will have it as a reminder. Save any and all receipts.Remember on your contents you are entitled to taxes and you have first option to buy it back and 10 or 15%. You are entitled to like kind and quality. If you have a lot of contents, you can pay someone to evaluluate it and can be reimbursed by the carrier.If you have extensive damage you are going to have to pay for reports. Read your policy they may be covered. If not I am sure fema will be around, don't make the mistake thinking your insurnace company will take care of you. If you have insurance, when you get the money from them you can pay fema back. If you have heavy damage you will need the cash to prove your loss .One thing if you don't have it, buy one a Vidio camera and every meeting you have with the adjuster have it in your hands, take some pictures but leave the audio running. It will be worth the investment. Now they are suppose to do a through investigation, but they will use the excuse they are so busy. When the first group comes out they will be so nice. If you don't settle within the first five or six months it could be years before you settle. and you could go through many adjusters by the time you are done. Remember they are going to come out and reassure you every thing will be all right and they are going to take care of you. Be nice, don't show any demands, let them do the talking , ask questions let them answer you. Don't throw anything away until your claim is done.Everything should be verified in writing. When you send correspondence send it to the agent, the adjuster and the home office, who ever your carrier is. This way they cannot say they were not aware of it. Ask them to explain your policy. If they do it verbally have them do it while you audio vidio tape is running. Act like you just got this new thing and you are practicing with it. I beleive if there are more than two people you can record without permission.You will need all the witnesses you can get. If they give you a problem about the vidio tell them you have so much going on that you use this a a calander so to speak. In some instances you will be dealing with multiple adjusters and it will be difficult for you to remember everything.Check and find out what the laws are in your state. In your area try to organize. Start with your neighbors, then it will grow from there. Beware every crook in town will be out there tring to milk if for what it is worth. Make sure all of your experts are honest and have liscenses and insurance and have been in business for a long time. Get references. Make sure in the event if you have to go to appraisal and if you have to go to trial that these people will stand up as credible. What ever you do stay away from attorneys. Especially the ones that are mentioned in the Harry Booth motion to dismiss.Before you hire an attorney I would try to get a reputable public adjuster.You must do your homework and check anyone out. Remember you must prove your loss. Try not to clean anything up until the carrier has been out to your house. Remember get a vidio camera and especially the first visit have that runnig the entire time. Let them talk. You ask questions and play domb but be smart.If at all possible have wittnesses with you when the come and promiss to take care of you. Any questions you can post. On this web. they have daviscort and the advocate and they can answer some of your question.That is if they are not taking off to Seattle. I am sure these guys know more than I do and can talk to you from a professional stand point. Remember Organize,vidio and document every conversation you have with anyone. Above all be honest.This will destroy your claim faster than anything. Remember you are not an expert and inorder to prove your loss you will need experts.

Name:
To Schultz
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.137.202

Comments

Where is Mark Bailys office? What city ? What type of case do you have and at what point are you in?

Name:
Rob Schultz
E-Mail:
sloschultz@charter.net
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
63.151.64.16

Comments

I 'm seeking imput on an attorney named Mark Bailey and his reputation. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.129.157

Comments

Just called Jackie Spiers office 916-445-0503 the investigations have stoped and they are not planing any more town meetings such as they had in Granada Hills. If more people would call maybe they would pay more attention to the problem.

Name:
To Gary Weingart the Editor
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.130.71

Comments

Gary are you still taking donations for Harry Booth? Any news on him. Send him our best and tell him we are still praying for him.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.129.110

Comments

Does anyone know the name of the judge that approved the class action? Please post the name.

Name:
To the person who wrote the thank you letter to Virginia Ellis
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.178.128.52

Comments

Where is the meeting? When is the meeting?Post where the meeting is orinating from and I will go from there. There are many of us that will attend the meeting if you post any information you know. Is it through the Senators ect.. Please post asap. Thanking you in advance for any information you can give.

Name:
Open Letter of Thanks to Virginia Ellis and Cindy Ossias
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
63.23.164.195

Comments

The people of California owe you both a lot for exposing the corruption. Keep up the fight. Rumor is that a huge meeting of victims is taking place and just let us know where it is and when it is. The attempt to wipe it all under the carpet didn't work I guess. Too many angry people. Write more ladies.

Name:
People looking for a new carrier
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.137.127

Comments

If you are looking for a new carrier, according to (FBIC)FIGHT BAD FAITH INSURANCE WEB PAGE. Those at the top three are 1.) Chubb 2.) Amica Insurance. 3. ) Middlesex Mutual.

Name:
Advocate
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
California
Remote Name:
63.46.215.187

Comments

Following are the pending challanges to SB1899:

Vu v. Prudential Property and Casuality

BASICH v. ALLSTATE

Century National Insurance Company v. Los Angeles Superior Court, er al.,

 

Name:
THE FOUNDATION FOR TAXPAYER AND  CONSUMER RIGHTS
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.135.46

Comments

"These settlements are not simply tainted by the scandal. They are the soul fo the scandal, said doug Heller, a spokesman for the Foundation For Taxpayer and Consumer Rights. H e said the foundation supports the action of Ray Bourhis who has asked the San Francisco Superior court Judge John Dearman to toss out settlements between Quackenbush and Insurers, according to the L.A. Times. Call the Foundation For Taxpayers and Consumers and see if they can do something about the Sherman Class and its appearance of being tainted by plaintiff attorneys according to Harry Booth. Also ask them if they will represent these citizen who were duped by their own attorneys and allowed them to go through grueling litigation at the carriers control according to Harry Booth. See if they can get an investigation into the class. The phone number is 310-392-0522. Remember it takes more than one voice. The web page for the Foundation For Tax Payers and Consumer Rights is http://www.consumerwatchdog.org ...Please post the answer they give you.

Name:
THE FOUNDATION FOR TAXPAYER AND  CONSUMER RIGHTS
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.135.46

Comments

"These settlements are not simply tainted by the scandal. They are the soul fo the scandal, said doug Heller, a spokesman for the Foundation For Taxpayer and Consumer Rights. H e said the foundation supports the action of Ray Bourhis who has asked the San Francisco Superior court Judge John Dearman to toss out settlements between Quackenbush and Insurers, according to the L.A. Times. Call the Foundation For Taxpayers and Consumers and see if they can do something about the Sherman Class and its appearance of being tainted by plaintiff attorneys according to Harry Booth. Also ask them if they will represent these citizen who were duped by their own attorneys and allowed them to go through grueling litigation at the carriers control according to Harry Booth. See if they can get an investigation into the class. The phone number is 310-392-0522. Remember it takes more than one voice. The web page for the Foundation For Tax Payers and Consumer Rights is http://www.consumerwatchdog.org ...Please post the answer they give you.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.137.199

Comments

//druggingamerica.com/

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.137.199

Comments

Interesting web site talks about the corrupt judicial system. There is a case filed against judges. Funny thing one of the defendants name is Harry Low. At the time he was an appelate judge. Could this be our squeeky clean insurance commishioner. Read and see for yourself. It is /www.druggingamerica.com/ .

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.130.24

Comments

Did you read the article on the discussion page, the Calif. U.S. Attorneys office has closed the investigation on that was opened in 1998. Amazing. The department of insurance has the market research report, all of those violations and the attorney general finds nothing. Does anyone know of anyone who has been called as a witness for the investigation? What files did they go through?? Who was going was going though the files?? Who didn't find anything? Make sure you notify your representives and notify the u.s attorney that you don't understand how they could find not one thing and ask them who files were investigated.

Name:
continuation of previous message
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.178.128.254

Comments

If you do not wish to leave your name, in the first section write confidential.

Name:
If you wish to contact the attorney generals office
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.178.128.254

Comments

If you wish to contact the attorney generals office and request an investigation into the Sherman class action plaintiff attorneys as posted in the Harry Booth motion to dismiss and the other plaintiff attorneys involved in the class hear is the web site http://caag.state.ca.us/piu/mailform.htm . You might mention that all of the clients of these firms should be interviewed in order to get a complete picture as to what went on and to get to the real truth. Tell them that this should not be swept under the carpet. This appears to be a crime and should be investigated and the only way is to interview the clients that had the misfortune of retaining these attorneys. This is a conspiracy.

Name:
Advocate
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
California
Remote Name:
63.46.214.69

Comments

Here is some background information concerning California Senate Bill 1899 and what led to its enactment. This is a compilation news stories and articles from such sources as the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Daily Journal, Daily News etc.

The Northridge Earthquake had losses exceeding $40 Billion. In the course of adjusting claims insurance companies employed certain bad faith practices in an attempt to lower their liability exposure, practices that were inclusive of low balling claims (defined as deliberately, unjustifiably and unreasonably estimating amount of damages actually sustained); unfair denial of claims; misrepresenting policy deductibles; and failing to thoroughly conduct investigations that would fully identify the actual loss sustained.

As a result policyholders complained to the State Insurance Commissioner which resulted with the commissioner initiating market conduct examinations. The examinations revealed error rates from 24% to 75% on the part of 3 of the largest insurers. As a result the Commissioners legal staff recommended imposing fines of $3.37 billion dollars. The result was that the companies entered into secret settlement agreements with the commissioner.

As a result of the above Senate Bill 1899 was signed into law allowing victims of the 1/17/94 earthquake a one year grace period, until 12/31/01, to revive claims for which the insured’s believe they have not been fairly and equitably compensated by the insurers.

Now comes the challenge. How do you request that a claim be re-opened? The best way is to notify the company in writing and by certified mail that you wish to have your claim reopened and reevaluated and state why. The letter should be sent either to the Company, its Agent or Broker Provide your policy number, claim number and identify any documents that you believe would be of assistance in the reevaluation of the claim. Always keep the documents in your possession, providing copies only to the insurance company.

Documents of interest to the insurance company would be any and all engineering reports and repair estimates. It is being found that insurance companies may not have kept these documents in their file or may even have lost the file.

Here is some background information concerning California Senate Bill 1899 and what led to its enactment. This is a compilation news stories and articles from such sources as the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Daily Journal, Daily News etc.

The Northridge Earthquake had losses exceeding $40 Billion. In the course of adjusting claims insurance companies employed certain bad faith practices in an attempt to lower their liability exposure, practices that were inclusive of low balling claims (defined as deliberately, unjustifiably and unreasonably estimating amount of damages actually sustained); unfair denial of claims; misrepresenting policy deductibles; and failing to thoroughly conduct investigations that would fully identify the actual loss sustained.

As a result policyholders complained to the State Insurance Commissioner which resulted with the commissioner initiating market conduct examinations. The examinations revealed error rates from 24% to 75% on the part of 3 of the largest insurers. As a result the Commissioners legal staff recommended imposing fines of $3.37 billion dollars. The result was that the companies entered into secret settlement agreements with the commissioner.

As a result of the above Senate Bill 1899 was signed into law allowing victims of the 1/17/94 earthquake a one year grace period, until 12/31/01, to revive claims for which the insured’s believe they have not been fairly and equitably compensated by the insurers.

Now comes the challenge. How do you request that a claim be re-opened? The best way is to notify the company in writing and by certified mail that you wish to have your claim reopened and reevaluated and state why. The letter should be sent either to the Company, its Agent or Broker Provide your policy number, claim number and identify any documents that you believe would be of assistance in the reevaluation of the claim. Always keep the documents in your possession, providing copies only to the insurance company.

Documents of interest to the insurance company would be any and all engineering reports and repair estimates. It is being found that insurance companies may not have kept these documents in their file or may even have lost the file.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.136.186

Comments

If you want an investigation into the classaction start notifing the Senators. One voice wont do it. If you have a problem with how the investigation is going start calling them. A good place to start would be John Burtons office at 916-445-1412. Let them know there are people out there that want something done and do not want it swept under the carpet.

Name:
Advocate
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
General comments
Remote Name:
166.90.19.208

Comments

Allstate has claims offices that they refer to as service centers. In Southern California the centers are located in Ontario and Santa Fe Springs. Adjusters are dispatched from these offices to all parts for the purpose of adjusting claims. It is not unusual for adjusters to work out of their homes and only come in the office once or twice a week.

Allstate adjusts claims by coverage. For example there can be 3 adjusters on a homeowners claim, 1 adjuster for property damage to the structure, 1 adjuster for personal property damage and 1 adjuster for additional living expense. 3 adjusters for one loss and these adjusters do not necessarly come from the same office. Also these 3 adjusters could be reporting to 3 seperate supervisors for a possible total of 6 individuals involved in just one claim.It is not difficult to imagine how a claim can start to be mishandled and fall apart.

As to alleged FBI investigations involving the insurers handling of EQ claims. It is not unusual to look for a expert for assistance, however many of these experts are biased and therefore fail to provide correct information to the party who retained them. Secondly the expert may not have the expertise to evaluate a claim file or the expertise to evaluate any one company claim system. Therefore it is not unusual for someone like the FBI to be provided with inaccurate and incomplete information that would bring them to a improper conclusion. This is certainly true with attorneys who use experts. Certainly the fiasco of EQ claims bears this out.

Name:
 
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209.179.128.129

Comments

As far as the Quackenbush investigation, I don't put much hope in that,if you go to the discussion page someone posted an article that states this carrier was exeronerated by the U. S. attorney from the investigation being done on earthquake. Of course rumor has it that one of the people that was helping the FBI going through the files and looking for wrong doing was an insurance consultant that worked for one of the classaction firms. The firm that was involved in the $250000. bribe to Garcia in the Harry Booth motion to dismiss.No wonder they did not find anything. As far as the Class being investigated I doubt that because if you read previous postings, Burton the one who introduced SB1899 is real tight with one of the other class attorneys and he flies around in the attorneys private plane along with Warren Beaty. I would be very surprised if anything comes out of that. Fat chance Burton will go after him. As far as I can see it was all political. There were so many things on the SB1899 that was thown out that it does not make a dent in what has to be done.In articles written after the bill went through it stated that Burton did not demand that his fellow party members support it. Now remember that California has a majority of democrats and they have been in control for a long time and if they were so much for the victims the laws would have been changed a long time ago. I find it really interesting that they are making it that the commissioner cannot take contributions from the carriers ,and that is only certain times of the investigation ect.,but they can. They are the ones who make the laws and it is O.K. for them to take the money.Harry Booth was not the only inside witness as he mentioned in his motion to dismiss. The only way you can get anything done is if enough people start calling their represintives and complain over and over again and make a lot of noise. They are not going to act on just a few people calling. Maybe a petition that an investigation be done on the class and all parties private clients and class be notified . Not just a few. Maybe they would get a better picture.I have checked the web search and could not find any statement by the U.S. Attorneys office , but I did find the article that states the carriers press release. I doubt if they would release that unless it is true. It is odd that Oassi the whistle blower was able to get Quackenbush out of office and the offenses called for millioons more than what Quackenbush settled on and then the FBI can't find anything on them. Do you agree? I guess they did nothing, that is why they were shedding the files when the FBI raided them.

Name:
Question for Comissioner Low if you are listening
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City/State:
 
Remote Name:
152.163.194.188

Comments

When is there going to be a determination regarding Quakenbush, and what kind of investigating is being made into the Class Action?

Name:
 
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City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.129.30

Comments

Advocate I agree with you , I heard that only 25% of the people have the internet in America.When you think about it when the internet is in a home not all members use it. I could see going into it and being ready for the next 10 years when more people are computer ready, but to cut out the life line before it is assimulated into society seems like a bad move. But this is probably some quick fix for the stock holders. Will see. At this point I for one am very hesitant in buying anything over the internet. I did read somewhere, I beleive in San Deigo they have set up a big customer service center with a lot of inexperienced people. 18 and 20 year olds with cheaper salarys. They maybe cutting cost, but in the long run they may lose out on a lot of business.

Name:
 
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64.12.103.54

Comments

To the person who was speaking about cable advertising, who is horse face? Cable TV ads are not that expensive if run on cable stations in specified areas. It gets expensive if run on network stations at prime time.

Name:
Advocate
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City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.245.42.91

Comments

The party who suggested having EQ victems on a IDRC panel has made a very good suggestion. Whereas it is to late to have this happen on this weeks upcoming meeting I am sure arrangements can be made for a future meeting.Ideally if we could find 4 individuals who are willing to come forward and speak of their experiences and be able to respond to quesstions I am sure that IDRC would welcome the oppertunity. Is anyone willing to do this?

On another subject, there was a news report that Allstate's 4th quarter profits were up 29% as Allstate nears the midway point of a cost-saving reorganization shifting away from agents and towards the internet. This is disturbing news. The purpose of a agent is, in part, to inform and educate the buying public on the various policies available, what types of coverages are available and what is available to suit the needs of insureds. The internet in ot itself will not fully meet the needs of the public. It certainly will not meet the needs of those individuals who do not have access to the internet.

Interesting that agents are being eliminated, that Allstate has hundreds of pages of claim and policy resource guides that provides qualitive information to current Allstate agents and adjusters and that this information is not provided to the insureds.Allstate has superior knowledge and expertise that is not shared with their insureds and hence bad faith litigation.

This posting is one way for individuals to obtain claim and policy information and not just vent anger to an uncaring insurance company. Having difficulity with your claim? This might be the place where you can obtain proper informations and responsive answeres.

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209.179.131.72

Comments

Just saw the new commercial with "Horse Face" on cable t.v. .He has his own commercial now and you can see what he looks like. I wonder if he broke up with the other firm. Maybe there was not enough to go around on the sb1899. It was rumored what he did before is collect a lot of cases and then he took them to the other class firms. Then those clients also were shuffled back and fouth from firm to firm. Does anyone have any idea what it cost to advertise on cable? Just wondering? It was also rumured by the 20th people that he even took retainers .

Name:
 
E-Mail:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
City/State:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Remote Name:
209.178.128.17

Comments

Go to the Discussion Page and read how Allstate has been exonorated for any wrong doing of the Northridge earthquake. Well I guess if Mark Rich can get off so can the carriers. It only takes money. My question is ,was this done u nder the Reno or Ashcroft DOJ ?

Name:
Senior Citizen who does not want to end up like the guy in the Fortune Magazine story
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Victim too
Remote Name:
12.107.0.2

Comments

Thanks for the info and will make certain to tell alot of others about the upcoming posting. Why aren't there some victims on the panel as a oversight committee. It's great that insurance professionals and others are sitting on the panel but they aren't walking in victims shoes. People who don't have heat and whose houses are so bad that if authorities saw them they would not let people live in them. Low and everybody can say they are trying to do good but so far its the same. You sound like you know alot so try and do something so that Allstate has tolive up to the policy contract. I am not the only one who is mad as hell.

Name:
Advocate
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City/State:
 
Remote Name:
166.90.18.239

Comments

The Insurance Dispute Resolution Center, based in Los Angeles, is having a panel discussion regarding SB1899 and its' ramifications. This organization, made up of insurance professionals, dispenses factual information on what is taking place in the real world of adjusting and claims handling.

For those of you who wish to have a grasp on what is happening with regard to how the insurance industry is responding to SB1899 you may wish to visit this board 0n Friday 2-16-01.

If you are having difficulity with your EQ claim, do not know what to do or how to do it, you may way to check this board from time to time, ask questions and look for positive answeres.

Name:
Bev King
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
205.188.200.47

Comments

I just spent the evening reading the Booth documents.If all of it is true, why isn't Low doing something to investigate? The Press said that Low and Whistleblower lady Ossasas were going to do the right thing for victims but you don't see anybody really doing anything differently.

If you are listening Low, victims won't go away.And to Mrs. Ossasas you did a good thing by telling the truth. It's time now to help the victims.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.178.128.177

Comments

To the person that wants to use Mr. Rothstein, from an ad in the paper. I agree with the person that said to use the Advocate or Daviscort. I also agree that there are a lot of attorneys getting on the cash cow because they saw how the class attorneys cashed in. There is one group that are advertising on cable now. Think how much money they made off of it to continue to advertise on T.V.. Before the E.Q. this particular group had nothing. At one point one of them lived in West Hills and then all of sudden he was in Hidden Hills. He had meetings since Nov. or Dec. of 1994 and still continues with the meetings. Mr. Rothstein may be a good lawyer, I don't know. Sit down and think this out rationally. Why would you need an attorney at this point. Why are they out this early in the game on the sb1899. The carriers have not even had time to commit bad faith. It just became effective January 1,2001. You must concentrate on the things you must do. This is a bilateral contract and you must study your policy and find out the meaning of it. Number one, notify the carrier in writing that you wish to reopen your claim. Send it certified to your agent and to the home office and anyone else you must notify even if you called it in and the carrier has been out to your home make sure it is writing. Ask your carrier to explain what you are entitled to and ask him what you must do. If you are working with their adjuster ask him and document everything in writing to all , all your questions and all your answers that you have received from anyone who gave you the answer. Once again make sure the home office gets all copies of you communication so they cannot say, in the event you have to go to trial that they had nothing to do with what an independent adjuster had to say. Remember you must prove your loss. The way to do this is get a scope of loss done by a reliable contractor. This also must be sent in writing to the adjuster and the carrier in writing. Remember you are not the expert, the contractor is. Make sure your contractor backs the scope with independent bids. You can also get bids on your own. If you hire a contractor to do the scope of loss, give him a time to complete it and put it in writing on what day he will be finished with a complete scope of loss. Some people may need a soils report, say you had foundation problems and your neighbors had bad soil you may need a soils engineer. In the event you have to hire an attorney later on, make sure your experts are honest and credible. If you have to go before a judge you would not want someone who seems dishonest. Make sure you stress to them that you do not want anything that is not there and is incorrect, because if you have damage that is not real then you can really be in trouble and the carrier will say you were trying to cheat. As you can see in most of these postings they try to do that anyway. So you must be squeeky clean. Also tell the contractor that you expect him to do a through inspection under the crawl space and in the attic. Make sure he also take pictures of the damage. You may need a structural engineer. If you need an engineer and a soils report make sure your contractor does his report off of theirs. I am sure that the advocate and daviscort can help you a lot in the early stages of your claim. Remember always be cooperative with the carrier. If they want to see your house a thousand times let them do it because the one time you don't, they will use it against you. Remember document everything that is said in every meeting and verify it in writing with all the above mentioned. Believe me they document everything you say and possibly embellish on it. The best thing to do is to say very little and let them do the talking. I am sure Mr. Davicort and the Advocate can help you in many ways. You don't need an attorney now. If they deny your claim and close your file then you can consult with an attorney. The policy will tell you when you can sue. There is a clause in it. Just ask yourself this question and you might ask the attorney this on what grounds would you sue the carrier for at this point? What has happened is the attorneys have acted in the capacity of adjusters and took the fee for an attorney. One more thing keep in constant contact with the carrier. Remember ask questions and document them.

Name:
 
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209.179.130.99

Comments

In addition to the last post, go to the home page of this site and read where it says you may use this site to post attorneys ethics and methods that are used, ect. ect...If your mother is a retired judge, don't you think it is about time you do something on your own instead of riding on her coat tails and using your mother for credibility.

Name:
Read this article, I'm sure alot of you will be able to relate to what Thomas Ivers is going through.
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209.179.130.99

Comments

In the Daily Recorder, January 18, 2001 there is an article titled "The Battle over insurance claim lands private eye in court." It is reference to the Thomas Ivers case. A Sacramento County Superior Court judge rejected efforts last week to exclude from evidence a confidential memorandum a private eye wrote to an attorney for a major insurance company locked in a claim that became so bitterly disputed it led to a criminal prosecution. Judge James Long,s denial means Charles L. O'Neal must stand trial on a charge of soliciting an undercover Sacramento deputy to burglarize the home of Allstate claimant Thomas Ivers, according to Sacramento Deputy District Attorney Chris Ore." "O'Neal tried to hire reserve Captain Ernie Buda- acting the role of "Sal from San Jose" to steal the hard drive from a computer at Ivers home office. The burglary was one of several proposed steps to discredit Ivers and to derail his claim that were secretly recorded in a series of meetings between O'Neal, Buda , and an associate. The article goes on to say that an investigation was launched into O'Neal's activities shortly after a report was received that he was allegedly shopping for someone to take Ivers "out of the picture", Detective Steve Bray testified. O'Neal contacted Don Tonnelli, an Ivers associate to explore the subjects of what a bad guy Ivers was, what he deserved happen to him and who might do it, Bray testified. Tonelli's home office was wired for sound as was Buda to record conversations at Tonnelli's office and two meetings with O'Neal at the Stanford Restaurant on Sunrise Blvd.. Nearly two hours of tapes were played in court in which "Sal" and O'Neal discussed how to break in, how to make it look like teenagers did it and how to shield Allstate from any connection with the event. In the course of the tapes, O'Neal made it clear that he worked for a lawyer who represented a "big insurance company" that could not afford to have its named linked to their activities, the transcripts indicated. The insurance firm he worked for could be "hit for hundreds of millions of dollars if they got involved." O'Neal was recorded saying. "He needs another fire," O'Neal continued "He's already had one fire. He needs another." O'Neal was arrested July 27, 1999, after leaving a meeting in which eavesdropping detectives concluded he had illegally commissioned" Sal" to commit a burglary. Defense attorney Brad Wishek's motion sought to suppress from evidence the contents of a manila envelope investigators seized from the back seat floorboard during a search of O'Neal's car. The papers contained, among other things, confidential memo to Rick Edson, the attorney who represented Allstate at the time and employed O'Neal. The substance of the memo was not revealed. The entire investigation into O'Neal was fraught with conflicts and eavesdropping detectives had misconstrued the conversations they overheard argued to Judge Long. Bray received the original tip from another department employee who failed to disclose up front certain links she had to Ivers and Tonnelli, he argued. The detectives listening in to the conversations may have misconstrued O'Neals statements. In fact, he noted detectives apparently chose to ignore a critical parting statement O'Neal made to "Sal". Wishek pointed to a statement at the end of the final tape in which the stenographer had recorded O'Neal saying. " I don't want anyone to do anything illegal." Bray admitted reviewing and passing on that statement, but said it was an oversight. After reviewing the original tape during a court brea, Ore rebutted that the transcript was in error. He concluded the statement O'Neal made as "I don't want anyone to do anything that will link up," in other words, link up Allstate with the alleged crime. Before the hearing opened, attorney Tom Wagner, documents librarian for the firm representing Edson, appeared to tell Judge Long that the firm viewed the manila envelope documents as privileged under attorney client and /or work product protections and would separately seek to quash their use at trial. From The Daily Recorder. Hey Larry, we would really be interested in knowing what your mothers opinion is on this. Why don't you share some of those insurance laws with us. By the way if it is public record there is no slander ect. Also note that the information was taken from the World Wide Web. Some of it was even taken form one of the class firms web site. An example of that is when I believe Aetnas attorney called one of them an ambulance chaser and he tried to sue. In addition, you interject what you think this web site was intended for, the name of this site alone says it all. Another thing what state did your mother sit on the bench, because I looked up the California State bar and did not find a judge or attorney by the name of Carlyle that was female??

Name:
Larry Carlyle
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Pacific Palisades
Remote Name:
205.188.200.38

Comments

I think recent comments on this board by those other than victims speak volumes about their intent.Boo! Boo! back to you, Halloween was over months ago,.Last time I looked outsideit was still America. It's difficult to believe that hired monitors (ket's hope they are not attorneys) are so ill informed in their postings, not only about laws in general but our Constitution and California Insurance Codes and Laws. What are you going to do now , call my mother? She's a retired Judge.

Name:
 
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Remote Name:
209.178.128.2

Comments

If you want to know about the class action attorneys, read what they did to Harry Booth. You can read it in his motion to dismiss posted on this web. site. I not only judge people on how they treat me, I judge them on how they treat others, because there by the grace of God go I. The only time it is slander is if it is not true. According to Harry Booth they agreed to put their own clients through gruling litigation in order to get the class through. In other words, if you don't understand, according to Harry Booth they hung their clients out to dry just like they hung Booth out to dry. In addition if you read "Erin Brocovitch, The Real Story " in Salon Magizine of April 2000 you will see what they did to those people. They are being sued for malpractice by some of those clients. Then read what "Mr. Potter "did to the Holly Hills residents. They sued him for abandoning the case. Read how they bought off the judges in the Erin Brocovitch case by taking them on a cruise. Do you ever hear of them going into a real court room and winning anything? If you know of anything please post it. You also might note in the Harry Booth motion to dismiss he states that the classaction was originally turned down as it did not look out for the needs of the class by the department of insurance ,then Harry Booth stated that someone from the Shernoff Bidart firm sent it to a higher up in the corrupt Quackenbush administration and it was approved. According to Harry Booth the person who approved it now has a job in the Shernoff Bidart firm. What interest do you have in protecting these firms. You tell me how so few attorneys can handle thousands of clients ? How can you have that many clients and go to trial on so few? Why don't you give your name??

Name:
 
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City/State:
 
Remote Name:
172.146.164.86

Comments

The individual who keeps talking about the class action attorneys or any other person in such a derogatory fashion should probably put his or her name on the record. But, I think it is important for everyone to know that not all speech is privileged or protected.

The laws of defamation, libel and slander apply to written communications made about people over the internet in chat rooms or on message boards.

Name:
 
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City/State:
 
Remote Name:
205.188.195.191

Comments

What did the attorneys in the class action lawsuit do that made you so hostile towards them?

Name:
 
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Remote Name:
209.179.134.130

Comments

To the person who wants to use Mr. Rosenstein, I agree with Beverly, not only do they take anywhere from a 1/3 to 40% you pay cost and for any experts, that is after they go through and low ball your damages. Then if you were lucky enough to get the class attorneys according to Harry Booth they sold out there own private clients. The only time you need an attorney is if they have closed your file and refused to pay and denied you coverage. That only happens if they close your file. If you hire an attorney ask him how many cases he has taken to trial. A real trial not arbitration. Ask him how many cases he had to begin with. Ask him if he has ever had anything to do with the class attorneys as according to Harry Booths motion to dismiss they have to be the scumb of the earth. It seems to me that attorneys have a bad enough name to begin with and just when you are thinking they can't go any lower along come the class attorneys. I don't understand how they can get away with it.Before you go to an attorney it cannot hurt to talk to Mr. Daviscort and if he did charge a fee it is a lot less than paying out anywhere from 40 to 50% of your money to these dirty attorneys. There are good attorneys out there but they refused to take any more than 5 or 6 clients, but the greedy liars that handled the class not only had one carrier, they handled all the carriers and that was in the high hundred to a thousand clients. They did not care what they took. Because if you have 3 mercedes and 100 hondas you will make more off of the 100 hondas. That number does not included the thousands of class clients they had. They are running a scam. They are the HMO attorneys of the leagle profession only instead of charging a smaller amount they take top dollar.I was told they look you right in the eye and lie. From their first meeting in Dec. of 94 up until the present. They all have the same speil from office to office.

Name:
 
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Remote Name:
209.179.134.130

Comments

To the person who doubts that the carriers don't check this site, trust me they do. If they could sue they would, but since this is still the United States of America and we still have freedom of speech they cannot sue. I am sure they have checked every leagle consideration there is. They shut up all the policy holders by using confidentially agreements.People who were picketing 20TH Century said they were out taking down liscense plate numbers. One time when they were picketing they called the police and said there was a fight going on. The police came out and laughed when they got there. You see anyone the carriers fight are law abiding citizens.

Name:
 
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Remote Name:
152.163.194.198

Comments

I doubt real highly that any insurance company watches or cares about this site. If they did, they probably would have already filed lawsuits to prevent the use of their trade names in such a derogatory manner.

Name:
Jack Ollend
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Redlands
Remote Name:
205.188.200.22

Comments

I was very surprised when I read a story circulating via e-mail from a Fortune Magazine article about stalking tactics of Allstate. In answer to the inquiry about the negative reactions too consumers support of this site and anyone who helps others, well look no further than paid Allstate employees whose duty is to monitor this and other help sites. Everybody knows the class action was a joke. What Low and Ossias are doing about this and other insurance problems is another matter. Ignore the paid Allstate negativity.  They are just scared that this and other sites are so popular and viewed by so many.

Name:
Fritz Daviscourt
E-Mail:
davisct@earthlink.com
City/State:
San Diego, CA
Remote Name:
64.156.203.119

Comments

Such negativism out there! Nothing was said about my being a public adjuster, I stated that I am a retired company adjuster. There is a difference. Nothing was said about charging for services, this is a site for the exchange of information and ideas. I believe that this is what the editor had in mind.

Why not take the anger and negativism and channel it into a positive. You are only defeating yourselves otherwise.

I am curious about 1 thing, why are you people afraid to identify yourselves?

Name:
 
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Remote Name:
152.163.213.61

Comments

This site seems like it is just a marketplace for one public adjuster to sell his services.

Name:
Advocate
E-Mail:
davisct@earthlink.net
City/State:
San Diego
Remote Name:
64.156.205.1

Comments

Thank you for the nice comments. For those of you who do not know, I am a retired company adjuster. I follow this site as I find the comments interesting.

To the inquiry, are claims paid claim on re-openings. The answer is yes, and it does not require an attorney, nor does it require a public adjuster. A little guidence and direction is all that one really needs.

I speak with friends in the industry and here is what is happening. SB 1899 requires a insurance company to re-open a file on request. Then what happens? Depends on the information provided by the insured when the request is made. Keep in mind,the insurance company files are 7 years old and contain outdated information which at best is inaccurate and incomplete. Therefore the carrier is looking at the insured to provide them with the necessary information to process the claim.

Companies are still struggling with the same problems they had after the earthquake, lack of trained adjusters who know what they are doing.

Matters are complicated further do to California Code of Regulations requirements, which, if you know them, can be used to your benefit. Yes, it does require work on your part, but the results can be rewarding.

I would be interested in sitting down and discussing these claims in a group discussion, maybe in an old fashioned coffee clatch. Anyone interested can contact me.

I also have spoken with the sponsor of this site, he also has all of your interests at heart. Maybe for once and all we can bring resolution and peace of mind to those who are really seeking an end.

Tell me what difficulties you are experiencing and lets see what can be done.

Fritz Daviscourt davisct@earthlink.com

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
64.12.103.29

Comments

What is the current status of the Sherman class action settlement? Did anyone receive any more money as a participant in that case?

Name:
Beverly King
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Thousand Oaks
Remote Name:
63.23.179.68

Comments

Mr. Romero dont forget that contingency doesnt mean without costs. After you pay filing fees and xeroxing fees and secreatrial fees and consulting fees you could still end up with not enough to fix your damage. Also there is no guaranee how long it could drag out in court. Try the adjuster Mr. Daviscert, I asked around and he knows his stuff. And if you like what Rosenstein has to say then see if he'll take 33 per cent and include all fees in the 33 percent.

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Remote Name:
172.148.25.131

Comments

Mr. Romero:

I am aware that Mr. Rosenstein has handled Northridge Earthqauke claims/case on behalf of homeowners and associations, alike. Moreover, it is my understanding that Mr. Rosenstein does not charge any attorneys fees unless he obtains a recovery. That is the essence of working on a contingency.

Name:
L
E-Mail:
lelnyla@aol.com
City/State:
Los Angeles
Remote Name:
172.139.167.132

Comments

I have heard of Richard Rosenstein. I know that he is a good attorney who has handled many Northridge earthquake claims and litigation. He seems to really care about his clients.

Name:
 
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Remote Name:
152.163.194.201

Comments

Sir, I have never heard of Mr. Rosenstein but there are many people coming out of the woodwork so be cautious. I think you might initially be better oiff with an Independent Adjuster like Mr. Daviscourt. I don't have any investited interest in recommending him, its just that I have heard he is the most knowledgeable around. It sounds like a substantial amount of money could be saved by going with a credible Independent Adjuster, as opposed to going with an attorney that you know nothing about, and whose fees must be paid whether you win or lose. Run far far far away from the laughable ones that people have talked about here on this website. Good luck

Name:
albert romero
E-Mail:
aromero@lagoodwill.org
City/State:
North Hollywood CA
Remote Name:
209.80.41.248

Comments

My father in Law recently saw a advertisement in the local newspaper by a lawyer named Richard Rosenstein. He was soliciting business for victims of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake he felt that the insurance adjuster had minimized the actual damages to homes. I would like to know if this attorney is legitimate or is he out to make a fast buck. The attorney will get 331/3% if there is a settlement before trial and 40% if the case goes to trial and is won.

Name:
Thankful
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Northridge
Remote Name:
209.245.46.242

Comments

I have been following this site for several months. In some respects it has been informative, while in some respects some people are hateful and do not seem to want to right a wrong but to spread discontent.

I scrolled from present to the beginning, looking for a answer to my claim difficulties. I was surprised to find it here. For this I publicly thank Mr. Weingardt for the establishment of this site and Mr. Daviscourt for his insightful assistance in working with me in bringing my claim to a successful conclusion that not only aided me in the restoration of my home but bringing my family peace of mind.

Name:
 
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City/State:
 
Remote Name:
63.203.146.52

Comments

Amen to what you said. There was great news coverage of the Anniversary and more to come. Keep rocking the boat.

Name:
 
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City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.130.35

Comments

Jan. 17, 2001 we are going in to the 8th year of the earthquake. We should take this time to remember the victims who lost their lives in the earthquake 7 years ago. We should remember the poor victims that are still trying to get their lives back in order after years of trying to get their claims paid and their homes repaired. For some it was worse trying to get their claims paid than it was going through the earthquake.

Name:
Saturday's January 13th 4.2 Quake
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
152.163.194.193

Comments

Did anyone suffer any further damage due to this Saturday quake. Are reinspections in order?

Name:
20/20 Fan
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City/State:
 
Remote Name:
63.203.146.52

Comments

ABC and 20/20 News are interested in Allstate stories too and they can be reached if you call 310-557-7777.

Name:
to NORTHRIDGE
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.178.129.105

Comments

Before you cash the check make sure the adjuster marked the check "undisputed amount". Also did the adjuster give you his scope of loss or did he just give you the check?

Name:
To northridge
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.178.129.105

Comments

The term undisputed amount is the damage that the insurance carrier is accepting, the balance of the claim is still in dispute. You may accept the undisputed amount. You must read your policy. On depreciation, I believe they will pay after it has been repaired. There is no depreciation on the structure. Wall to wall carpet is part of the structure and they will pay you full amount after you replace it. Your garage if attached is considered part of the structure. You must prove you loss. You can prove your loss by getting a reliable contractor to do a scope of loss. Don't forget to get a lead test and an asbestos test.  Have them check the attic and foundation.

Name:
Northridge
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.245.43.207

Comments

I have re-submitted my claim and have 2 questions? What does the term Undisputed Amount mean and what is depreciation? My adjuster can not seem to make this understandable.

Do I want to accept this undisputed amount? This is a term that is not in my insurance policy>

Thank you.

Name:
And don't forget to write :
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
63.203.146.52

Comments

Commissioner Low c/o Dept. Of Insurance 300 Capitol Mall Sacramento, California 95814

Hero of all victims Cindy Ossias Dept. of Insurance 45 Freemont Street San Francisco, California 94105

Name:
WANTED Northridge Earthquake Victims Stories
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
January 17th, 2001 Anniversary Issues of Quake
Remote Name:
63.203.146.52

Comments

Barrons e-mail editors@barons.com

Wallstreet Journal letter.editor@wsj.com

NBC News 818 840 4444

CBS News 323 575 2345

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.178.128.78

Comments

To the person who posted about the senate meeting, the only thing I have heard on the t.v.and radio are the advertisements from the dirty attorneys that sold out everyone in the Sherman vs Allstate. There was a meeting that people attended that was put on by other attorneys for attorneys and the room was filled to the brim with attorneys, the subject was Bad Faith made easy. Someone over heard a group of attorneys talking about this particular attorney saying the way he settles a case is, he goes into the carrier and says this case is worth $300000.00 , give me the money, the carrier says we are not going to pay that amount, he says o.k. I will take ten thousand dollars. That is how he settles his cases. This attorney was one of the class attorneys and that is what they did with all the cases. Be careful, make sure it is not the meetings that they were talking about. The advertisement is worded to sound very official as if they are speaking for the government. They are only out there to take your money. There is no need for an attorney until they have denied your claim and closed your file. Every single one of the class action attorneys and any attorney that files a case before they have closed the file or denied the claim will only take 30 to 40 percent of your claim. Be very careful of these attorneys . To get there names they are in Harry Booths motion to dismiss that you can get off of the home page of this site. Also on the Shernoff, Bidart web. page the other attorneys names are posted in the article about the class. When you hire an attorney, make sure they are not in any way are or have been affiliated with any of the firms posted. They have no intention of going to trial and the carrier knows how these firms work. The attorneys that work for the carriers, believe it or not have no respect for these pigs. Remember the carriers attorneys did the best for their client and did not sell their client out.

Name:
Tell your Earthquake Story to the Daily News
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
January 17th Anniversary of Northridge Quake
Remote Name:
63.203.146.52

Comments

or write Public Forum PO Box 4200 Woodland Hills, California 91365 fax is 818 713 3723

Name:
Looking for opt out from the class
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.132.100

Comments

Looking for opt out from the class. People who opted out from class and remained with the class attorneys. Does anyone know of anybody. Please post yes or no in reference to this. Don't post your name or any information regarding your case. Trying to get a number count on opt outs.

Name:
January 17th is coming in less than 45 days
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
63.203.146.52

Comments

I heard on a radio show that there is going to be another Senate hearing with earthquake victims. Where is it and when? And what reporters are covering this situation? Is it true that allsnake costumes are being sold? and if they are what sizes do they come in.

Name:
Advocate
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
California
Remote Name:
209.245.44.12

Comments

RE : BURTON COMMENT

Where are we going with this? What are you trying to say? Will this start us in the resolution of claims?

Thank you for your interest and input. Hopefully this will be the start of a claims process that will start the ball rolling.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
172.155.41.55

Comments

TO advocate! As you already know this is CCP 340.9

SB 1899, Burton. Northridge earthquake of 1994. Existing law sets forth the statutes of limitations for various causes of action, as specified. This bill would provide that, notwithstanding any other provision of law or contract, certain insurance claims for damages arising out of the Northridge earthquake of 1994 which are barred as of the effective date of this bill solely because the applicable statute of limitations has or had expired are hereby revived and a cause of action thereon may be commenced provided that the action is commenced within one year of the effective date of the bill. The bill would set forth related provisions.

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Section 340.9 is added to the Code of Civil Procedure, to read: 340.9. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law or contract, any insurance claim for damages arising out of the Northridge earthquake of 1994 which is barred as of the effective date of this section solely because the applicable statute of limitations has or had expired is hereby revived and a cause of action thereon may be commenced provided that the action is commenced within one year of the effective date of this section. This subdivision shall only apply to cases in which an insured contacted an insurer or an insurer's representative prior to January 1, 2000, regarding potential Northridge earthquake damage. (b) Any action pursuant to this section commenced prior to, or within one year from, the effective date of this section shall not be barred based upon this limitations period. (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter the applicable limitations period of an action that is not time barred as of the effective date of this section. (d) This section shall not apply to either of the following: (1) Any claim that has been litigated to finality in any court of competent jurisdiction prior to the effective date of this section. (2) Any written compromised settlement agreement which has been made between an insurer and its insured where the insured was represented by counsel admitted to the practice of law in California at the time of the settlement, and who signed the agreement.

Name:
Advocate
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
California
Remote Name:
209.245.44.12

Comments

QUESTION: How can we take all of this negative anger energy and turn it into a positive force that will result in a positive resolution of earthquake claims? Can we start something here? You have had many years of unsuccessful results with attorneys, class actions, etc,. Why not start anew with positive knowledge and actions?

Lets define your goals. Is it not to restore your property to its original pre-loss condition with like, kind and quality of repairs? Why don't we discuss how to do this? Why not follow policy terms and conditions, insurance code 790.03 (h), title 10 of California Code of Civil Procedure, case law, the Claim procedure manual, just to mention a few.

Does anyone really understand SB1899 or the results of Sherman and how to apply it??

You have so much going for you, why not apply a positive direction? Are you aware that the insurance company and its adjusters are every bit confused as you are? HERE IS A FACT! THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE AS MUCH CONFUSED AS THE POLICYHOLDER IN HOW TO REOPEN A CLAIM. Why not use this forum to begin a dialogue on how to accomplish this. It is really quite easy. Anyone willing to set anger aside and start the process?

Name:
Advocate
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
California
Remote Name:
209.245.44.12

Comments

RE: CALIFORNIA CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE 340.6

It is difficult to decipher what people are referring to in some of the postings. I do not know if the following is what someone is speaking of, but this may be helpful with regard to the talk (anger?) regarding attorneys and class actions.

CCP 340.6 states as follows:

"An action against an attorney for a wrongful act or omission, other than for actual fraud, arising in the performance of professional services shall be commenced within one year after the plaintiff discovers, or through the use of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the FACTS CONSTITUTING THE WRONGFUL ACT OR OMISSION, OR FOUR YEARS FROM THE DATE OF THE WRONGFUL ACT OR OMISSION, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.

Is this what people are speaking of, or is there something else?

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.178.129.183

Comments

Dear Advocate, Below someone posted they were waiting for CCP 340.9 , but since you mentioned the omissions of the attorneys and the statue I am very much interested in that also. Could you please post what is the 340.6 that you mentioned. Thank you

Name:
Advocate
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
California
Remote Name:
166.90.21.82

Comments

RE: 340.9 CALIFORNIA STATE SUPREME COURT

Would you by chance be inquiring about California Code of Civil Procedure? There is section # 340.6. pertaining to Attorney's Wrongful Act or Omission - Four Year, One year Limit. Is this what your are looking for or referring to? If it is then let me know and I will explain it to you.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.129.15

Comments

What is CCP 340.9 in the California state supreme court?

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.129.15

Comments

What I am saying is according to Harry Booths motion to dismiss he states that the class attorneys had clients. According to Harry Booths motion to dismiss the class attorneys agreed to put their clients through grueling litigation at the carriers control for the classaction when some would get sweetheart deals. He also states that originally the classaction was rejected by the dept of insurance as they said it did not look out for the interest of the class. Then Bidart sent the classaction to someone higher up in the insurance commissioners office and got it approved. Not only that according to Booth that person is now working for Bidart Shernoff firm. The classaction people did not have any litigation, they were to get their claims reopened and the carrier agreed to set aside the $60 million and take a look at the damage with new "experts" also if you go to Shernoff Bidart web. page he states that the homeowner can get their own experts and I believe the carrier is suppose to pay for them. If it is true , that these attorneys had private clients and also had the classaction for certain reasons it could be a conflict of interest. Example, say they agreed to put their own clients through grueling litigation for the classaction. That would be number one, their first obligation would be to their private clients first. An attorney cannot serve two masters. If there is a conflict of interest, under calif. law the attorneys are obligated to notify the client in writing, a verbal would not even count. If the client were notified and the client wanted them to walk away from the class they would have had to walk away from the class. I don't know if anyone has sued for conflict of interest, I ask if anyone knows of any private clients. They may not even know that there was a class. They may not even know it was a conflict of interest. Does anyone know if any private clients were notified. As to the attorneys actually doing work for the carrier directly, I doubt it. The carrier would not hire lazy low life attorneys like these. Remember one thing the carriers attorneys did the best for their clients, according to Harry Booth these hacks sold their clients out. Go to the Martindale Hubble book and the class attorneys are out of their league when you put them up to the carriers attorneys. If you read the Erin Brocovitch The Real Story in salon magazine and other web sites posted on this page you will see where clients were kept totally in the dark. Where some of the Hinkley residents are suing some of the same attorneys for malpractice. They did not even ask for their medical records and the clients received very low settlements while others with the same illnesses received very little. When you think about it this is similar to what Harry Booth said they did to the private clients. You will see how they held onto the settlement for six months and would not return their phone calls. When the did pay they did not pay them interest. Also, this was done in arbitration and the clients were not allowed in and were kept in the dark. The retired judges that participated in the arbitration along with judges still sitting on the bench were taken on a Mediterranean cruise and then when it went public they had to pay for the trip themselves. Some of the Hollyhills residents sued Girardi for abandoning the case. This is only what is posted on the internet, if you go look up cases maybe you would find more. If you do find out more please post it. Like I said I bet O'Melvany and Meyers would love to have this information.

Name:
To the person who brought up conflict of interest issue
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Northridge victims
Remote Name:
152.163.194.209

Comments

We want to understand this clearly. You are implying that Class action attorneys had clients that should have notified that they had taken on the class and if there was any possibility of conflict of interest the client could ask the lawyer not to participate ? Are we right? If we are then there is another question and that is if anybody goes down to the courthouse and looks up all the cases filed under these firms would people then know if there were conflicts of interest? Or are you saying too that it is a conflict of interest to work with opposing counsel? Like working on cases with Allstate lawyers and then represent the insured? We get the jest of what you are saying but the message is still cryptic. We want to know bottom line and how even though we are not part of any class, how is this going to affect us. Before we go also want to thank Mr. Advocate his posting is very specific and helps.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
172.128.80.36

Comments

Who cares about any class actions? If Senate Bill 1899 and CCP 340.9 win in the California State Supreme Court, the first thing I'll do is drop out of the Class and re-file my Insurance Claim. After all I care about as much for the class action lawyers as they care for me, which is #$@%*&%#@.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.135.40

Comments

No they did not have the carrier as a client. If it is true what Harry Booth is saying ,they had private clients, they also had the classaction. They had a duty and an obligation to the private clients first. The private clients should have been notified that there was a conflict of interest, in writing. You cannot serve two masters, if you have a conflict of interest in California it is law that you must notify your clients of the conflict, and legally your client can tell the attorneys to remove themselves from the class. Now can you picture these pigs walking away from the class. I heard a lot about them shuffling their clients back and fourth from law firm to law firm, or from attorney to a different attorney, maybe they think they can get out of it that way. I don't know, but I do know it is law in calif. that they must notify their clients in writing and if the client wants them to walk away from the conflict then they would be forced to do it.  That is why I was wondering if there are any private clients out there. I just thought it was interesting that these attorneys would have the nerve to go after another attorney for a conflict of interest.  I wonder if OMelvany and Meyers have read the Harry Booth motion to dismiss.  I bet they could do something with it.

Name:
to whoever wrote the last message we don't get exactly what you are saying
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Northridge people like the rest
Remote Name:
205.188.200.32

Comments

are you saying this firm had clients who created a conflict of interest? do you mean the client was the insurance company? what does the los angeles school problem have to do with allstate victims? Was the school districts insurance allstate or what. We missed something somehow.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.128.113

Comments

Correction it is not O'Melveny and Douglas it is O'Melvenu and Meyers.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.128.113

Comments

Here is something we should all get a kick out of one of the Class attorneys, Girardi was hired for the Belmont School problem to build a malpractice suit against O'Melvaneny and Douglas. Maybe some of these people can hire Girardi to build a malpractice suit on himself and his other co-horts on behalf of his own clients. I wonder how he will do if he does not buy the judges off like he did in the Brocovitch case. I think the case mentions something about a conflict of interest. That is rich coming from his office. He should know all about a conflict of interest. Someone told me that if an attorney has private clients and also has a classaction the attorney in California is bound by law to notify the private client in writing that there is a conflict of interest. There is case that if the client wants they can make the attorney remove himself from the class based on the California law. Does anyone know any of these private clients? I wonder if the classaction attorneys notified the clients in writing.

Name:
To Advocate
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.136.12

Comments

Thanks to your posting. in reference to CARE after taking to people who have gone to care for periods of time they have stated that the focus was put on proving your loss. They have in the past gone into how the carrier must pay for the reports. They do have quest speakers on the claims process but it was commented that their was not enough talk on how to negotiate or other things that must be done to try to reach a settlement. The main focus was not a penny more or a penny less. The meetings are every week and they do have guest speakers sometimes. The one thing about care is no would have known anything. Another thing that was commented on is once the attorneys got involved in late 1994 and they went around bad mouthing care it lost some of its momentum. From what I have been told the group would be open to having you or someone like you to speak or give classes. You are what they need.  Maybe this go around with the carrier can be done without the attorneys or at least without these sell out attorneys. There are more legal meetings coming up and you talk about a cash cow that is all the attorneys and retired judges are looking for. I hope you can get something going with CARE.  Thank you so much for your posting.

Name:
Advocate
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
California
Remote Name:
209.244.69.24

Comments

Re: Community Assisting Recovery (CARe)

The recent CARe meetings unfortunately were not as informative as they could have been. The meeting was conducted by the executive director who spoke mainly on how to inspected a structure for physical damage. What was not discussed was the nitty gritty aspects of the submission and management of a claim which the advocate believes is critical when it comes to the re-opening of a earthquake claim.

What was not discussed:

1. How to submit a claim and all of the critical information needed by the carrier.

2. Policy requirements

3. California Insurance Code Title 10 requirements, how they apply and how they assist the insured property owner. (they put pressure on the carrier)

4. Case law requirements, interpretation and how to apply

There is much more but that is the highlights. The Advocate realizes that the there is only so much information that can be given out at one time in one meeting. But there is so much more information that you need to have. For example, CARe provided examples of a portion of a Allstate "Estimate". What they did not explain is that the "estimate" is not an estimate but rather is a cost analysis that has no validity.

There was no discussion pertaining to the utilization of experts, the insureds right to be involved in their selection, the insurers obligation to pay expert fees and the insureds right to expert reports.

The advocate has always thought the the idea behind CARe was good one. However CARe does not provide the detailed information need for the successful resolution of a claim. Thier handouts should include information on policy terms and conditions, claim procedures, case law, insurance codes, California codes, proof of loss requirements, statement of loss information, etc.

The Advocate welcomes your comments.

Name:
who are you masked man?
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
we are northridge victims aka Tiny Tims
Remote Name:
205.188.200.37

Comments

amen to your comments. you make sense and seem like you are trying to help people. we feel like the tine man and the scarecrow in the wizard of oz. It is hard to tell who are the good witches and who are the bad witches. The fkying monkeys are easy to spot even with the esq on their shingleSave $ and instead of Christmas cards this year send emails out with the story of Mr. Booth and the trial stuff. give the gift that keeps on giving and that means taking care of you and other human beings by alerting them to the dangers.  Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night

Name:
To the person who would like an attorney
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.129.173

Comments

If you have a case, the last attorneys you want are the class attorneys or anyone affiliated with them, or ever have been affiliated with them for that matter. Unless of course you want your case thrown or dumped in the toilet. If you read the Harry Booth motion to dismiss you can see what they did to their own clients. It is also posted that they run their practice like a car wash. After reading the Harry Booth motion to dismiss you will want anyone but them.  They are lower than any carrier you will have to deal with. You must be very careful with who you choose.  There are plenty of "professional attorneys" out their. Also, read the Real Erin Brocovitch story, which by the way some of those clients are suing for malpractice. Also read the Hollyhills residents, which some of those clients are suing for abandoning the case.  Also read all the postings on this web site and you will see what scum you are dealing with.  Also one of the carriers called one of them an ambulance chaser, I believe it was Atnea Insurance.  That is putting it mildly. A few people told me, if you don't go along with them they go into court and get themselves removed. They never take a deposition .They go to the mediation or the arbitration and sit their like globs of clay. Their only interest is 30 to 40 percent of something. They deal in mass production and they will tell you anything to get your case. One of them lives next door to Pike . The only reason they prevailed in the Brocovitch case was because took the judges on a Mediterranean cruise. These firms had hundreds if not thousands of case and maybe went to trial with 5 or 6 and from what I have heard most of the verdicts were over turned. They are bunch of hype and window dressing.  These attorneys did not just handle cases for one carrier, they had hundreds and hundreds of other clients with other carriers.  There is no way they can handle all of those cases. They had no intention of going to trial. They started with legal meeting in late 1994, told people they had the "ware withall to withstand the carriers" and to handle the clients. When one firm, was told he needed more people for the amount of clients he had , would not hire anymore. The earthquake to them was only a cashcow. They sold out their clients and never had any intention of prosecuting these cases.

Name:
Lcayard
E-Mail:
Lcayard@aol.com
City/State:
Ventura, CA
Remote Name:
205.188.197.51

Comments

I would really appreciate info. on any attorney who is handling a Class Action lawsuit against Allstate Insurance re: the Northridge Earthquake. I would like to join any lawsuit as I feel our claim was mishandled by Allstate in 1994. Thank you very Much!!!

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.178.128.2

Comments

The way the class attorneys get away with it is not enough people are making enough noise. They sit back and hope that someone else will do it for them. They don't share any information and will not go to the press. Then by the time your turn comes up, it is too late.

Name:
The meeting tonite
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.178.128.2

Comments

The name of the Church is St. John Eudes . The address is 9901 Mason Ave. Chatsworth, Calif.91311.It is on the corner of Lassen and Mason. There are parking lots off of Mason and another one off of Lassen. It will probably be in Fr. Grill Hall.  Not in the Church. Please let us know what was said and any information you may have to share.  If you are coming from Northridge just take Lassen down to Mason, it is the big Church on the corner , you can't miss it.

Name:
what is the address of the earthquake meeting tonight
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
63.203.146.52

Comments

The radio said its at St John Yudes Church in Northridge but were from Northridge and never heard of it.We had our own meeting yesterday but it would be good to meet others too.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
172.131.62.56

Comments

Michael Browns attorney is Patrick Prindle his phone # is listed on the public document at http://www.allstateinsurancesucks.com/Lawsuits/MBrown/LawsuitBrown.htm

Name:
Calling Michael Brown
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
California
Remote Name:
63.203.146.52

Comments

Is there anybody who knows how to get a hold of Michael Brown for pluming inspections? And what is happening with the government investigation into the class action? If it is true how in the heck can quakenbush people ok the class and then work for the class lawyers? somebody explain if you can.

Name:
Advocate
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
California
Remote Name:
209.245.44.92

Comments

THE CRACKED TOILET PROBLEM

There may be a good chance that there is coverage for your problem. When the toilet cracked water in all likelihood found its' way onto the underlayment causing it to swell. To show you what I mean, take a dry sponge and place a teaspoon of water on one edge, see how it puffs up? That is what what often happens to certain types of underlayment when exposed to water.

Coverage for this? Probably, if the theory of proximate cause is applied.

When the toilet was replaced was a new wax ring used? If not that may be another source of water.

JOYCE ALMEIDA

Are you sure Ms. Almeida is doing this on her own or is she following Allstate procedures as described in the claims policy procedure manual? Ms. Almeida is not a renegade adjuster, she is just doing what she has been instructed to do. Allstate may have some bad adjusters, but she is not one of them.

HOW TO RESUBMIT A EARTHQUAKE CLAIM

Name:
Have not heard from the classmembers.
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.131.181

Comments

Haven't heard from the class members, does this mean you have settled? Approaching is the Jan. 17 anniversary. Is anyone interested in media coverage. If you are post and maybe we can get something going, but if the class is settled then why bother.

Name:
Let your voices be heard and write to Cindy Ossias at Department of Insurance
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
California
Remote Name:
63.203.146.52

Comments

Cindy Ossias address:

Send documentation and list complaints. Cindy Ossias, Attorney at Law Legal Division of the Department of Insurance 45 Freemont Street San Francisco, California 94105

Name:
for kelly hart
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
other folks in your boat with you Northridge, Ca.
Remote Name:
152.163.194.196

Comments

you did alot of work in writing on this board and trying to help others. You are a good person. I hope you get your claim settled fast. If the senators won't set a date for another town meeting then maybe we can all write Cindy Osias at Depart. of Insurance to set a date. I and the other folks I mention are from the area hardest hit by the quake the city of Northridge. We need some closure. Is Quakenbush livin it up in Hawaii while we victims are still trying to get our houses fixed? The Brown link you gave is great. Talk is cheap but everything you say you backup. Good luck .

Name:
Kelly HArt
E-Mail:
kelly155@juno.com
City/State:
santee, San Diego County,  CA 
Remote Name:
172.131.78.184

Comments

SB 1899, Burton. Northridge earthquake of 1994. Existing law sets forth the statutes of limitations for various causes of action, as specified.

This bill would provide that, notwithstanding any other provision of law or contract, certain insurance claims for damages arising out of the Northridge earthquake of 1994 which are barred as of the effective date of this bill solely because the applicable statute of limitations has or had expired are hereby revived and a cause of action thereon may be commenced provided that the action is commenced within one year of the effective date of the bill. The bill would set forth related provisions.

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Section 340.9 is added to the Code of Civil Procedure, to read:

340.9. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law or contract, any insurance claim for damages arising out of the Northridge earthquake of 1994 which is barred as of the effective date of this section solely because the applicable statute of limitations has or had expired is hereby revived and a cause of action thereon may be commenced provided that the action is commenced within one year of the effective date of this section. This subdivision shall only apply to cases in which an insured contacted an insurer or an insurer's representative prior to January 1, 2000, regarding potential Northridge earthquake damage.

(b) Any action pursuant to this section commenced prior to, or within one year from, the effective date of this section shall not be barred based upon this limitations period.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter the applicable limitations period of an action that is not time barred as of the effective date of this section.

(d) This section shall not apply to either of the following: (1) Any claim that has been litigated to finality in any court of competent jurisdiction prior to the effective date of this section. (2) Any written compromised settlement agreement which has been made between an insurer and its insured where the insured was represented by counsel admitted to the practice of law in California at the time of the settlement, and who signed the agreement.

Name:
Kelly Hart
E-Mail:
kelly155@juno.com
City/State:
Santee, San Diego County, CA
Remote Name:
172.131.78.184

Comments

This bill was passed to help Northridge insurance victims. file:///C|/ALLSTATE.new/sb_1899_bill_20000930_chaptered.html

Name:
Kelly Hart
E-Mail:
kelly155@juno.com
City/State:
Santee, San Diego County, CA
Remote Name:
172.131.78.184

Comments

In California ALLSTATE is trying to evade Criminal FRAUD charges by starting a program called HOMEOWNERS REVISITED. http://www.allstateinsurancesucks.com/Lawsuits/MBrown/LawsuitBrown.htm ; tells all of the fact that Allstate does not want you to see.

If we are in such "GOOD HANDS WITH ALLSTATE"? Then why did, Allstate demand that the Settlement Agreement in the Brown V Allstate case be "SEALED": What does Allstate have to hide?

One thing Allstate has to hide is; San Diego claims Offices' in house adjuster "Joyce Almeida"!

First:: "Joyce Almeida", requires experts she "hires" to "read a one page letter, telling the expert, what "Joyce Almeida" wants the expert to find"////NO COVERAGE////

Second:: "Joyce Almeida", requires experts that she "hires" to submit to her a "ROUGH DRAFT" of their facts and findings.////

Finally:: "Joyce Almeida", reviews and advises the expert of any, amending changes, corrections, additions etc. for the experts final copy" which is then given to the insured.///

I have a full set of Allstate documents; showing this claim handle practice by "Joyce Almeida". This claim has the following set of drafts sent to and revised by "Joyce Almeida". The final "experts" report states facts, very different, than the same "experts" first report. Any Attorney requesting may have a copy of these Allstate Ins, experts UNBIASED PROFESSIONAL OPINIONS.

A. ROUGH DRAFT" of experts UNBIASED PROFESSIONAL OPINION? Comments: "Joyce: Please review and advise of amending changes, corrections, additions etc. for final copy"//// B. 2nd. REVISION of "ROUGH DRAFT" of experts UNBIASED PROFESSIONAL OPINION?///// C. "FINAL 3RD-REVISION) COPY OF LETTER set to insured" of experts UNBIASED PROFESSIONAL? Comments:"Original copy is being mailed to you".///

Name:
To Kelly Hart
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.178.129.160

Comments

Dear Kelly , thanks for your postings, I was just wondering has allstate taken care of your claim yet. Once again, all they have said they will do is reinvestigate the claim. If the past is any indication of the future they will just probably, on the most part bring in another whore to say there is no damage etc. . Once again they will be let off the hook for fraud and conspiracy. After all that has gone on and the new insurance commissioner is allowing it, with no publicity of this case. The carrier, if they were ernest about it would have done it on their own. Like you said this is just to mitigate the fraud and conspiracy. So they will not have to pay out on punitive damages. Who was the attorney that handled the brown case in San Diego. The class attorneys have connections down there and I wonder if this is just another case like the classaction. I am surprised a classaction has not already been filed. Maybe with the agreement with the insurance commissioner protects them form a lawsuit.

Name:
Kelly Hart
E-Mail:
Kelly155@juno.com
City/State:
Santee California
Remote Name:
172.136.238.153

Comments

Re:In California ALLSTATE is trying to evade Criminal FRAUD charges by starting a program called "HOMEOWNERS REVISITED". Back Ground Facts: Only after, California Insurance Commissioner, Harry Low created a new branch called the "Criminal Investigation Branch" of the Calif. Dept of Ins.; does Allstate start a new program called "HOMEOWNERS REVISITED". Allstates new program claims that Allstate "may have accidentally misread policies" and "accidentally denied valid claim". Now Allstate want to correct these "accidents. Because in fact; If Allstate only pays "face value" on these 5 year old "accidentally denied valid claim", Allstate greatly lessens Allstates chances of being charged and/or convicted of Criminal Fraud, by the "California Insurance Commissions; Criminal Investigation Branch".

My denied Claim: Allstates form letter to me "HOMEOWNERS REVISITED" states that Allstate would upon my request, review my 5 year old "tree root plumbing damage claim". Allstate refused to pay this claim in 3-1-96, based upon the report written by their "expert plumbing investigator Michael Brown (hereinafter Brown)". On 11-2000 Allstate claims that "out of the goodness of their hearts" Allstate Ins may have unjustly denied my claim? Why:? Because on May 1 1998/// U.S.D.C. NO. (98CV0094B) San Diego District Browns (a.k.a. PSI/Brown Consolidated): a public Adjustor and Allstate Ins, expert plumbing investigator filed a law suit against Allstate Insurance. Brown claims as fact that in over 4,000 plumbing claims "he was forced by Allstate Ins to lie in his reports, so that Allstate Ins could use his expertise as Allstate Ins bases to fraudulently deny insurance claims". This COURT document is verified (signed under penalty of perjury). PLEASE lookup San Diego, California cases "Barton vs Vanguard Insurance Company"; Brown testified in BARTON as an expert plumbing wittiness for the homeowner/Plaintiffs. Brown testified, stating facts contrary to the facts Brown put in his reports to Allstate Ins about mine and other plumbing claims which Allstate used to deny these plumbing claims.

Kelly Hart E-mail kelly155@juno.com

Name:
To the  person that  posted "What does Kellys declaration have to do with your E.Q. problem"
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City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.178.129.28

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Read the Whistle Blower Trial posted on this web. site . Also refer to the 20/20 report posted on this site. You will see it all states a pattern as to how they do business and to the same practices. The Harry Booth motion to dismiss steps from all the same practice only different players. I feel, that Kellys declaration reinforces what Harry Booth states and what Harry Booth has to say reinforces what Kellys declaration by the plumber has to say. That is why Kelly has to be careful to get right attorneys that will not through this in to the dumpster like the classaction attorneys did.

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To Kelly
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City/State:
 
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209.178.129.28

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Kelly, According to the Harry Booth motion to dismiss, it states the FBI contact is Hedi Johnson, I believe she is out of the Long Beach Calif. Office. From there it went to the Grand Jury, which I believe it is still convening. Also contact the Attorney Generals office in Sacramento, Calif. What was the outcome of the trial that the plumber testified in? Could you please post any information you have. Be very careful when you pick your attorneys for the classaction. Make sure they are not part of the class attorneys that are mentioned in the Harry Booth motion to dismiss. Also make sure they are not intertwined with them . In looking some of other attorneys up they either were associated with them in some way. Sometimes they were co counsel or had was a partner with them at a previous time. So make sure there is no affiliation with them at all. One of the class attorneys was president of ABOTA at one time and if you have an ABOTA member they seem to stick together and are afraid to offend him. There is a big difference between a classaction firm and a carwash firm. That is how these guys do business. If you do go with an attorney, in your agreement, state that they are not to be affiliated with these attorneys now, in the past or until the duration of your case. One attorney I have read about and people who have talked to him seems to be very reputable. He even helped one lady by making a few calls for her when he had no vested interest, and was just tring to help this person out . His name is Mazursky. His web. page is posted somewhere on this site. I will look for it and post it later. I don't know if he is a class attorney, but he did represent the Holly hills residents against one of the big wigs in the class.  He sued him for malpractice for abandoning the clients. He is not afraid to take him on. If he does not do class actions he would probably point you to the right attorney. Maybe you would rather go as an individual client. Good luck.

Name:
To Kelly Hart
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
California victims of Northridge
Remote Name:
152.163.194.191

Comments

What does the Homeowner Revisited 2000 say, and how does it apply to us victims. And thanks for the black mold info and time frame. I and my neighbor filed with our insurance company after the quake but they only fixed part of the problem.  Everybody should check for mold.  Is it part of standard procedure for insurance company to check for mold. And where do people write to the government with information.

Name:
To Kelly Hart
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Los Angeles, California
Remote Name:
209.179.135.82

Comments

Why don't you send your declaration to the attorney general and the F.B.I., This is what they are investigating now. Read the Harry Booth Motion to dismiss. You would be doing a service by reporting this crime. This type of information is helpful to the grand jury investigation also.

Name:
Kelly Hart
E-Mail:
kelly155@juno.com
City/State:
Santee  California
Remote Name:
172.157.148.141

Comments

I have a declaration written by ex Allstate plumbing expert. There is a section that address water damage if water get under a house slab on grade. The declaration also states plumbing expert was forced to lie in his report to Allstate, so Allstate could use his reports as a bases to deny plumbing claims. Have you ever heard of Allstate program called "HOMEOWNERS REVISITED" started Nov of 2000

Name:
I am not the advocate
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City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.135.187

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the question is, when you noticed it. How much your deductible? Did it affect anyother part of the house. You also maybe able to be declare it on your homeowners ins.But there is a clause in the policy I beleive that you have one year to notify them.Read the policy.After the E.Q. people did say whether you noticed it or not the seal breaks from the e.q.. If you did not have any damage would it reach your deductible. If you did reach your deductible then you would get what it cost to remove the black mold,new sub flooring, new flooring, new wall if it went into the wall new cabinets if it is in the cabinets. If it is carpeted and your bedroom off of the bathroom had the same carpet you would be entiled to new carpet in your bedroom as it is line of site. If it is under your homeowners it probably would not pay for the toilet and the repair. But it would pay for all the other repairs and damage. If it is under your e.q. insurance then it would have paid for your toilet also. Remember, it is very important, If you just noticed it recently then you could probably do make the claim under home owners insurance. I don't have anyone to recommed for testing, maybe you can call the health dept. and see if they know who you can call for mold testing and abatement.It can be very costly if they have to abate a large portion of your house. Also if the do any tearing out of walls, you should have a lead test and abestoes test depending on when your house was built.

Name:
Question for advocate and readers
E-Mail:
please do not put on internet
City/State:
California
Remote Name:
152.163.194.207

Comments

Like alot of people my toilet bowl craked in half after the earthquake. I fixed the bowl right away and there want any other damage. My neighbbors didn't notice any breaking until a year or two later when their floor curled up from the base of the toilet. Are my neighbor and I eligible for Coverage due to this leaking? And what are some names of reliable people who test for the black mold that can be present in this kind of enviornmemt. Has anybody found this kind of black mold or any other mold after the earthquake and what was allstates response.

Name:
Thank you Advocate
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Los Angeles
Remote Name:
63.203.146.52

Comments

Your answers are very helpful, and I thank you . I feel sorry for the poor class members and wonder if the Burton Bill and Senate investigations will cancel it out. It seems unfair.

Name:
Advocate
E-Mail:
advocate2000@earthlink.net
City/State:
California
Remote Name:
209.245.42.155

Comments

Regarding the question pertaining to adjusters and specifically public adjusters. There are 3 classifications of adjusters:

1) staff adjuster, one who is employed by the insurance company, paid a salary to adjust claims for the company that hires them;

2) independent adjuster, one who is licensed to adjust insurance claims for the insurance companies only, paid on a hourly rate (in a range of $35-$75 per hour) by the insurance who retains their services;

3) Public adjusters, defined by the insurance code “as a person who, for compensation, acts on behalf of or aids in any manner, an insured (property owner) in negotiating for or effecting the settlement of a claim or claims for loss or damage under any policy of insurance covering real or personal property…

Public adjusters’ work under a contract, generally charging upwards of 20% of the amount reached in settlement. All costs (experts and their reports) are paid by the insured, over and above the fee paid to the public adjuster.

The insurance code requires the public adjuster to have had sufficient experience, or special education or training, or both, in the handling of loss claims under insurance contracts. Unfortunately a good percentage of public adjusters really do not have good training or education on claims adjusting. There are more bad P A’s than there are good ones, but then that may be said also of staff and independent adjusters.

As to the question of when to bring in a public adjuster the answer would be at any time the insured property owner felt a need for one. What to look for in a public adjuster? Experience at least a minimum of 5 years. Complete and full knowledge of the policy contract specifically with regard to coverage’s, policy terms and conditions. Good working knowledge on loss and types of damage and what constitutes proper repairs in restoring a structure to it’s pre-loss condition.

Will the public adjuster get everything you are entitled to? Good ones will, not so good ones will not. Why? Some are not knowledgeable, are irresponsible, greedy and in a nutshell, simply do not get the job done.

Do you need a public adjuster? Probably not, Like attorneys, they take a percentage of the settlement dollar leaving, leaving the insured with insufficient funds to get the property restored.

Solution? Consult with a good, knowledgeable claims consultant who works at an hourly rate. Such an individual will provide you with more information and direction than you would ever receive form the average public adjuster, and certainly more than what the average attorney will provide. Why pay thousands of dollars when hundreds will get you more?

Name:
To what is care....
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City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.134.10

Comments

You can pick up good information from C.A.R.E.. They are funded through donations . That is not to say that some of the attorneys did not contribute to their fund raisers in the past but some of the attorneys were too tight to give a nickel. That was after they received most of their clients from them. Not only that I heard the 20th people were very upset with the attorneys because the attorneys were badmouthing CARE. But that's no news, look what they did to Harry Booth and look what Harry said they did to their clients. In the beginning the office was donated by a man named Chadwick and it started from there. Then someone donated office equipment and so on.  Classes were given to contractors so they would learn how to do a scope of loss . They provided a list of contractors that took the classes. Some of them were good and some of them flaked out in the end. If you do get a contractor make sure you get one who is in business to stay. Make sure he is an on hands contractor. They can help you recognize earthquake damage and help you through the claims process. Also if you have had a fire, they can help you . If you received one of their fliers you can see where they denounced three of the attorneys, however, nothing has been said about the others yet. We will have to see. You can learn alot about codes and things you have to do to prove your loss. If they do start promoting these attorneys then you know what you have to do. The carriers hate this group because they do teach and inform the policy holder. You should go to the meeting, you can learn things and make contacts with other people in your same situation.  In relation to sb1899 there is no need for an attorney at this time .What can an attorney do at this time. The carrier did not deny any coverage. That is why I am puzzled by the attorneys that had the meeting a couple of weeks ago trying to get clients. These by the way are the ones that were denounced by CARE. They make me sick.  When it comes to all the class attorneys, you have to look at it this way. They had the fraud, they had the punitive, they had the whistle blowers, that is how they were able to get the class in the first place. The people are still out their struggling with their loss, the attorneys got what they wanted , that is all that counts to them. They could not litigate themselves out of a paper bag. If you read the Real Erin Brockovic Story, you see they did well in arbitration, but that was because they took the judges on a cruise. Apparently there were no cruises for the judges that over saw the class. You will learn things you never knew about insurance. It is a helpful organization for anyone who has a claim with a carrier. If you go to the meeting please keep us posted as to what was said.  You have the advantage by being forewarned about these attorneys. If they should come up then you can go from there.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
152.163.194.203

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what is C.A.R.E.? Heard there is a Los Angeles meeting coming up this weekend.  Want to make sure they have absolutely no affiliation with any of the ambulance chasers that people have been talking about all over town and sometimes on this board. Has anyone ever heard of them and where does their funding come from? Insurance companies or do they get back end cut from lawyers.  Sounds fishy to me and too good to be true.

Name:
For the Advocate
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
California
Remote Name:
63.203.146.52

Comments

You really helped people with the information you gave , and it seems like it may be better having a public adjuster work on claims. I am wondering if you can tell us the difference between a public adjuster and an independent adjuster. And is the rumor that the class is going to be overturned true?  Thanks a lot for taking the time to help people. And how do people begin to get their homes inspected gain. Do we just call Allstate? Or is it better to wait and have your public adjuster there at the same time.  Nobody has talked about procedures , and if you can it would be generous of you.

Name:
To Advocate
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.137.40

Comments

Dear Advocate, I agree with everything you have to say and this makes sense. I would like to ask you when the best time is to bring in a public adjuster? It is the feeling of many that the carriers are going to be kicking and fighting this more than ever.  It is rumored that 20th is going to adjust the claims now but will not pay until this bill goes to appeal. You stated previously that adjusters should charge no more than 10 to 15%. What are things people should expect and look for in an public adjuster? I know Fritz comes recommended by Gary, but not everyone will be able to have Fritz.  What should be specified in an agreement with a public adjuster? What are some of the things to be leery of a public adjuster? Does the adjuster take care of all the scoping of the claim? Are there any additional charges that are over and above the 10 to 15%,etc.? For instance, geo reports ect. or is the cost covered in most policys?  Will the adjuster get everything you are entitled to? People have stated that the reasons that people did not get public adjusters was because they were told that they lowball claims and an attorney gets them more. From what I have seen , the people who did have public adjusters finished much faster and did much better than they did with attorneys. Attorneys drug it out longer and gave very little to the specifics of the claim. From what I have heard is they treat their clients like chattel, if you did not do what they said they would go in and get themselves removed. This is after they cut their dirty deal and did Harry Booth in.  From what I have heard from the clients and from what Harry Booth stated they hung their clients out to dry.  These attorneys are out there now trying to get business off of the policy holders on this SB1899 .Why would anyone need an attorney at this time? The carrier did not deny the claim as of yet. The only reason you should get an attorney at this time is if you want him to pay 1/3 of your claim. These class action attorneys did their clients a disservice and lied all the way from the end of 1994 they were out claiming bad faith and soliciting business. It is a good thing they are not defense attorneys, from what I have heard they would have more people looking at the short end of a needle or taking a short walk to old sparky. They give attorneys a worse name than they already have, if that is possible. If Mother Theresa was their client, they would do her in.  It is my feeling, if you and the public adjuster have problems with the carrier , then you would retain an attorney. But anyone but these. Like it is stated they run their practice like a car wash. Besides, as much as I hate to give the opposition any credit, I have heard that their is no contest between the class attorneys and the defense attorneys. One client said they were embarrassed sitting there with them and the defense attorneys sitting there making fools out of them. No doubt they were outlawyered. When they started these meeting is 1994, they said they had the wear with all to withstand the carriers. Maybe if they made half an effort this would be the case, but they never intended on going to trial. Their main goal was getting the money that the claimant should have had for repairing their homes. Is there a time frame that should be specified in an agreement? I am sure you have more information you can give us and will think of and this would be helpful.  Thank you so much.

Name:
Advocate
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
California
Remote Name:
166.90.20.13

Comments

Now that SB1899 has come into play one of the wisest things that a person should do upon having their claim re-opened is read and understand their insurance policy, specifically Section I – Conditions, beginning at page 17 of the policy (AU1774 5/92). My suggestion is to follow these conditions to the letter, if you do not then you can anticipate having some of the same old problems that you have had in the past. Before discussing this there are a few items to arm yourself with.

Obtain a copy of chapter 5 of the California Code of Regulations pertaining to the Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations. There are time triggers contained in these regulations. They are extremely powerful and if used correctly you will be surprised how responsive Allstate will be in resolving your claim.

Obtain a copy of the Los Angeles building code that applies to concrete and stucco repairs and to framing repairs. Be prepared to discuss code requirements with the adjuster.

Back to the policy. Beginning at page 17, paragraph 3 “What you must do after a loss”, provide written notice to Allstate or it’s agent. I would suggest that you do both, by certified mail – return receipt. When Allstate receives this notice they are then required by the California Code of Regulations to respond and acknowledge receipt to the insured within 15 days, and they are to provide forms and instructions to the insured, and lastly begin investigation.

3 b) requires you to protect the property from further loss, 3c) requires you to provide a detailed list (line item specifications) of the damaged or stolen property showing quantity, cost, acv and amount of loss. In this regard use a competent restoration contractor who knows how to put this type of estimate together. If you do not have the names of one I can provide some to you.

More later.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
63.22.174.197

Comments

LOOK IN THE DISCUSSION SECTION OF THIS WEB SITE TO SEE WHAT ALLSTATE HAS BEEN UP TO (Dated November 11, 2000). PASS THIS INFORMATION ON TO EVERYONE YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS ALLSTATE WITH.

Name:
Advocate
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
California
Remote Name:
209.245.47.134

Comments

REPLACEMENT GUARANTEED v GUARANTEED REPLACEMENT

The term commonly used in the insurance policy is guaranteed replacement cost, meaning, generally, that policy limits are either waived or increased by a percentage stipulated in the policy. It depends on the policy and the company that issued it.

I have never seen "replacement guarantee" used in a policy, at least in the sense that the wording implies.

Name:
Advocate
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
California
Remote Name:
209.245.47.134

Comments

PUBLIC ADJUSTERS

Public adjusters work on a fixed fee basis, meaning that they receive a percentage of the claim dollar received. I have never heard of public adjusters charging fees as high as 25-60%, most fees that I am familiar with have been in the range of 2% to a high of 15%.

If a public adjuster is charging a high fee I would suggest that a 2nd PA be solicited. It is a highly competitive business.

Name:
Question for the ADVOCATE
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
California
Remote Name:
63.203.110.2

Comments

I am just heard about a victim settling with the help of a public adjuster. Is there a fixed fee for public adjusters , or do they each set their own individual fee. I am hearing everything from 60% to 25% to 33% like an attorney would charge. Can you please explain.

Name:
Advocate
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
California
Remote Name:
207.90.225.2

Comments

It is my understanding that public adjusters only work on real and personal property claims.

Real property is a structure and personal property is the contents within the structure.

On a commercial loss a public adjuster also assists in the determination of loss of business income.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.129.126

Comments

Mr. Advocate, one more question. There are quite a few people posting problems with traffic accidents. Do public adjusters work on those claims also and is the return better on the car accident with a public adjuster? Thanks again?

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.129.126

Comments

Dear Advocate, Thank you for your postings. One of them brought to mind a question .I have been trying to find out for quite sometime. I do not want to jump forward if this question is out of sequence on what is to follow, but when you get a chance could you please explain the difference between Replacement Guaranteed and Guaranteed Replacement? I think this is a great idea and will be very useful to many people.  I think the dialog with you will help many people understand the policy and what it means in layman's terms. Thanking you in advance for your time and knowledge.

Name:
Advocate
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
California
Remote Name:
207.90.225.44

Comments

THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF THE ADVOCATES STATEMENT.

Types of coverage available and how applied (Replacement Cost, Guarantee Replacement Cost, Code Upgrade Coverage) California Insurance Code 790.03, California Code of Regulations relating to the settlement of claims.

You may state that you know all of this, but what you do not fully know or understand is how to apply it to your claim and achieve satisfactory settlement. When people like Curious found out how to apply all of this information then she and others received satisfactory settlements.

More later.

Name:
Advocate
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
California
Remote Name:
207.90.225.44

Comments

Mr Weingardt suggested a dialogue, so lets start one. We are approaching the 7th anniversary of the earthquake and the claim situation really has not got any better. 1st bad adjusters and bad adjustments followed by bad attorneys who really fouled things up, first with literally destroying the intent of the appraisal process and then obtaining decisions such as the Sherman. Bottom line, people want their claims properly adjusted and their homes and property restored so that they can get on with their lives. The question has and continues to be is how does this happen.

Why not go back to the beginning and examine the insurance policy and the claims process. By doing so perhaps some individuals will profit and finally obtain resolution and peace of mind.

What is going to be outlined will require a period of time and will not be all at one time. To do so would be time consuming and take up a lot of space.

Lets start with the premise that Allstate has superior knowledge and expertise that their insureds do not have. Allstate wrote the insurance policy insuring your property. That in of itself places them in a superior position. Allstate then produced a manual (resource guide) providing their agents with a detailed description of the homeowner policy sold to you. The manual was to enhance the agents level of understanding and to assist the agent in selling the policy to you.  The manual is for the agent, not for you, contains information for the agent, not information for you.

If you had the same policy information that the agent had then you would be on a level playing field with Allstate, but of course that did not happen and you are where you are.

Not only were the agents provided with a manual but so were the adjusters.  The intent of their manual was to enhance and support the adjustors understanding of the claim settlement process.  The adjusters manual details principles of conduct, claim policy, appraisal, arbitration etc.

Bottom line, Allstate was fully armed and equipped with a action plan. The insureds did not this advantage and in fact were at a disadvantage. If you had the very same information as the agents and the adjusters had, then in all likelihood we would not be here.

Going a little farther the agents and adjusters had superior knowledge and expertise with regard to:

Name:
To Advocate / Curious
E-Mail:
BOOOOOOO
City/State:
TRANSYLVANIA
Remote Name:
209.179.134.204

Comments

Dear Advocate curious or whoever, My goodness, is my face red and I do apologize. I did not think asking question of someone who had a successful time with the carrier, would scare someone away. I like Gary feel if heshe has some information I thought it would be a nice jester if it was posted to help out some of these people who have not been as fortunate as he or she. When you go on a forum like this and state "I do not understand how these people are not resolved yet", then what would it hurt to post how it was resolved. I asked how she was able to avoid the attorneys if it was a classaction ? I was not aware in a class action that you could bypass the attorneys and go directly to the defendant. I would think that the people in this class did not know they could by pass the attorneys in the class. I think that would be a logical question and a lot of people who read this site would benefit from the answer. Is that to scary to answer, I mean I know it is Halloween time and all but I believe if you start something you should finish it. It was not meant to scare anyone. For all we know Daviscourt (Fritz) could have helped him or her. I have encouraged people to go to a public adjuster before going to an attorney, what would it hurt to say I went to a public adjuster or I went to Fritz (DAVISCOURT). Or however heshe accomplished the victory. Someone posted on this site the web page for public adjusters usa. There is a lot of helpful information on the web that can help people. What is the big secret? As to the answers to your questions ,the remodel 3 weeks prior to the EQ. 1) Was the damage to the home a result of the E.Q.? Well heshe did bring up the Sherman vs Allstate and heshe did say it was a re evaluation of heshes home , and heshe did post on the EQ page, and the house was remodeled 3 weeks prior to the E.Q., so I guess it would be safe to assume it was from an E.Q.. 2) Was it properly or improperly adjusted ? From what I was told, it was properly adjusted but the carrier was still in the process of investigating the claim, from 1994 to 1998, you know those deffinet time limits california has. Only 5 years to investigate a claim. 3)Was it readjusted in 1998? It was a continuous investigation of the claim ,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998. 4) Are you a member of the class? No . Are you? I was not aware that this page was only for the class. Should I not be here? Now I think Im scared, really scared. 5) Does SB1899 apply to you? No. What about you, did you not call your claim in within a timely manner? 6) What information do you have in handling your claim? If I may be so bold as to say, that I was not the one who posted" I don't know why these people haven't settled? I am almost done with my house". "It was not a contractor or an attorney." What is this a guessing game or the T.V. show Whats My Line ? I am not in business or an expert. Any information I give on this site is unconditional. What is this, post your address and I will see if my person wants to help you. Why not share it with everyone? Most people who post on this page give of the information freely and try to help one another. I was not aware that it was one of the rules to provide answers to Mr. Weingardt and I was not aware that you were appointed web master? Like I said Mr. Advocate, I am not in this for the money, I give my information out freely, with no conditions. Just like Gary said " there are many people that need this kind of information. If more people would come foreword and tell others how you have resolved you problems there will be less suspicion that there are serious people out there that can really help". Mr. Advocate maybe you can come out and tell these people what they are suppose to do without conditions, just give freely of yourself. Best regards BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Name:
Advocate
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
California
Remote Name:
207.90.225.7

Comments

I think someone may have scared Curious away. She sounded like a nice lady. To bad someone saw fit to attack her when perhaps she could have helped someone.

Regarding the party who wrote regarding a newly remodeled home with a new roof 3 weeks prior to the EQ. With a little more information there may be some answers, definitive information and assistance. Did the damage to the home occur as a result of the earthquake? Was it reported promptly after the earthquake? Was it properly or improperly adjusted? Was it re-adjusted in 1998? Are you a member of the class action, and if so, in what category? Does SB1899 apply to you? What do you have in the way of information on the handling of your claim? If you do not wish to respond to these personal questions in this public forum please say so and perhaps answers can be provided through Mr. Weingardt.

Name:
To Curious
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.134.229

Comments

Dear Curious, How did you avoid the attorneys if this was a class action. There were people that did not have attorneys at the time of the class and they were still trying to get the carrier to cover the damage. One in particular had just finished remodeling there house weeks before the EQ hit. New roof, new everything and they would not cover the loss. Now that was in Oct. 98. That was practically 5 years after the claim was called in. Please tell what your secret is.

Name:
This is written to Curious
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Alot of people who haven't  received the same treatment
Remote Name:
63.203.146.52

Comments

If you are as sincere and satisfied as you claim to be, why don't you give the name of every person who worked on your claim, and where others may contact them. You reek of being an Allstate pawn, and we doubt your sincerity or Christian ethics.  All the same we wish you all the best and God Bless you.

Editors Note:  You are welcome to post your opinion here, but please don't attack those you disagree with.  Also, don't use that word "WE" so loosely.  I believe Curious and would like to get a serious dialogue with him/her.  I know you're bitter after all this time, but try not to let it override good judgment.

Name:
Curious
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Los Angeles
Remote Name:
207.90.225.12

Comments

My goodness. I did not say it was easy. My claim had to be reevaluated, probably for all the same reasons as everyone else. I am not on any Rich and Famous price list, I didn't know that such lists existed. I do not what Anderson is. All I know is that I was provided with the opportunity to have my home re-inspected so I took the opportunity to do so. Was I wrong to do this? Would you not do so if given the chance? Why the anger? And I do care about others, after all, I am a Christian.

One thing that I did do was to seek the help of someone who knew how to accomplish having my claim correctly adjusted, and who could work with my insurance company. I will tell you this, it was not an attorney or a contractor. Obviously the person was good at the task. Now my home is just about fixed back the way it was before.

If you what the name of the person who helped me then why don't you post information on how to contact you and I will let you know if that person is willing to help you.

I can not answer your other questions as I have no knowledge of these things. Perhaps others do.

Editors Note:  I have seen this happen but not too often.  Could you please have your consultant e-mail me at gary@allstateinsurancesucks.com .  There are many people that need this kind of help.  I have seen Fritz Daviscourt accomplish what you are describing.   Maybe if more people like you come forward and tell others how you have resolved your problems there will be less suspicion that there are serious people out there that really can help.  

Name:
To curious
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.128.226

Comments

If it was so easy, why did there have to be a class in the first place. Why did you have to have your claim reevaluated in the first place. Why is there an FBI investigation?Why grand jury investigations??It should have been done years ago correctly. Why were there whistle blowers. What were they blowing on. It was not the innocence of this company. For your information the burton bill never would have had to be initiated if the carriers did what they were paid to do.There are thousands out there. What are you , the kind of person that says, well I got what I want, so who cares. If you are for real you should be thinking "There by the grace of God go I. The person that helped you, why don't you post his name and maybe he can help others.California is not the one state that has had problems, this is all over the country. Maybe you were on the Rich and Famous price list. They have 2 price list.Look at the Anderson vs Allstate case, why did the jury come in with 18 million punitive?

Name:
Curious
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Los Angeles
Remote Name:
207.90.225.56

Comments

Why are people having difficulty in haaving their earthquake claims resolved. I read the requirements in the Sherman settlement. Following the requirements I submitted a request to have my claim re-opened and re-evaluated. This is what happend. Within a prescribed time I was contacted, an adjuster came to my property, we evaluated our combined paperwork and agreement was made that portions of my old claim was not evaluated.

Based on the 1st meeting I received a check for what was stated to be an undisputed amount owed. Then 2 engineers came back to my property to reinspect. After the engineers made some plans a contractor wrote an estimate that I accepted. I agreed to the engineers plan and the cost of the repair estimate. The compaany paid the estimate and the work is now being completed.

If it worked for me, why is it not working for others who have complained at this site?

It seems when you do not have an attorney thins seem to go much easier and more quickly. I did have a knowledgeable person assist me who was informative and non-arguementive and this person and the adjuster got along very well since they seemed to speak the same language. This was not the case with my old X attorney.

Name:
Does your house have asbestos or mold
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.130.171

Comments

I read the Article on the Anderson case. It was over mold from a pipe leaking. He was awarded 18 million in punitive. Now how many people in the class have had their houses checked for asbestos. Have the class attorneys told you to get a test or did they send anyone out to test your house? Did they get your soil tested or tell you to get a soils test.  Alls I have heard from people is how they, the class attorneys have low balled everything. They are suppose to be advising the people what you are entitled to , under the terms of your policy. Have they notified you or did they just beat down your claim? If Anderson received 18 million on a mold claim alone, think what the class should of gotten. 60 million for 10000 possible claims? Does that seem equitable? Well this shows from the very beginning they were not looking out for the class. The only ones getting millions were the class attorneys while they were throwing everyone else bones. Did they advise you to get structural engineers or tell you to get one. There are thousands still out there living in unsafe houses and they do nothing.  They are suppose to be the experts .Don't forget, when your house is being repaired you are going to need additional living. Have they told you about that? If you have mold this could cause you and your family many illnesses, including the flesh eating diseases. We all know what asbestos can cause. You read Harry Booths motion to dismiss everything fits into place. It appears from their action or lack of action they really did sell out and throw the cases. While there families are living in the lap of luxury, while they are fling around town in their planes and limos ,courting the politicians , they have done at the expense of their own clients and endangered their clients and families.  Think what would have been if Andersons attorney was handling this class. Someone once said only Pimps and Rock stars drive around in chauffer driven limousines, and they are all a little long in the tooth to be Rock Stars.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.178.128.41

Comments

Here is another site about 2 of the class attorneys and what they pulled in the Brocovitch story , apparently some of the Hinkley people did sue them. The HTTP://www.fumento.com/hudsonbrock.html They have gotten away with it for so long they think they are superior to every one else. From this article , some people got a lot and for the same illness they received very little. Some received nothing.  The attorneys said that it was based on the medical records, but the doctors said the records were never requested by the law firm. They held onto the settlement for six months and accumulated interest and never would give an accounting. These guys are a disgrace to their alma mater. Is that what they taught them at the college they went to . Is that how there parents raised them.  One of them contributed and help raise millions to have a building built in his father honor. Would his father be proud of him. Would his father even want a monument built in his name if it was paid for by cheating sick clients.  Cheating victims. I wonder if the Jesuits knew how he attained his money, would they even allow them back on campus. Is this how he is raising his son. Rumor has it from the way he has treated clients he is.  How he treated the least of his brethren. Whatever you do, you do unto me.

Name:
Tid bits on the legal meeting on the Burton Bill
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.138.56

Comments

I do not have it word for word, I should have it shortley, but one attorney stated how they have helped a lot of clients settle their claim and the reason his clients are not at the meeting tonite is because they have all settled... So class, are you settled? Or maybe they just don't consider you their clients. While Girardi is out courting Burton and Warren Beaty on his plane and hob knobbing with the rich and famous, and this one is out getting new clients, because all his clients have settled, the victims are still out there without being compensated.  I really think it is time you get someone else in their to take over the class and look out for your interest.

Name:
Burtons plane ride.
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.131.95

Comments

Well maybe we should all think twice before we vote. Maybe this whole Quack business was all political and not a search for the truth. Maybe we should send him an e-mail or give his office a call. He either wants to ride around in the Plane and not get to the truth or maybe he wants our vote.

Name:
De plane De plane
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
63.203.110.2

Comments

Yeah Giradi has his own plane and it's not one he bought at Sav-On.  It was mentioned in an article about Senator Burton flying with Warren Beatty in Girrardis private plane.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.129.229

Comments

One more thing, on the inner fighting, I don't believe at this point it is really inner fighting. I believe that this is a show. While the pitch man is out getting more clients, these other firms will take over just to but some time. It is rumored that this charade has been going on since 1995. They act like they are in competition with each other and in the end it is all one body. Remember, all these firms are equally responsible for the class. They have no excuse . But they can make it look like one was not doing the job, when in effect they all should have been doing the job. It is rumored that the other firms are the ones in the meetings before the judge and the carriers. This is show, that is all it is. It was even rumored that they would not take anymore cases for this particular carrier, the same goes for 20th that was part of their deal. But do you think they said no we don't anymore cases from this carrier, no they say we will refer you to someone and it was rumored that that someone was right next door to their office in the same building. So they do it under a different name. Now there is another rumor that one of the insurance consultants is with another firm and I would not be surprised that this is another effort to control all the cases, only under a different firm name. This attorney also previously worked for the firm that is not taking the cases. So don't let your guard down when dealing with them. Sit back and watch them tell you it is raining when all along the are peeing on your leg.

Name:
ALERT- ALERT- ALERT CAN'T GET IN TOUCH
E-Mail:
WITH YOUR ATTORNEY??  MEET THEM TONIGHT
City/State:
AT A MEETING IN NORTHRIDGE, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Remote Name:
209.179.129.229

Comments

They are having a meeting tonite at the Northridge Methodist Church, at 7:30 TONITE Oct. 26,2000. The address is 9650 Reseda Blvd. Northridge, Calif.. They are trying to drum up more business on the Burton Bill. This is beyond reason , as why would these people need an attorney at this point. Why would they want to pay out 30 to 40% of their claim. If they want their claim low balled they can do it themselves in the sprit of negotiation. Rumor has it, these guys will get it any faster. They will sit on it forever. I would not be surprised if the carrier is not sending these guys out or they may have made another one of their deals. They should call in the claim and if they do not get any results then call an attorney. How do they have time to take more cases when they cannot handle the cases they have. I know, they probably did not make enough money yet. They want to milk it until it is dry. This is your opportunity to see your attorneys face to face and try to get an answer out of them if you can ,when your case will be taken care of.  Ask them what year will you be compensated? Don't forget they were hand picked by the carrier, according to Harry Booth motion to dismiss. Did they take the time to see that the clients interest were taken care of .Make sure to ask them how they have time to take on more clients, when they can't give the class the time of day. Talk about a cash cow. The car wash attorneys, a dirty car wash at that. What is this business about Burton in Girardis plane? Maybe that is why there is no investigation going on in the Sherman vs etc....If you have any information on the rumor please share it with us.  Probably one of those blow hards were bragging. I did not know Girardi had a plane, I heard the other firm had one.

Name:
I'm with you
E-Mail:
no way
City/State:
Los Angeles, California
Remote Name:
63.203.146.52

Comments

You speak the truth.  Poor homeowners are still getting zip and its attorneys who continue to profit.  I hope class members continue to join together and complain. You got Burton flying around in Girardis plane, you got the inner fighting now among the class attorneys. And if what you say is true you have a former Quakenbush honcho directly involved with approving the class action now working with Shernoff.  What next?

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.178.128.54

Comments

Remember Mr. Potter in the Real Erin Brocovitch story. Remember Harry Booths motion to dismiss. Remember the Hollyhills residents. Now these very firms are blaming the poor pathetic whore on the battleship? These are the very ones who turned you over to the Encino firm in the first place. In addition the one they are blaming worked for the other big firm before he went out on his own.  They are acting as if he is the one who has messed up the Class. These are the big shots, these are the ones in there cutting the deals.  They are a bunch of Judas Priest. Don't believe a word they say. According to Harry Booth they sold him out and their own clients.  These are the ones who initiated the FBI investigation and walked away from it after the class settled. This is just another one of their shows. If you go to one firm to another they will all say the same thing.  They have a methodology of their own when it comes down to it. Rumor has it that these guys are really distancing themselves. They must be afraid of something. Maybe it is just a way to buy more time or maybe things are going in the toilet and they just need someone to blame. If you read what is posted on Shernoff Bidart page , the carrier only agreed to reopen the claims and reinvestigate them and set aside the money . There was no agreement to pay on these claims and if they reopen the claim investigate the claim and still don't find anything you are back at square one. Besides with this new burton bill you could have reopened your claim anyhow. I would bet that these people will get their claims settled faster than the class. They settled on the class in Oct of 98. The class should be investigated and new council should be brought in to protect the rights of the class or maybe just get it thrown out and everyone would be better off with a new one. These are just a den of pimps. One lies and the other one swears to it.

Name:
Renea
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Calif.
Remote Name:
209.179.129.121

Comments

Well rumor has it that the greed team a.k.a. the no class, car wash, classaction attorneys are playing the blame game. It has been rumored that they are blaming one of their own. The one they dumped all the cases on. Their pitch man.  It has been rumored that he is the one who advertises and has the meetings, as if they never had a meeting to bring in the sheep.  It has been rumored that they make disparaging remarks about him all the time as if they are above him. They would never advertise.  Well for them to start blaming him because the class is not going so well is a step up from what was rumored before. What was rumored before they use to blame the clients. Don't let them fool you, this appears to be a smoke screen and they are going to act like they are mighty mouse's coming in to save the day. It is a show.  It appears, if they are going around blaming someone, something is going very wrong.  Someone must be complaining. The one thing they will try to do, if you have organized they will do anything to break you up they will tell you anything. It would probably be in your interest to organize and see about getting new counsel to represent the class as your needs are not being met. Jan. 17,2001 will be here soon and the press is going to be looking for people. You should try to organize by then and have a walk in memory of the earthquake. Then you can get your story out. Or there may be some that will be announced and you can all meet their. Remember keep the pressure on them. You will shortly be going into your eighth year. At the rate they are going it will be a cold day in hell before this is all settled.

Name:
adam  
E-Mail:
elmaspingon@excite.com
City/State:
`tampa, fl.
Remote Name:
38.30.13.199

Comments

I recently asked allstate insurance for my 'cash value' or perhaps a loan on my universal life insurance and the agent said it would cost me $25.00 dollars??. Another thing he mentioned is not to take out anymore than $2,000.00 dollars (reason) to leave some cash in my cash value in case i can't make the premium payment??? My insurance is $50.000 for me and $50.000 on my spouse. This December will be 6 yrs. of having the policy. I would appreciate some feedback on this issue. THANK YOU SO MUCH, Adam.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.135.231

Comments

in reference to the Burton Bill, what do people do that noticed damaged after one year and then read their policy and it said you cannot claim it after one year and did not call it in. This bill is useless. Once again, the class attorneys had their hands in it and have ruined it for the people who were diligent and read their policy. If you want your case sold out and destroyed go to the class attorneys, they will do it for you. Anyone or any organization that recommends these attorneys beware, because at this point everyone knows what they are. One of the class attorneys, who recently filed new class actions against other carriers, said he was involved in 17 class actions. If he has that many class actions going, how will the Sherman class people ever get done. If you go to Bidarts web. page the attorneys are getting paid separately for their fees, I wouldn't be surprised, the longer this goes on the more they get paid and the more the victims lose.  The victims are nothing but a cash cow to these firms. The very one who is supposed to be taking care of the class is involved in 17 classactions? They can't handle what they have now. Just like it is posted, they run their business like a car wash. I might add, like a car wash on Saturday afternoon.

Name:
To the classaction
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.135.81

Comments

On the Shernoff, Bidart web. page he states that the policy holder can pick their own contractor. Have they notified any of you to get your own contractor. It is 60 million that is stated not 30 million and it is suppose to pay for any additional repairs. The way I read it, the attorneys fees are paid for by the carrier and it does not come out of the policy holders money.

Name:
To even bigger ears
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 
Remote Name:
209.179.132.41

Comments

Could you at least post the cross streets that you tend bar, so I can meet up with them. Really would appreciate it.

Name:
To even bigger ears
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

So the investigations are rinky dink. Buy the time this is all done, if the victims of the class get anything it will be amazing. I can see it now. Those attorneys are sitting there saying, we have 30 million, there are 10000 claims so that means 30000.each. The carrier is sitting there saying we only agreed to investigate the claim again, and we have and we don't find anything. If you think the carrier is going to let loose on the 30 mill.  it will be a cold day in hell.  I would not be surprised if the attorneys start blaming the clients saying they are being greedy. While they still get their full fee. The only chance the victims have is to get new attorneys to intervene on their behalf. These hacks have lost all credibility. How can they be of any use to anyone. The defense just sits their and laughs at them. They are a joke. It is too bad it is at the expense of the victims. Like it is posted previously, the defense did the best for their clients, you have to respect them for that. These clowns should go down in the annuls of law as the most blatant shysters in the 20th century. They will not apologize its money. You talk about the fleecing of America.  I hear they are those west side types that try to put the valley down. When one of the main king pins was born and raised in Chino. One lived in West Hills then all of a sudden he moves to Hidden Hills. Another one lived in Glendale and now he lives in Hidden Hills. If you know anyone who lives in Hidden Hills they are complaining how these new comers are moving in and they complain because there are horse droppings. A bunch of urban cowboys. The only dung in Hidden Hills is them . They really bring the flies. They are so full of ---- they blend in with the dung and they begin to disappear in it.

Name:
Even Bigger Ears
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Sunny California

Comments

I'm a bartender in San Fernando Valley. Trust me when I say I hear everything , often from both sides. The Class Action members whose conversations I've overheard are plenty peeved. No settlement and rinky dinky scopes and investigations. I mind my own business but recently when a large group were meeting,  I heard one couple say that they have had enough.  Rubling has started big time. I won't tell you where I work, but if you find me I'll buy you a drink on the house.

B.E.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

I agree with you Big Ears. From what I hear nothing is going on with the class. Have not heard much from them lately. I wonder if there has been any one compensated yet. If you read the articles on Shernoff web. it only states that they will reopen the files, that does not mean they will find any damage. They set aside the thirty million, and the attorneys get their cut, but who is to say what the victims will get if any. What is amazing about these attorneys is the people have not been compensated on this class and they are out their tring to get another one going talk about a cash cow, that is all this has been to them. The way I see it the carrier has them between a rock in hard spot. According to Harry Booth they sold out and they don't dare make the carrier angry or upset. They probably shut their clients up to. These people really should get together and ask the courts to assign a firm that will look out for the needs of the class.  Do you realize at the rate this is going it could go on for another 10 years, Most of those attorneys are a little long in the tooth as it is now. Nothing but a bunch of burned out old hacks.

Name:
Big Ears
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
S. California

Comments

Since the Quakenbush scandal I have made it a point to talk to as many people as possible regarding the Class Action. I have not heard of anyone settling.  Whatever happened to Lockyers investigation of Quakenbush? The Harry Booth transcripts are circulating all over the net and are a big hit. Would enjoy knowing the name of the name of the Attorney working with the Shernoff office that helped approve the sell out class action. I missed the first one but I think its time for the Senate to hold another Town Hall meeting. Wonder how Quakenbush is enjoying Hawaii?

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

Rumor has it that the Sherman vs Allstate attorneys A.K.A. The Greed Team are trying to take over the class action suit against Quackenbush and the carriers.. Remember these are the attorneys according to Harry Booth that were Hand picked by the carriers, at the carriers control for the Sherman vs Allstate. They run their practice like a car wash and according to Harry Booth they sold out their clients. According to Harry Booths motion to dismiss, they agreed to put their own clients through grueling litigation at the control of the carrier.  If the past is any indication of the future they have already cut a deal and they are just out their trying to round up all the policy holders for damage control on the carriers part. One of them said he was involved in 17 class action suits. He is the one that was a one man show. How can they possibly handle all the needs of their clients. Another firm has about 35 lawyers and another firm has about 15 if that much and the other one has 2 or 3. Now you tell me how they can handle all of these clients. As one of them said, each and every one of you have individual needs, and we have the man power to fight the carrier. These guys only deal in numbers, they can make more money off of a 100 Hondas than they can 10 Mercedes. Remember according to Harry Booth, the Sherman vs Allstate was originally rejected by the insurance commission as it did not take care the needs of the class. Then Shernoff office sent it to a higher up and it was approved. Now that higher up is working for the Shernoff firm. If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, then it is a duck . Are these the ones you want representing you. I would rather have one honest man, than any or all of these shysters. With all the clients they have had how many have they taken to trial? Are the class action clients settled yet? Have not heard form any of you lately?

Name:
To L.A. Currently in litigation
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

Dear L.A., Now that the Anderson vs Allstate has come down make sure you get a copy of that case. You also might call the attorney and ask him about the information you need. It really bothers me that your attorney is telling you he does not know how to subpoena them. Are you sure you don't have the attorneys that are named in the Harry Booth motion to dismiss. You really should read it and make sure they are not affiliated with any of them. They have such an incestuous relationship you really must be careful. You also might tell your attorney that you want a change of venue to northern California, where the Anderson case was heard. Tell him to get a copy of that case before it is sealed. They will probably cut a deal with them because they said they were going to appeal, and one thing they might do is tell the Andersons they will not appeal, offer a smaller amount and the agreement will be to seal the case. Like I said it sounds really scary that your attorney does not know how to subpoena the adjusters.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
San Fernando Valley

Comments

Hurrah!!!

Late Saturday night just before the midnight deadline, Governor Gray Davis signed John Burton's bill 1899 which extends for a year the time that the Northridge Earthquake victims can file insurance claims, providing a second chance for those earthquake victims whose claims were mishandled or lowballed to be fairly compensated for their loss.

Only policyholders who contacted their insurance company before January 1, 2000, about possible earthquake-related damage can refile a claim. Policyholders who qualify to refile claims will have one year from the effective date of the bill, which is January 1, 2001.

By providing this exemption to the normal one-year statute of limitations that applies to insurance claims, John Burton said, quake victims who were misled about the extent of damage to their homes and businesses can get another chance for compensation. Hopefully, this time around there will not be a repeat of bad faith.

Name:
Fritz Daviscourt
E-Mail:
davisct@infohwy
City/State:
San Diego, CA.

Comments

I am looking for insureds who have had their earthquake claims reopened but have not had satisfactory results. Particularly interested in claims where the scope of repair has not been accurately defined. This is a major area preventing full and proper settlement.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

M.K. The web page for PILOT is HTTP://www.pilotcatastrophe.com maybe this will help you in some way.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

Dear L.A. You might first subpoena Pilot, then go from there. Also you might contact Heide at the F.B.I. I know they had done some investigating of Pilot. I can't believe your attorney has not submitted something to get a court order for them to turn over all the information. You are correct they do go in and argue that they had nothing to do with adjusters and in order to prove fraud or bad faith you would have to subpoena them.  Fraud and bad faith must be specific. You should also read the Harry Booth motion to dismiss. Maybe you might pick up some information there. You also should contact the insurance commissioners office and see if they know how you can serve the adjusters.  I believe they have to be licensed through the state. Is it possible your attorney is not doing everything he should and is just telling you this?  I hope you do not have one of the shysters mentioned in the Harry Booth case, because they would lie and sell out there own mother if the opportunity arose.  They sold out Harry and look what he said they did to their clients.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
L.A.  CA

Comments

We are currently in litigation, after exploring every other avenue. The opposition has tried every trick in the book to have this case dismissed (no surprise), but we are still in there for the time being. The major hurdle which we have encountered at this time, is as follows: due to the technicality that the adjusters (which Allstate sends out on a claim), are not employed by Allstate, but are independent, and represented by an agency called "Pilot." Allstate claims to have no responsibility as to the actions of these adjusters which they hired and relied upon (and Allstate does 100% of their claims using "Pilot" adjusters.....interesting, but not surprising). So Allstate has refused to co-operate with the courts in providing the information necessary (such as address of the adjusters) in order to depose these persons. If any one can help us with information as to how to get this very important information, please contact me at this e-mail site: xxxxxxxxxx Thank you for listening, and for any information in this situation. from M.K.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

Any news on the class action? Have any of you heard from your attorneys? Have any of you settled yet? Have they sent out any of the new experts? Did they find any damage to your house? Does anyone have that old attorney, who barley can move anymore and sits there and tells you how great he is and how he is above certain things ? He is full of ----. He is above nothing? Or do you have that little liar they send out? That little ----- could not tell the truth if her life depended on it? You see they send out these little flunkies who take care of your case . The one who tells you everything is O.K.. Or do you have that Cryptic Geek ? He should have been a mortician. You can see the smirk on the defense lawyers face, just laughing at him, making a fool out of him and he does not even know it..

Name:
Fritz Daviscourt
E-Mail:
davisct@infohwy.com
City/State:
San Diego, Ca

Comments

First, check with Mr. Weingardt (gary@allstateinsurancesucks.com) on who I am, what I do and the results I achieve.

You have a earthquake claim, it has not been correctly resolved, you have been to an attorney with no satisfactory results, you may or may not be involved in the Independent Readjustment Program initiated by Allstate and managed by the Malmgren Group.

There is a way for your claim to be resolved and it does not require a large amount of time. It does take expertise, a thorough knowledge of claim settlement practices, and more importantly, a working relationship built on trust and respect with the parties involved (insurer, insured and experts)

At this point in time put aside the anger and frustration and try contacting me. There is a way of achieving peace of mind and getting on with a normal life.

I am highly experienced with working with both parties and obtaining results that are satisfactory with both the insured property owner and the insurer. There is a way, it just is not being used.

davisct@infohwy.com

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

Virgina Ellis of the L.A. Times has been very supportive. She writes quite a few articles on the insurance and the commission. Her number is 916-445-8860. I don't know where you are from but you can get phone number from the phone book and when you call ask for the news room. Channel nine in Los Angeles had been pretty receptive as I think they had one person handling the story. Also around Jan. 17, all the news carriers are looking for people. You can also go to the Sacramento Bee and you can e-mail the editors of the articles.  We hope to see you at 11:00. If I get anymore names I will post them as I get them for you.

Name:
Phone Numbers of Agencies and Media Numbers
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

Does anyone reading this have a list of numbers to call to complain about the bad faith treatment from these insurance companies? I would like to call and complain about my insurance company, however, I do not want my efforts to be in vain.

I would like media phone numbers and any other phone numbers that would help me and others complain about this corrupt behavior in a effective way.

If anyone has compiled a list of numbers for this purpose, would you please share it with us on this site.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

Looks like SB1899 is just a drop in the bucket. It only will open claims that had been called in to the carriers by Jan. 2000. Anyone that already reached a settlement with the insured through litigation or a settlement with an attorney are out of luck. This is just a dog and pony show. By the way, Gray Davis also received heavy contributions from the insurers . The house has a Democratic majority, and it is not just a republican thing.  California has always had a democratic majority and our insurance laws are still the same. It is the law that will make the difference and until that changes no one will get a fair shake. Also the attorneys that handled the class action are heavy hitters when it comes to campaign donations to the democrats. I doubt if anything will be investigated at this point.

Name:
L.A. Times Aug. 23, 2000  (2 Articles)
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

The L.A. Times reports Burtons bill a lot differently. The senate committee report only goes after Quackenbush and it wages it finger and the insurance industry. Tom Mc Clintock said this bill only allows people their day in court, other than that is nothing. No laws were passed . The report fall short. Maybe this is just political. Another dog and pony show.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

The funny thing about this new bill of Burtons, there were actually lawsuits over this where the policy holder lost in court. Now I wonder if they can go back and get their properties repaired. This is a good trend and we should really stay on top of this to see that their is really insurance reform. This is going to be interesting to see how this bill plays in court with the judges. If the insurance companies do not like it they can leave the state and take their car insurance, homeowners , life insurance with them. There is so much money in insurance and they make so much money off of California they will never leave, if they do their is always someone new who will want to make money and they will supply insurance. Or maybe the government can take it over and maybe we could be a tax free nation...I am not pro government, you might say I was always pro business , but honest business, this is all so dirty and corrupt. I wonder what would happen if we went out and bought a car and they shipped it without an engine, or if we bought a couch and it was only half a couch. This is what they are doing. The only difference is they get away with it .

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

See the previous article in the Sacramento Bee. Also there is another article worth reading about the new Insurance commissioner Low .

Name:
Aug. 22, 2000"Northridge Bill Throws Monkey  Wrench Into Talks Between State and Insurers"
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

Swift progress of the bill (sb1899, Burton) that lets Northridge Earthquake Victims re-file claims is thwarting attempts to get insurers to rescind settlements reached with then Insurance commissioner, Quackenbush a state negotiator said, Clark Kelso asked Senate leader Burton to delay action of his bill which would give victims of the 1994 earthquake one year to re-file damage claims with insurers. Kelso told Burton the bill would create a wave of class action suits taking years to resolve and would frustrate his efforts to convince insurers to voluntarily rescind the controversial settlements. Insurers, fearing lawsuits, said the Burton Bill removes any reason for them to voluntarily rescind the settlements. The enactment of sb1899 is like the kiss of death to potential for resolving these settlements amicably said Bill Packer a spokesman for the Association of California Insurance Company's. The bill is in the senate , which is expected to approve it and send it to the governor Wednesday, Burton spokesperson Dave Sebeck said Tuesday. Sebeck said Burton disagreed with Kelso and that he is going ahead with the bill, THE ASSEMBLY HAS ALREADY APPROVED IT. Insurers believe the bill allows the potential reopening, unfairly , of the more than 600,000 claims, most of which they say were settled satisfactorily.....Well I say if they were settled satisfactorily then the insurers have nothing to worry about...Keep up the good work Sen. Burton..

Name:
Aug. 22, 2000"Northridge Bill Throws Monkey  Wrench Into Talks Between State and Insurers"
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

Swift progress of the bill (sb1899, Burton) that lets Northridge Earthquake Victims re-file claims is thwarting attempts to get insurers to rescind settlements reached with then Insurance commissioner, Quackenbush a state negotiator said, Clark Kelso asked Senate leader Burton to delay action of his bill which would give victims of the 1994 earthquake one year to re-file damage claims with insurers. Kelso told Burton the bill would create a wave of class action suits taking years to resolve and would frustrate his efforts to convince insurers to voluntarily rescind the controversial settlements. Insurers, fearing lawsuits, said the Burton Bill removes any reason for them to voluntarily rescind the settlements. The enactment of sb1899 is like the kiss of death to potentila for resolving these settlements amicably said Bill Packer a spokesman for the Association of California Insurance Company's. The bill is in the senate , which is expected to approve it and send it to the governor Wednesday, Burton spokesperson Dave Sebeck said Tuesday. Sebeck said Burton disagreed with Kelso and that he is going ahead with the bill, THE ASSEMBLY HAS ALREADY APPROVED IT. Insurers believe the bill allows the potential reopening, unfairly , of the more than 6000,000 claims, most of which they say were settled satisfactorily.....Well I say if they were settled satisfactorily then the insurers have nothing to worry about...Keep up the good work Sen. Burton..

Name:
 
E-Mail:
sowcares@hotmail.com
City/State:
anaheim, ca

Comments

what ever happen to the two old women who was on the 20/20 show. does anyone know????

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

Article in Sacramento Bee, Aug.19,2000, Jackie Spiers bill, "Limit on insurance donors advances panel ok bill that would curtail large contributors". My feeling is that all politicians should be under the same bill, including the judges. Also before a judge tries any cases they should have to disclose all their contributors, including gifts, vacations etc..  There is a Canadian case posted at http://qsilver.queensu.ca/law/restrict/bala/law120/whiten.htm ,this is a case where punitive damages were awarded by the jury and the judge knocked it down from 1,000,000. to 100000.. This is probably equal to 1 penny to us. This is why the insurance industry continues to do what they do. This is why they are not afraid of anyone or any law. How much does it cost to buy a judge?? Does any one know of one verdict that has stuck . They just give the insurance industry a free ticket. This is Honor??

Name:
Friday Sept. 8, 2000 is contribute to Whistle Blower Trial
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

Friday Sept. 8, 2000 is Contribute to Whistle Blower Trial. Every little bit helps so start saving and try to give as much as you can. Remember what he gave up for us. We must give back something. Lets see if we can make a difference.

Name:
Tuesday Aug. 22, 2000 Contact Senator Cathie Wright Day
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

http://republican.sen.ca.gov/web/19 Tuesday Aug. 22 is contact Senator Cathie Wright Day. Things to remember, insurance law must be changed. Insurance industry should not have special privileges. There should be a law on the California books that state a time limit on how long they have to investigate the claim, and pay on a claim. We should not have to sue to get them to pay on a claim. We tried to be diligent by having insurance but we probably would have been better off if we had gone to the government (Fema) and not had insurance. This investigation cannot stop with Quackenbush the Sherman vs Allstate Class should be investigated. Remind her that the FBI has been investigating since Oct. of 98, and their is a grand jury investigation also. What is taking so long? All of the Quackenbush deals went on while the FBI was investigating them. They have no fear. Laws or the absence of laws like this contribute to the erosion of America and creates an atmosphere of anarchy. The insurance code does not give rise to file a complaint and they too should be made law. Refer her to the Harry Booth motion to dismiss. Ask her how can this type of justice be tolerated in America ? There was a lot of talk about the morality of Clinton, is this moral what has been done to the Northridge earthquake victims? Should they have to fight for something they paid for. Is it moral what happened to Harry Booth or too anyone who dare challenges the insurance industry? How is that the U.S. Government, the FBI , the IRS, the police can't do to people what the insurance companies can? Big business is one thing and that is all well and good , but why on Gods earth should they have special privileges? Privileges only Hitler and Stalin allowed themselves to have? If the laws were set in place the insurance industry would have not done what they did. Also the confidentiality agreements should be lifted or the claimants should be subpoenaed if they really want to get to the truth. Rather than have federal intervention or more federal laws let California lead the way to insurance reform, otherwise we might as well bypass all state laws and start looking to the federal government. Remind her that this has been more than six years and is something that should have never happened in the first place. If they do not investigate any further then this whole venture is political .

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

An editorial in the L.A. Times dated 8/18/2000, by Richard Rodriguez, "Big Money Talks and Principles Walk" states that "we will be hearing about the retirement deal for Dick Cheney and the Insurance companies support of Connecticut's famous senator, (Lieberman). What will the politicians do for us for our vote? How much is it worth to them?

Name:
 
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Comments

I have heard stories on how people had several adjusters and the excuse was given that they wanted to get back to their families. Go to this web page and see how the cat adjusters are begging for work and praying for a hurricane or an earthquake, anything as long as they get work. A few people told me this was used in defense of the insurance company appointing different adjusters. That they wanted to get home to their families. If you are going to trial or before a judge maybe this would be good evidence to take with you as it proves the adjusters want any type of work that comes along, being away from home comes with the territory and they would not be cat adjusters if they were not. The judges pretend like this is true and it is not unusual for a person to have 4, 5 10 adjusters if necessary. The http://www.catadjuster.org/

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

Just some news from a Sacramento Bee Editorial, It is titled, Sunshine in Court: Barring Court Sanctioned gag orders court save lives. Sen. Adam Schiff bill, SB1254 ,would bar confidentiality agreements that conceal evidence of financial fraud, defective products or environmental hazards. Make sure you support this bill SB 1254.

Name:
E-Mail Address
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Los Angeles

Comments

I do not know who Dr. Internet is. Dr. Internet was the one that informed me that I had the wrong E-mail address for Senator Escutia.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Studio City

Comments

Just interested, who is Dr. Internet?

Name:
E-Mail Address
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Los Angeles

Comments

I read a message regarding the Northridge Earthquake today (August 13) that gave an e-mail address for Senator Escutia which I do not believe is the correct address. It could be, however, several weeks ago I used the e-mail address for Senator Escutia that was listed earlier on in this Northridge Complaint section and a couple of weeks later (to my disappointment) I received a note from a Dr. Internet who informed me that I had the wrong e-mail address for Senator Escutia and that she had not received my message. I tried sending the message again using a slightly different e-mail address that I believe I obtained through Cal Channel.

On August 8, I received a notice that I again had sent the message to the wrong e-mail address. I was informed at that time that her e-mail address is Senator.Escutia@sen.ca.gov    After attempting to send again at this address it appears that my e-mail went through.

I was very disappointed to find out that my original message did not go through in a timely manner. I think it is important that our messages get through the first time -- several weeks later could be too late.

Name:
Good news, Cindy Ossias is reinstated to her job and the Insurance Commissioners Office..
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

L.A. Times reported Cindy Ossias was reinstated in her job as a lawyer . Cindy had the courage to release the Market research papers and when Quakenbush was notified he put her on leave. No further disciplinary action is anticipated. Congratulations Cindy and Thank you. If you wish to send her a note you can send it in c/o Martha Escuta via her E-Mail.  The address is http://www.sen.ca.gov/esutia/ . Now we all have to pray and have the courage to speak out for Harry Booth that he gets his justice for doing the right thing.

Name:
Sick of Greedy Corrupt Attorneys
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Los Angeles County

Comments

Your right about checking the attorney for the new class action out. I read the article in the L. A. Times and I am not certain that this attorney for the new class action is going to stay away from the Sherman vs Allstate attorneys. Anyone mixed up with the Sherman vs Allstate attorneys should not be trusted.

The attorneys are the ones that are making out in all these lawsuits against these billion dollar insurance companies.

The victims are not the ones that are being helped here and this is very obvious.

Turning to an attorney for help is like jumping from the frying pan into the fire.

The Northridge Earthquake Victims should not have to continue battling in or out of the courts against the Insurance Industry in order to be made whole. This only adds to the suffering they have already had to endure the past 6 1/2 years. This is really a great injustice.

Name:
Class action filed against Quackenbush, Allstate, Farmers Home Mutual and State Farm
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

Los Angeles Times reported a Class Action was filed Thursday against Quackenbush, Allstate, Farmers Home Mutual and State Farm and 21st Century (aka) 20th Century. The attorneys name is William Audet of San Jose, California. Before anyone goes with him we should try to check him out to see if he is affiliated with the Sherman vs Allstate attorneys in any way. The reason they did not file a suit against Allstate is because they agreed not to take any more clients who have allstate .Of course if there is an investigation of the Sherman vs Allstate and Harry Booth is right there may be a class action law suit against them. Wouldn't that be a kick the Kings ,princes and princesses of Class action and bad faith have a class action lawsuit against them on behalf of their clients.  The ones I would like to have handle this is Johnny Cocoran and Gerry Spence. You really have to be careful as to who handles these cases.  We see what the Sherman vs Allstate attys. did to everyone. They seem to be dirty sell outs. Nothing but an assembly line. They only deal in quantity, they are the HMO set of Lawyers.

Editors Note:  If you want Gerry Spence go to:
 http://www.givemeliberty.com  and sign his guest book, in the Readers Forum, and ask him for help.  Tell him you found the link to his site from Allstate Insurance Sucks.com.  I think he answers everyone that signs.  Be sure you think out your thoughts carefully, then write them in your word processor, do a spell check and then paste it into his site.  Good luck

Name:
Sacramento Bee Senate Hearing Aug. 9,2000
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

According to the Sacramento Bee tonight, Kelso the acting insurance commissioner testified before the senate and said he is trying to convince the insurance companies to voluntarily abandon the settlements they made under Quackenbush over their handling of the Northridge Quake .He cautioned , some bills making their way through the capitol could hamper his ability to come to an agreement with the insurers. What makes him think they would do anything voluntarily without a price. Why would they do that? I am sick of all the agreements and deals. Just investigate them and get on with it. It is just one more stall tactic and the insurers are as guilty as Quackenbush. They entered into the agreement knowing it was nefarious . They knew it was underhanded and tainted like everything else they have done. Of course the insurers don't want the laws to change. If they do not go forward and change the laws it will be the same thing over again. I have got a better idea. Investigate and still go on with the changes on capitol hill, what is wrong with that.  Forget about the agreements, you cannot negotiate with the devil and that is what he is doing. He is getting caught up in their web, at their control just like the class attorneys did . Put them on the defensive for once.  The longer this goes on the more the victims of the earthquake suffer. This is not about him or the insurance company it is about the victims and they should not forget it. He should be busy looking into the Sherman vs Allstate class and find out what is going on with the FBI investigation since 1998 not cutting anymore deals. If it was an insured committing fraud there would be no mercy and that is how the insurer should be handled like the scum they are. No more deals, just do what you are suppose to do and clean it up from top to bottom.  They all talk the talk, but when it comes to walking the walk that remains to be seen.

Name:
Any news on the class action?
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

Has anyone out there heard anything on the Class Action. Anything from your attorneys. I don't think there will be any movement until next January, because that is how the company seemed to operate. They usually start in January and close down for the year in by the end of March or April. Lets see what happens.

Name:
Gray Davis appoints a new commissioner
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

Article in Sacramento Bee said Gray Davis said his first priority will be to take a hard look at the Northridge earthquake claims. His name is Retired Justice Harry W. Low, a full time arbitrator. I don't know if I like that because the insurance companies really like arbitration and there is a good reason for that. Fred Keely said he expects to probe Lows work as an arbitrator, particularly as it has related to Insurance related issues. In the L.A. Times they quoted Low as saying it is too soon to decide whether he will set aside settlement that Quackenbush reached with the insurance companies and too early to order a full scale investigation of the Northridge claims handling practice, he said it is still an open issue. I hope he realizes that this has been going on for 7 years now and he better move faster than the judicary is used to moving . I would be willing to bet that 80% of the work he gets for arbitration is insurance related issues and that is sort of a red herring right there, that is the problem with most retired judges, they would not have such a busy schedule if it was not for insurance cases and if you don't play by their rules you don't work as an arbitrator very often. Most of these judges make more money as arbitrator than they did as judges. Keely will have to get the confidentiality agreements released and subpoena the victims to see how the arbitrations are going if he wants to know how he handles insurance related cases and I doubt if the insurance industry is going to waive them as most arbitrations that were handled for the Northridge earthquake they had confidentially agreements. The insurance companies are not acting like they are afraid of any arbitration judges. If they were afraid the Northridge class would have been taken care of by now. I hope this insurance investigation of Quackenbush is not one more dog and pony show for the Northridge victims. If it is then it is political and I am sick of being exploited for the gain of others.

Name:
Today is contact Tom Mc Clintock day Aug. 1, 2000
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

Don't forget to contact Tom Mc Clintock today. Key down his web page is posted. Things to remember is the Sherman vs Allstate. Tell him to read the Harry Booth motion to dismiss. Remind him nothing is going on with the class action if you are involved with it. You might mention you are one person in 10000 that have not been compensated. Mention that you want a complete investigation. Don't let it stop with Quackenbush. The laws must be changed. The insurance industry should not get special privileges. If they want to be in business then they have to go by regular business practices. We had insurance because we wanted to be independent of Government and if we would have known what the laws were and how the insurance company is allowed to operate by the laws and the government we would have gone with fema. We thought we were being diligent by having insurance but we can see the people who relied on the government were better off than we were. What has gone on is criminal, the victims of the Northridge earthquake were fair game not only for the insurance company but for anyone who wished to profit from our misfortune . Point to mention any case that was touched by the insurance commissioners office or by the class attorneys should be thrown out and new trials should be allowed as they were all tainted. Mention the FBI investigation that has been going on since 1998 and tell him this seems like it has been on the back burner. All of these things went on right in front of their own eyes while they were conducting the investigation.

Name:
Today is contact Tom Mc Clintock day Aug. 1, 2000
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

Don't forget to contact Tom Mc Clintock today. Key down his web page is posted. Things to remember is the Sherman vs Allstate. Tell him to read the Harry Booth motion to dismiss. Remind him nothing is going on with the class action if you are involved with it. You might mention you are one person in 10000 that have not been compensated. Mention that you want a complete investigation. Don't let it stop with Quackenbush. The laws must be changed. The insurance industry should not get special privileges. If they want to be in business then they have to go by regular business practices. We had insurance because we wanted to be independent of Government and if we would have known what the laws were and how the insurance company is allowed to operate by the laws and the government we would have gone with fema. We thought we were being diligent by having insurance but we can see the people who relied on the government were better off than we were. What has gone on is criminal, the victims of the Northridge earthquake were fair game not only for the insurance company but for anyone who wished to profit from our misfortune . Point to mention any case that was touched by the insurance commissioners office or by the class attorneys should be thrown out and new trials should be allowed as they were all tainted. Mention the FBI investigation that has been going on since 1998 and tell him this seems like it has been on the back burner. All of these things went on right in front of their own eyes while they were conducting the investigation.

Name:
Message to Daviscourt from Isadora Karr
E-Mail:
my only access is at the library, no email
City/State:
Canoga Park, California

Comments

Would you post information here. I have no personal computer, and depend on the library. It is nice of you to share this information with victims. Thank you very much. I am a senior citizen. I appreciate your research.

Editors Note:  Isadora, you can reach Mr. Daviscourt at (800) 422-2430.  Please keep us posted if Mr. Daviscourt has enabled you to make progress with your claims.

Name:
Daviscourt
E-Mail:
davisct@infohwy.com
City/State:
San Diego, CA

Comments

For those looking for specific information regarding claim procedures for Allstate, State Farm, Farmers, Fire Insurance Exchange, and how it all ties into California Insurance Code and the California Code of Regulations regarding coverage, claim adjustments, I may have the information you are looking for.

Editors Note:  I have spoken to Mr. Daviscourt and believe that he can be very helpful to those who feel they are at a dead-end with Allstate.  He has a toll free number and can be reached at (800) 422-2430.  Please keep us posted if Mr. Daviscourt has enabled you to make progress with your claims.

Name:
j
E-Mail:
sowcares@hotmail.com
City/State:
orange,ca

Comments

so what ever happen to the people that where on 20/20. did allstate ever help them are they still in court ????????

would like to know

Name:
Information Requested
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

 

Insurance Senate Committee 916-445-0825

and State Bar of California 1149 S. Hill Street Los Angeles, California 90015 Phone 213-243-1525 Complaints 800-843-9053

 

Name:
Louis Washington Jr.
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Brentwood

Comments

Tuesday - July 31st It's Contact the California Senate Insurance Committee

Request they hold another Meeting of Earthquake victims. Also request they update the community on investigations.

Inquire if they are conducting studies on minority members being victimized.

Can someone please post this Committee's e-mail address, their fax and phone numbers. I am out of the states and do not have this information at arms length.

Name:
Back in the final days of  Quackenbush
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

A couple of articles on Quackenbush, in the L.A. times and the Sacramento Bee, he so generously approved contracts, obligating taxpayers to cover more than 1 million dollars in legal fees for private lawyers for himself and three Quack deputies. Quackenbush authorized the contracts under a California Law that requires state funded legal defense of government officials who face legal action as a result of decisions they made as part of their official duties. According to Locklyer he acted outside his official duty. You can see the articles by going to Media links on the home page then to Hot links. Go to L.A. times 7/26/00 and 7/27/00. There was also a letter from Cindy Ossias the whistle blower from the Quacks office in the Sacramento Bee dated 7/23/00. She is not a whistle blower she is a HERO. What she did took courage. The irony of this whole scandal is in order to get help for our earthquake damage it was arranged that we would have to go to the Insurance commissioner to be compensated. I thought we paid for insurance and we would not be dependent on the government . The way Quackenbush acted you would think he paid our premiums. If he would have done his job none of this would have happened. In the end what goes around comes around and Chuckie will never come back. Who will be next?

Name:
Tuesday August 1, 2000 Call or Contact Tom McClintock Day
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

August 1, 2000 is contact or call Tom McClintock Day. His http number is:

http://republican.assembly.ca.gov/members/38/index.html

then click on to e-mail . His phone number is 916-319-2038. Tips to remember, change the laws, make the insurance code law. The insurance industry should have a time limit on how long they have to investigate a claim. Why should the insurance company enjoy special privileges. The industry cannot be trusted . The whole country is complaining about it. We are a country of laws. Why should they be immune from them. This a moral issue. If the laws were intact we would not need an insurance commission and the insurance industry would have never had done what they are doing if the laws would have been intact. Investigate the Sherman vs Allstate class action as the policy holders rights have been compromised and it did not look out for the policy holders. If the trials were tainted and it was under the insurance companies control then they should be thrown out. What is going on with the FBI investigation and the grand jury since 1998. It should be looked into as to what is taking so long and why. Ask him to read the Harry Booth motion to dismiss to see what has been going on. Remember when one person calls a politician it counts for a thousand people. If 7 people call that is 7000 people . This is enough to change elections.

Editors Note:  Hint, before you post anything, first write it in your word processing program.  Then do a spell check and check the links to make sure they work.  That will make it easier on you and everyone else.  Thanks for the help.

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Dear S.F., We have not heard from you and hope you are hanging in there. I wrote your name down again at church and I am praying for you. Hope you are not ill. Hope to hear from you soon. Take care.

Name:
LeAnne Kemp
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City/State:
Altadena, California

Comments

What is RICO and how does it affect consumers.

Name:
 
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Dear Slapped, Thank you for your definition of the Slapp law. I agree with you 100%. I can't believe the ACLU has not gone after this yet. They go after every thing else. I believe this country is already in trouble, and it will be very hard to turn it around. This is only one instance. This is a different subject. Best regards.

Name:
SLAPPED
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Comments

SLAPP (Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation) suits, a term coined in the 1980s by professors George Pring and Penelope Canan of the University of Denver. The plaintiffs are likely to be businesses or industry groups. The defendants are likely to be critics of particular commercial activities, but they are not the only victims. Under attack is the constitutional protection of free speech and the right to petition the government.

Such lawsuits seek damages against a citizen or group based on something that was said or written, usually in the media or in a petition to the government, critical of the plaintiff or the plaintiff's commercial activities. The issues involve public concerns, such as environmental damage, community health, and product safety.

The best-known SLAPP-suit defendant is Oprah Winfrey, the talk-show host. Winfrey, along with a staff member of the Humane Society of the United States, was sued by Texas rangers for expressing concern about the safety of United States beef. A federal appeals court in New Orleans recently upheld an earlier jury verdict in her favor.

Many SLAPP defendants are more obscure and vulnerable - like individual citizens or small organizations. Some defendants of a SLAPP suite are: a group published an ad criticizing carbon dioxide emissions, homeowners who filed a class-action suit against a hazardous-waste facility, parents who voiced concerns about unsafe buses at a school board meeting, and a TV station and its reporters for broadcasting on the dangers of dietary supplements with ephedrine.

In a SLAPP suit, an act of citizenship ends up being a nightmare. The costs of extensive pretrial and trial proceedings can really overwhelm an individual defendant or a small group of people and can turn out to be a financial disaster for them.

You can see what the true motivation behind SLAPP suits are. SLAPP suits can be thrown out of court under laws intended to protect the defendant. But even if they are thrown out of court, SLAPP suits can still succeed in stopping citizens and citizen organizations from petitioning and speaking on public issues. The Bill of Rights was meant to protect us against the negative effect this can have on debate and participation in public affairs.

Citizens who speak out need comprehensive protection against SLAPP suits. Some states offer this, however, I do not know if California does, but citizens need both statewide and federal measures. Citizens should not be afraid to speak out against issues or things that are detrimental to our society and protection against SLAPP suits will help citizens so they will have no need to fear to speak out. This is very important for our democracy.

The people of the United States should never be afraid to speak out. When people become afraid to speak out, we are in trouble.

Name:
Does anyone know anything about the ANTI SLAPP LAW?
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Does this law apply to the senate investigations? How does it work and where does it apply? If there is an attorney who reads this page please reply.

Name:
Friday July 21st ! Call State Bar Association
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City/State:
Colton, California

Comments

Friday July 21st, 2000 Call Ca. State Bar Association Complaint Line 1:00 - 5:00 P.M. 800-843-9053

Name:
Call or Contact Senator Martha Escutia Day Thursday July 20, 2000
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Thursday is call Martha Escutia Day, July 20, 2000. Points to make.. Number one Thank her for everything she has done. She is responsible for releasing the Market research papers.She had the courage to do this. Remind her the laws must be changed and the insurance company should not have special privileges. Ask her to fight to make the insurance code law. So we may sue the insurance company's for delay ect.. Tell her there must be a time limit on how long the insurance company has to investigate a claim. The fact that there is no law only encourages the industry to drag its feet. Also stress to her that the Sherman vs Allstate class be investigated along with the insurance commissioner. This effects over 10000 people . Ask her to have new attorneys intervene on behalf of the class because nothing seems to be going on and the rights of the class should be protected. If you have not heard form the attorneys tell her after all the class settled in Oct of 98. It is now 1 year and 8 months later. The earthquake is in in 7th year. In addition tell her how important it is to get the confidentiality agreements lifted as if they want the whole truth this must be done. Her http number is as follows http://www.sen.ca.gov/escutia/ Her phone number in Sacramento office is 1-916-327-8315 . Her office in Montebello is 1-323-587-0833 AUG. 7,2000 Senate convenes.

Name:
breaking news July 17, 2000
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Acting insurance commissioner Kelso halts probe into leaks, See the article July 17,2000 San Francisco Chronicle. Go to media links on home page, then go to Hot Links and bring up San Francisco Chronicle.

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I heard the last case they took to trial was late in 1997 and it ended up settling. They put a hold on everything in March of 1998 then in Oct. of 1998 that is when they settled the class. Also this is when 20/20 aired the story with Harry Booth. I wouldn't be surprised if out of all the cases they had you could count on one hand what they took to trial between all the firms.

Name:
Steve Petrovik
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Los Angeles, California

Comments

California State Bar Association phone number to file a complaint: 800- 843-9053 Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1:00 - 5:00 pm Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 - 1:00

Name:
 
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Just some old news on a couple of the class action attorneys, in April of this year they filed a lawsuit claiming that Quackenbush defrauded victims of the Northridge Earthquake. But they were filed for Farmers, Mid-Century and Firemans Fund. It sure is odd they did not file one on behalf of 20th and allstate victims. May be it is true that when they settled the class they agreed not to take anymore allstate cases. Also Presholt who is not a class attorney, but handled a lot of the 20th cases is going to be working for 20th. I guess he did not make enough money on the northridge earthquake. Hey Pig, just can't get enough of that green stuff ? If the insurance industry was hitler, what would he be?? No apology its money.

Name:
correction on attorney general http....
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Sorry the correct http address for the attorney general is , http://caag.state.ca.us/piu/mailform.htm

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Tommrow Monday July 17,2000 is call or contact attorney general day. http://caag.state.caus/piu/mailform.htm phone number for california is 1-800-952-5225 phone number for out of the california is 1-916-322-3360 .Points to remember : investigate the Sherman vs Allstate, and tell them it is important to get the confidentiality agreements removed so they learn the truth. The senate will convein on Aug. 7, Monday nite we can post a new day to call one of one of the senators or assemblymen, etc. Have a happy call your attorney generaly day. This is government at work, for the people and by the people.If you have any friends or relatives that are interested partys tell them to call or e-mail also. Pass the word on .

Name:
 
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Reseda

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Can anyone out there recommend a bulldog of a malpractice attorney that has the resources and is not afraid to go up against these corrupt attorneys.

Name:
mission hills
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These guys saw a gold mind out there and they got most of the action. A couple of these guys were still advertising on cable t.v. a couple of weeks ago. They were the smaller firms. The one who had the one man office and the other one had a two man office. Now they are advertiseing on cable. So maybe they are just pitch men for the bigger firms. The bigger firms had leagle meetings in Nov. of 94 telling people that" they better sue by the anniversary date or you could miss out on the statue" "Another one would get up and say"each and everyone of you have individual needs and we have the wearwithall to fight the insurance companies" the other one would say" yeah this is all bad faith". "if they have not paid you policy limit by now it is bad faith".At that time they pick up a lot of 2Oth and another insurance company. it was either state farm or farmers.I heard they had taken a couple cases to trial which was a deal made that there would be no appeal and the jury verdict stuck.Another firm took another case to trial but I heard they got what was due under the policy, but the attorney forgot to ask for attorneys fees and the client ended up with very little.

Name:
 
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City/State:
San Fernando Valley

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I am not certain how comforting this is to hear that many others are also getting strung out by these insurance companies. It would be better if I was an isolated case. But if there is anything to be done about this corruption, people have to speak out. We may not be able to help ourselves but we may be able to keep this from happening again. It is really not comforting to know that the corrupt insurance companies, attorneys and judges are getting away with this on such a large scale and inflicting so much suffering on others.

Name:
 
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City/State:
Granada Hills

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Is there anyone that has now or has had in the past the Sherman vs Allstate attorneys for their attorneys or one of the associated law firms firms for their attorneys that has taken your case to trial and prevailed against Allstate.

Has anyone out there had enough experience with these attorneys to know whether or not you would get competent fair counsel through them. Do they really fight for their client?

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I am not an attorney, but I heard that the reason the federal court goes faster is because they do not have a back log of cases. I knew someone who had these same attorneys (the class) and the plaintiff attorneys did not do any discovery what so ever .The defendants were the only ones deposing anyone. If he did not go into the class or arbitration he would have to get new attorneys .These same attorneys are the ones who knew about Harry Booth and Joanne Lowe. They were the ones who started the fbi investigation and the grand jury and then walked away from that after they settled on the class. This guy had dealings with Joanne Lowe and had him dismiss the case and said they would work with him but never did The attorneys still would not depose her or anyone for that matter. He also had some of the people that were mentioned in the Harry Booth trial and they still did not do any discovery. Joanne Lowes statement is posted somewhere on the web. If anyone knows where it is can you please tells us where to find it? Joann Lowe states that this is what they did in hopes that the statue would run. These guys not only handled one insurance company they had all different insurance companies and there was no way they could possibly handle the case load. I don't believe they ever intended on going to trial. Given the amount of cases they had, even if they were in State court and had five years there is no way they could have gone to trial with them. One of these attorneys had a one man office and he had 50 allstate cases alone. Even the 20th people they were shuffeling the clients back and fourth from one firm to another, then he called all the 20th people into a room and said this is what you will each get. It did not make any difference what their loss was they would all get the same. But the funny thing is they all seem to get more than double than what the allstate people got. Then people who had one firm would end up at the attorney that had the 50 cases and the firm they signed up was in l.a. and this guy was in the valley. This was after some of those same people interviewed this guy and did not go with him and thought the attorney they retained had a better firm but the "Better Firm" sent their clients to him. It sounds to me it is one big cess pool of corruption. So S.F. you are not alone.

Name:
 
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City/State:
Encino

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It was my understanding that if you had a lawsuit against the insurance company, you were better off in Superior Court than in Federal Court and that Allstate Insurance Company prefers to have the matter in Federal Court because they can make your life a lot tougher because everythings moves so fast and with all the deadlines you are more apt to become overwhelmed trying to keep up.

The Harry Booth trial was in Federal Court. It was probably in Federal Court because Allstate is based in Northbrook, Illinois and perhaps also because there was fraud involved.

I am not an attorney and I do not know the legal aspects of all of this. Is there someone out there that is an attorney that can educate us on this?

Name:
Victims of Northridge
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City/State:
Canoga Park

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Dear San Fernando,

Hope you contacted the California State Bar Association, as well. It's on Hill Street in Los Angeles.

Name:
 
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S.F. it sounds like your attorney is abandoning your case and the strong arms tactics that the defense is using is disgusting. Well I guess they have gotten away with it for so long , as stated thanks to the judges and attorneys .Maybe this is what Harry Booth meant when he talked about grueling litigation at the insurance company's control.. This is more than grueling it sounds as if the devil himself is in control. What kind of animals are these ?.What kind of cowards are the plaintiff attorneys . They have made a mockery of our justice system. They have defiled the constitution and everything this country stood for. Chances are you didn't see these guys serving their country or put their life on the line for anyone. They have no honor. They are poor excuses for men. Take care sf, and remember the mills of God grind exceedingly slow, but exceedingly fine.

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I have heard that most cases for the insurance company's go to federal court. Unless you sue within the first year. But if you go by the contract, you cannot sue until after they have closed the file and denied you coverage. If they are still investigating your claim then they have not closed your file and they have not denied you coverage.  So if they are still investigating the claim past the one year you have to go to federal court. Unless you have joined defendants that have their place of business in california. If the laws are not changed then this will go on for another hundred years. The law should state that if they take longer than a year to investigate the claim then the insurance industry waives the right to a federal trial. But it seems they have it both ways according to the law. They can take as long as they want to investigate, then they can have it in federal court. Are their any insurance companies that have their home office in California. That is the only way you can keep it in state court with the way the law is written today.

Name:
 
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City/State:
San Fernando

Comments

Thanks for the all the support!! I appreciate your sharing your thoughts. Someone asked me a question about whether I had counsel when I went to court. Yes, I had counsel, but counsel told me that they could not represent me unless I agreed to go to arbitration or join the Sherman vs Allstate class action. I would not agree to go to arbitration and I opted out of the class action, however, opting out should not have been necessary because I already had a lawsuit filed against Allstate. My counsel was one of the Sherman vs. Allstate law firms that appear to have taken a lump sum of money from Allstate to divide up among policy holders anyway they saw fit to make us go away.

After the court hearings in which I had to insist that I had a court reporter, I was in Allstate's Attorney's office for my deposition. My Attorney had not shown up and Allstate's Attorney told me I either had to agree to have my deposition taken without an attorney or I had to wait for my attorney. He said I had to stay there in his office and wait another 40 minutes to see if my attorney was going to show up. I told Allstate's Attorney's that I did not think I should have my deposition taken without an attorney. I told him I thought I should leave and come back on another day. He convinced me that I had to wait another 40 minutes to see if my attorney was going to show up. He explained to me that we would wait another 40 minutes and then he would come back into the room and we would go back on record and discuss what we were going to do. I had already waited almost an hour when he told me this. My attorney never ever showed up and when Allstate's Attorney came back into the room he said to the court reporter "On Record." She started to take our conversation down. We both said a few things and he was not being nice and then he looked at the court reporter and told her she wasn't suppose to be taken this down that it was suppose to be off the record and he had her take it off the record. She said I thought you said, "On the Record," He said no I didn't say that. I told him you can't do that you said that we were on record. He went ahead and had her take it off the record.

What is this? -- why do they not want my litigation proceedings to be recorded? This trying to keep all of these proceedings from being recorded seems to go along with all the files being bought up and sealed and the gag orders. If these are the "Good Hands People," why is it so important to them to hide everything? If they have not been dealing in bad faith, what are they trying to Hide?

 

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I am trying to get into Senator Burtons web. page I wish to read his bill that he is working on, it reports an error does anyone know how I can read it. Thanks.

Name:
Ignacio Guittierez
E-Mail:
private
City/State:
Pacoima, California

Comments

Don't forget to contact the Attorney General's office on Monday and ask them to look into the Sherman v Allstate Class and Allstate

Name:
This message is to San Fernando from a lot of others who are walking the same path
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Beverly Hills, Ca.

Comments

Was your case in Superior Court or Federal Court? Are we correct in understanding you appeared alone without Counsel? Did you opt out of the Class? Who were the Attorneys for Allstate and the Class? Maybe you feel uncomfortable saying this on the Web. Very understandable, and you didn't say if your claim had been resolved. We feel badly for you, and regret that justice was not equal. We hope you have contacted the Attorney General's office and other investigating agencies. Like many other victims we are sending all of our documentation, in hopes of preventing the very same thing from happening to others. Whatever the outcome, do send your evidence. There is a God, and it's not Allstate.

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This is so incredible. It is seems so shady and dirty. Nothing seems above board. If you can't rely on justice what are people suppose to do? I read the article on the Hollyhills residents and the real story of Brocovich. Are these the same attorneys? If it is it seems this is the way they do business. Did you ever read or see "Bleek House". This is what it is like. Their is a sense that you have done something wrong for being honest and diligent. Like one of the previous articles said, they need our votes. Next election time we should vote out every judge. Since there is no way to check on judges just vote against all of them and maybe next time around they will think twice. They just seem too comfortable. Get some new blood in their. This has been going on for 5 or 6 years now and there have been thousands of these cases in the court system. Maybe we can keep them off the bench. We can just rotate them. Only let them serve one term and then they can go back into private practice. It seems to me their are enough people that were involved in this. The earthquake hit a wide area of Los Angeles and their are enough people, if they vote to change the elections. And this does not count the people who have had to fight for car accidents and other catastrophes. If there is no justice in the court room then we have to give them justice in the election. I also read the Harry Booth motion to dismiss. I wanted to puck, to think that men who have such talent can do this to one human being. Is this what they have to do to make a living. Can sell their souls for money. For 30 pieces of silver. Do they realize what they have done? Do they honestly think that after the articles posted on the world wide web anyone would believe them . What is it, the Third strike and your out. The sad thing about this is they probably have done this over and over again. This is only what we have heard of and what is posted so far. They have no credibility, no integrity, and as men they are vapid shallow vast waste of humanity and decency. Maybe they just have not stopped to think and see what they have become. But I do believe there is a God and there is justice someday.  Take care "San Fernando" . We are all praying for you.

Name:
Tony Monacelli
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City/State:
Sylmar,Ca.

Comments

I felt bad reading the story of the person who had to be placed in such an unfair playing field. I don't have Allstate but some of my family is involved in this Class situation and you are not the only one who smells a rat. You didn't say how it all turned out but I hope that you did ok. Isn't it illegal for the Court not to record the proceedings? Hate to hear about anyone being treated so unfairly. Good luck and you are not alone!

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Isn't it amazing the tobacco companys are held for billions of dollars in punitive, but the insurance industry who sells peace of mind , who were paid premiums have to pay relatively nothing. The billions of dollars California has missed out on because the justice system does not seem to be working in California. Or maybe they are working for themselves, like Quackenbush. An industry that beats the victims down. Drags things out and waits for people to give up or rejoice when a claimant dies gets away with it. Watchout though, these same players will probably be starting new litigation in calif. so they can cash in on the tobacco issues. The only thing is they may be to lazy to go to trial for two years. They will take the path of least resistance and sell out on those settlements also.

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Dear s.f., I have a friend that similar things have happened to. I could not beleive what she told me. It seems as if they , like Quackenbush , do not want any evidence around. Everything is done in secret. Like thief's in the night. If they don't have anything on record then they can lie and deny everything. It is a travesty and these few men seem to be defiling everything this country has stood for. The money and the power must be so great. Then people wonder why the children are doing the things they do when men, who are suppose to be pillars of society are doing these things to people. The law is suppose to be common sense. There is no sense out of any of this. The only thing I can tell you is the mills of God grind exceedingly slow, but exceedingly fine. Chuck Quackenbush got his and whos to say what will come out on these guys. What goes around comes around. Good luck and God bless you and God have mercy on their souls.

Name:
 
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City/State:
Reseda

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It seems that the Judges and Attorneys are dirty.

Name:
 
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City/State:
San Fernando Valley

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I am so fed up and disgusted with what has been going on with our Judicial System. When the O.J. Trial was on the air for all those months many people for the first time had a view of what really goes on in the court rooms. They had their eyes opened with regard to what the real world is like in the courts. Unless a person is affected personally, they do not always realize that the idealistic way they look at things is not for real. Our Justice System seems to be protecting the rights of the criminal (actually aiding and abetting), while taking away the rights of the law abiding citizen. You might wonder what I am talking about and what this has to do with the Northridge Earthquake, but I have gone into court in front of a Judge with a bad faith case against Allstate and it appears that the Judge is helping Allstate. I don't want to bore you, however, I would like to know if anyone has had the same treatment. I was in front of the Judge because of the class action attorney's negligent behavior and I had not received any documents before hand from the opposing side (my own attorney). It appeared that everyone had a copy of the documents but me. I finally received a copy after the hearing was over and even then I did not fully understand everything that had gone on and what I needed to do to protect my rights.

I was the only one standing there without a law degree -- I felt like I was being railroaded. I stood there in court by myself between Allstate's attorney on one side of me and a Sherman vs. Allstate attorney on the other side of me. When I tried to give the court a document that I had prepared to submit to the court to explain my side of things. The Judge would not take my paper until I almost begged him. The attorneys on both sides were lying to the Judge -- my own attorney was behaving as though he was in with Allstate. There was no court reporter taking the proceedings. I was at such a disadvantage and it certainly was wrong, however, I did not know what to do about it.

When I tried to reach my attorney after the hearing to have him explain to me what happened, he never called me back.

While in the hearing, after I discovered that there was not a court reporter taking the proceedings, I insisted that when I returned for another hearing I wanted a court reporter there.

When I returned for another hearing, they again started the hearing without a court reporter taking the proceeding and when I tried to talk to the Judge to tell the Judge that I wanted a court reporter, he would not let me talk. I finally had to burst right in while the Judge was talking to insist that I wanted the court report to take the proceeding, hence, part of the proceedings went on without a court reporter and what went on did not seem legal to me.

It is very difficult to get on this website and share all of this, however, I feel that I need to find out if anyone else is having the same type of things happen to them with the Attorneys and Judges.

When things like this go on in the court room, I get the feeling that the Judge is in Cahoots with the bad faith of Allstate and malpractice of the attorneys. It seems like they are all working on the same team.

If anyone has had the same or a similar experience with these attorneys and Judges let us know.

Name:
Ross M.
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City/State:
San Francisco

Comments

Good grief! Read the Brokovich story and wanted to puke. I think the Class members should contact the person who wrote the story and find out the names of the Judges and Arbitrators that went on the trip, or were or have now or in the past been wined and dined with any of the Class lawyers. When a house is built poorly it tumbles down. Personally there is hot air blowing through the Class lawyers house, and you don't have to be a rocket scientist to see it.

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to get to "Erin Brockovich the real story" try this. 1) go to http://WWW.OVERLAWYERED.COM/ 2) go to the search button and enter ERIN BROCKOVICH and search.3) this should take you to "overlawyered.com---April 2000 archives" "second part" click that story. 4) then go down to "April 17- Brockovich story breakswide open" 5) towards the end of the story it reads Kathleen Sharp "Erin Brockovich The Real Story" Salon, April 14. CLICK ON APRIL 14. This should get you there

Name:
 
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City/State:
Tarzana

Comments

Link to "real" Brocovich story and legal page not working.

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After visiting the site that was posted (Mazursky)With all due respect I guess it is time we start paying more attention to the judges also. If they do not take bad faith seriouly maybe it is time they move on to another job, just like Quackenbush. We pay taxes for their service just as we paid for Quackenbush. If they feel they are too good to listen to bad faith cases then they are in the wrong position. When we turn to the courts for justice and have lost before we have begun what does that leave us with..Are you sure we are still in America.......

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Interesting articles on this site about the laws etc... HTTP://WWW.MSANDUALAW.COM/

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Found an article you might like to read about one of the Class attorneys. First The Real Erin Brocovitch Story, . Then what they did to Harry Booth ,now read this. The Hollyhills residents. A real class act..like they say you are born with class..It seems like his idea of class is monogramed shirts. He thinks you buy it...go to http://WWW.CALLAW.COM/WEEKLY/SONAR/SONARX25.HTML ....key down to Pings , David Sue 'Goliath Slayer'...

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MONDAY JULY 17,2000 CALL ATTORNEY GENERAL DAY. HTTP://caag.state.caus/piu/mailform.htm PHONE NUMBER IS 1-800-952-5225 IN CALIF. PHONE FOR OTHER AREAS IS 1-916-322-3360

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Just a thought. If everyone on one specific day call a senator. Then one day everyone call the attorney general. Then one day call the f.b.i. Then one day we can call a news room. One voice does not cut it we have to let them know people are out there and they are interested. Like the one letter said we are playing HANGMAN if we do not stick together.

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Comments

As the insurance industry and the elderly they do target the minorities , the elderly,and women. But if you look at this site and read all the letters they tend to fight all claims. With the elderly they are hoping they are to weak to fight and hope they give up. If you are not part of the class and you do not have an attorney you should probably look into the public adjusters. They only take 10% where an attorney will take 33 to 40%. Besides, as long as the insurance company has not denied your claim and are still investigating the claim there is no bad faith leaglly. You can read your policy and it will tell you when you can sue. You must understand that the policy is a contract and leaglly if they have not violated the contract and continue to investigate the claim ,the judges in california seem to think it is o.k.The code by the insurance commision does not give rise to a cause of action. There is no law on the books in california that state the insurance industry must investigate a claim within a certain amout of time.So until the laws are changed in california we are stuck. You might try the insurance commisioners office .Now that they are into cleaning out the corruption it might be different now. Also the senate is looking for witnesses to testify. You should call your senators, congressmen the attorney general as and the F.B.I. . All of committees and agencys are now investigating the whole insurance business. If you want to get intouch with the media, call the news rooms in your area. It seems certain stations cover more insurance news than others. Around January 17, the aniversary date is when the media tries to get stories. Call them one or two weeks before the 17 and leave your name . You can also fax the news rooms. If you use a public adjuster make sure you check him out.I think there is an adjuster called the Greenspan group.I know of some people that did much better than the attorneys and like I said they should only be taking 10%. Check this out also make sure the percentage is agreed upon before you sign up.

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Comments

If there is anyone in the Media reading this site and would like to speak to any of us that have been tortured for 6 years by Allstate, post your contact number and we will call immediately.

Name:
Lynn Roth
E-Mail:
not public information
City/State:
West Hills

Comments

I am the daughter of an Allstate homeowner who carried an Earthquake policy at the time of the Northridge quake. Is it my imagination or are there a large number of Senior citizens and minorities whose claims haven't been settled. If so, why is that, and is there being any investigation ? Has this occurred to others? other than me?

Name:
Reggie an Allstate victim
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Earthquake Territory, Northridge

Comments

Support Senator Burton's bill. It would exend time of earthquake claims. Call Governor's office and say,SIGN!

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Northridge

Comments

Tell me it's all just a bad dream. I can't be the only disatisfied person in this travesty. It's hard to know who the real enemy is, the lawyers or the insurance companies. One down with the Quacker gone.Who is investigating the Class?

Name:
 
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Comments

As of yesterday the F.B.I. joined forces with the attorney general. You might call them and tell them you are interested in seeing that justice is served . They have been looking into the redrafting of reports since 1998 so when anything will happen who knows. From what is posted Harry Booth was suppose to testify for the Grand Jury. The only problem is , by Harry losing the Allstate vs Booth, etal the F.B.I.has a discredited witness. That is why it is so important he get a fair trial. In order to get a fair trial it takes money. If everyone would just send something it will help. He is everyones witness and everyone who visits this web. site and has dealt with the insurance company can relate to him. It puts a lot of things into place.Everyone needs Harry and he needs our help now. Please try to send what you can.If we don't help him we are playing Hangman. You are the last one and there is no one left to save you.

Name:
Sarcis Desmonian
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
U.S.A.

Comments

Besides Lockyer and the Senate Committee who isn't looking into Allstate. Waht I want to know as a victim is, when will the people accountable for these injustices be prosecuted. The dirty deeds definitely go beyond Mr. Quakenbush.

Name:
 
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Comments

The phone number for C.A.R.E. is 818-888-6338. The fax number is 818-888-6349 .It is on Sherman Way in Canoga Park just past Topanga Canyon Blvd.. It is not specific to one company but you can get some information there. If there is an indenpent group of policy holders they would probably know about it. What you can do is meet there and if there are enough people you can start your own group. They have contacts with the media and this could be a good starting point for you.Call and they can give you the time of the meetings.

Name:
Leon Kindser
E-Mail:
do not print please
City/State:
Bellingham, Washington

Comments

One place where Northridge victims can meet is a place called C.A.R.E. I don't know the address but it's listed in the Valley of Los Angeles County. I think Allstate earthquake people meet independently. I live in Washington but I have heard on the news that there is an growing support group of Allstate victims. Wish I could be more help but that's all I know.Gary your info is very helpful to people of all insurance companies. Thank you.

 

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Comments

Dear Ann and Glen, I agree 100%. Only when you read all of the things that are posted you wonder what in Gods earth is going on in this country. I cannot beleive this is going on. I like most of you beleived in our justice system. I know the very rich get better justice , but this is so blatant. These matters went through many judges hands and I can't beleive they have not seen through it.The policy holders have no voice.When it comes to these matters, lady justice has been deaft, domb and blind to us.It seems like some of the judges across the country have come down on the insurance companies but there is something about these calif. judges. They certainly have no mercy or compassion for the policy holders.

Name:
Ann and Glen
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
N. Hollywood,Ca.

Comments

these are not our real names. We are afraid of retaliation by Allstate. What in God's name is happening with the Class Action and how did we Allstate people get so sold out. The Courts need to look into this again and we all need to write to the Attorney General and the Senate Insurance Committee. Senator Speiers said they would come back and hear from us. When can they be here.

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Comments

July 10,2000 , Goodarticle in Sacrameto Bee, everyone shoul read it. It is by Scott Laidlaw. Go to Media Links on home page and then go to hot links. Select California and it will bring up the SACBEE.

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Comments

Leonard, Call your congressman and senators and the attorney general. Tell them they should have new attorneys to intervene on behalf of the class. There are only about 100 attorneys between all the firms there are about 10000 people in the class. You should read the Real story of Erin Brocovitch and also the Harry Booth motion to dismiss . When you call you should also mention that you would like them to investigate the Sherman vs Allstate class.

Name:
Leonard H.
E-Mail:
not for internet
City/State:
Encino, California

Comments

Why is this Class Action business taking so long and how much money are these attorneys making.The longer the lawyers stall the more $ they make. The longer Allstate stalls the more interest $ Allstate makes. Makes us victims plenty pissed.! Who will drop next after Quakenbush?

Name:
 
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Comments

Mary, You probably can contact the AQMD or the EPA. Ask them if they can check the test that the insurance company gave you .If it is incorrect the company that did the testing will be in trouble. The reason they do not like to do a complete inspection is because if your house is contaminated not only are you in danger but given the contamenation everything you own could be contaminated and that includes your clothes everything. This adds up to alot of money. Sometimes more than the damage in your house. It is not the removal of the abestoes they are worried about.Not only that if your house is contamenated it is not safe to live in and that means you would have to move out of your house until it is completely abated. You should really try to get it checked out for your own saftey.While you are getting the abestoes checked out you should also have a lead test.

Name:
Mary
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Southern California

Comments

Why is Allstate so fearful to do full out asbestos testing ? Nobody I know has ever had it done the right way when it comes to Allstate inspections.Name some honest asbestos inspection companies.

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
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Comments

The Attorney Generals HTTP://caag.state.ca.us/piu/mailform.htm

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
 

Comments

Class action clients if you have not heard anything on your claim contact the Attorney General and ask them to look into the Sherman vs Allstate .You can do it by e-mail. Stress to the attorney General that you feel someone has to intervene on behalf of the class as you don't feel your rights are being protected.  The address is http://CAAG.STATE.CA.US/PIU/MAILFORM.HTM    Remember this between all the class firms there are only about 100 attorneys to handle this, and this case is not the only ones they have. On Bidarts web site he states that there are about 10000 people in the class .I wonder what year you will be compensated.

Name:
John K.
E-Mail:
private
City/State:
West Hills

Comments

how will homeowners be compensated for total losses in 1994 now that Quakenbush resigned. The guy is still collecting his salary isn't he? his salary should be stopped and kept for distribution to earthquake victims. Go California Senate and Assembly, keep the investigation going strong.

Name:
 
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Comments

Does anybody have any information on binding arbitration ? My attorney wants me to go to binding arbitration . What about the judges? Are they fair ?

Name:
 
E-Mail:
 
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Comments

sites to read,1) //www.sbdalaw.com/news/press-releases/102498pr.html 2)//WWW.OVERLAWYERED.COM/ARCHIVES/00APR2.HTML 3) //www.insurancejustice.com/earthquake.html 4) //SALON.COM/ENT/FEATURE/2000/04/14/SHARP 5) go to home page and read Harry Booth motion to dismiss.  Contact your congressmen and senators, contact the senate committee that is investigating Quackenbush......

Name:
Ronald Lewis
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Santa Monica, California

Comments

Curious to know the names of the law firms handling Class.  Word is victims are plenty peeved.  Are these attorneys not experienced in handling class actions or is Allstate continuing to be the puppetmaster?

Name:
10 Allstate Northridge Victims
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
Northridge

Comments

Allstate victims are pretty disgusted with the baloney reinspection process. I and my neighbors would like to know the names of the Engineering firms being used this time around in the class. And also who are the adjusters, and who are doing asbestos testing. Then lets all compare our reports.  Tell me where to meet and when and my neighbors and I will be there.

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Comments

If you have not heard of anything on the class since they have called you should contact your class attorney that you signed up with.. before you call them you might go to http://SALON.COM/ENT/FEATURE2000/04/14/SHARP/INDEX3.HTML and read the Harry Booth motion to dismiss before you call them, just so you can see what you are in for...you can see what they did to the real victims in the Erin Brocovitsch and you can see what they did to Harry Booth, one of their main witnesses ..one of them that helped to get the class through...also you should contact the senate committee that is doing the investigation on quackenbush, and ask them to do an inquiry into the Sherman vs Allstate class action and let them know you have not heard from the class attorneys and maybe they can appoint a group of unrelated attorneys to that of the class attorneys to intervene in the case as they can't seem to handle the case load and the rights of the victims should be protected. You might relate to the senate committee and or your congressman your concerns that the longer this goes on the class rights and their pocketbooks are being seriously compromised... After all there are thousands in the class and you could be waiting around a long time if nothing is going on...You really should organize........

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Comments

I am part of the CA. class action suit against Allstate. I received a call from them concerning our property and that they were computing what they owed however I have not heard anything since. Can you tell me what the settlement date is?

Name:
Mike
E-Mail:
rather not post don't want Allstate playing Big Brother
City/State:
Burbank, California

Comments

now that Quackenbush has fallen on his own sword how is this going to affect all of us.  Some of my friends are in the class action and it seems to be the same walk and talk that they gave people the first time around.  Its almost 7 years later and nothing is being done.

Name:
Paricia Madsen
E-Mail:
 
City/State:
N. Hollywood

Comments

I heard about a place where Allstate Northridge victims meet and talk. Does anybody know where they meet, and when? Seems like a good idea and people can share their experiences.  Your site is great, and thanks.

 

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