For many years, I labored in the "food services" division of the claim industry, dealing with pickles and jams, and helping to prepare crow for those who must dine upon that feathery black bird. Having written extensively on the subject of adjuster Error & Omission loss prevention, bad faith claims, and miscellaneous other mud puddles into which adjusters often step, I am aware of most of the mistakes we who handle claims can make.

Back when this was more vocation than avocation I would receive a frantic call from some adjuster or manager who had screwed up, and who wanted to contact the victims and apologize. No, I would suggest. Confession is good for the soul, but it can be hell on the wallet. Better wait until we see just how sour the pickle is before we squeeze the juice out of it. After all, neither the courts nor any potential plaintiffs that I know of grant absolution.

Often, after analysis, the mistake is less severe than initially anticipated, or a variety of remedies less costly than immediately draining the bank account may be available. Ethically, we must assume responsibility for our misdeeds and wrong actions but, ethically, we also owe ourselves the duty of finding the resolution that is best for all of the involved parties, including ourselves.