How to Know When to Give Up and Move On: A Public Adjuster's Reflection on a Hard-Earned Lesson

At Rome Public Adjusting, we believe every claim is a journey toward restoration—not just of property, but of peace and dignity for those we serve. Rooted in the principle that People Are For Caring, we advocate with all our heart, gathering every piece of evidence, challenging every denial, and fighting for what is fair and just. But sometimes, the most courageous act is knowing when to accept the truth revealed and release the struggle.

Consider a homeowner we’ll call Elena, whose roof suffered damage from a spring storm. The roof was 14 years old, covered in discontinued shingles. Initial lab reports suggested incompatibility with modern replacements, and a contractor's test video showed the material cracking under gentle handling—strong indicators that full replacement was needed. We built a compelling case: detailed estimates, formal demands, escalations, and persistent negotiation with the insurer. For months, we pushed forward, believing the evidence supported our position.

Then came the independent engineering report. The insurer hired a respected firm to conduct a thorough on-site inspection. Their engineers physically tested the shingles and found them pliable and serviceable—capable of targeted insert repairs by a skilled contractor. The videos and photos we submitted did not prove irreparability. Leaks were attributed to age, installation, and debris, not the storm. The manufacturer’s own guidance allowed mixing new and old shingles if dimensions matched, with caution for crack risk—but without prohibiting repairs.

After prayerful review, we accepted these findings. The truth was clear: the roof was repairable. Continuing the fight would have prolonged uncertainty, added stress, and pursued an outcome unsupported by the independent evidence. So we guided Elena to closure on the storm claim, releasing it with gratitude for the clarity.

How to Know When to Give Up and Move On

This experience taught us profound lessons—lessons we share with humility, as they apply to any claim:

When Independent Evidence Speaks Clearly

An impartial expert report, after full review, carries weight. If it counters your strongest arguments with objective facts (like pliability testing showing flexibility where brittleness was claimed), it often signals the truth has been revealed. Chasing further may lead to unnecessary hardship.

When Pursuit Risks More Harm Than Good

Prolonged contention can delay repairs, increase anxiety, and strain relationships. If the evidence no longer supports escalation, moving on allows focus on practical healing—repairs, supplements for other issues, or new coverage.

When the Cost Outweighs the Benefit

Contingency-based work means no fee without recovery, but emotional and time costs are real. When the independent facts align with repairability (not replacement), accepting that frees you to rebuild.

When Peace Becomes the Greater Good

True restoration is not always maximum recovery—it's harmony for the whole person. As in the lives of the saints, sometimes acceptance brings the deepest freedom. The truth sets us free (John 8:32), even when it tempers our hopes.

At RomePA, we never recommend lawsuits as our path. We prioritize negotiation, documentation, and advocacy for fair, equitable settlements—always within moral, ethical, and legal bounds. If new evidence emerges (e.g., a second independent engineer proving irreparability through controlled testing), we stand ready to revisit. But in Elena's case, we chose peace, knowing the fight had served its purpose: illuminating truth.

If you're facing a claim that feels endless, remember: giving up isn't defeat when it's surrender to truth. It's wisdom. We are here to walk with you—caring, guiding, and seeking justice together.

In Christ, with compassion,

Fr. David of Rome

Rome Public Adjusting

www.romepa.com