Examanition Under Oath
An examination under oath (also known as an EUO) is a formal question and answer session between the insurance policy holder, usually the homeowner, and the insurance company's hired lawyers. Virtually all insurance policies contain a provision requiring a homeowner submit to an examination under oath if the insurance company so requests it.
What Happens At An Euo?
An EUO is very similar in many ways to a deposition, or to testifying in court. EUOs often occur at either a court reporter's office or at a law firm, and they typically will occur in a conference room. On one side of the table is the insurance company's lawyer and perhaps the insurance adjuster; on the other side of the table is the homeowner - but only one homeowner at a time! Spouses are often not permitted to sit in on each other's EUO. At the head of the table is a court reporter, who will record and type down every word said. The homeowner takes an oath of truthfulness, and the insurance company's lawyer begins asking detailed and probing questions about the homeowner and the insurance claim.
Stress
EUOs can be very stressful and very intense. Insurance company lawyers do this intentionally to see if the homeowner admits something damaging while under pressure that they can later use against the homeowner. EUOs may last anywhere from thirty minutes on the short side, to multiple full days. And almost no question is off limits. Topics of EUO questions can include:
- Questions about the sinkhole claim
- When discovered
- Who discovered
- How discovered
- How reported
- Questions about the damage
- What kind of damage
- Where is ALL damage located
- What done to repair the damage
- How long has damage existed
- Questions about the purchase of the home
- When was home purchases
- Was home inspected and by whom
- Any notations of prior or existing damage on inspection report
- Did homeowner view any damage to home at or before purchase
- Questions about neighbors
- Do any neighbors have sinkholes?
- Have any neighbors noticed damage to their property
- Any sinkhole repairs in neighborhood?
- Employment history
- Where does the homeowner work?
- Name and phone number of supervisor
- How long work there?
- Prior employment
- Questions about being hired and fired
- Housing history
- Where has homeowner lived in past?
- Rent vs. own?
- Any sinkholes at prior homes?
- Who does or has lived with homeowner?
- Personal matters
- Any criminal arrests or convictions?
- Any prior lawsuits?
- Any prior insurance claims (home, auto, life, etc.)
- Any prior bankruptcy filings?
- Medications taken prior to the EUO
Don't Be Alone!
An EUO is a very stressful, intense and dangerous situation for a homeowner to face alone. Chances are an insurance company has demanded an EUO because a red flag has been raised somewhere during your claim process, and the insurance company wants to “go fishing” for facts it can later use against you to deny your claim.
If you have received a letter from your insurance company, or a law firm representing your insurance company, in which they require you to submit to an EUO, pick up the phone right away and call the experienced attorneys at the Byrne Law Group. Attorney John Byrne will discuss your case with you, describe what an EUO is like, and provide guidance on what to expect during a FREE no cost, no obligation telephone conversation or in person meeting. The Byrne Law Group can also represent you at an EUO, sitting at your side and protecting you through the EUO process, as well as preparing you before the EUO and after.
Insurance Lawyers Hate When Homeowners Are Represented
Having an attorney at your side during an EUO is one of the best ways to protect yourself. Insurance company lawyers know they can get away with a lot more things at an EUO when a homeowner is all alone and not represented by a lawyer.
You should NEVER attend an EUO or a deposition without being represented by an experienced attorney who can properly prepare you and can protect your rights! Attorney John Byrne and the experienced sinkhole team at the Byrne Law Group are well versed at defending homeowners from EUOs and can work to protect your interests! Call John Byrne today for a FREE consultation - and don't worry about having to come up with cash to hire a lawyer - the Byrne Law Group works on a contingency fee basis, so they only get paid if they recover money for you!
Don't be afraid to make the call today! Find out the facts and start protecting yourself! Call 813-413-6565 right now!