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 professionals at SinkTeam. SinkTeam will discuss your claim 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. SinkTeam can put you in touch with experienced Sinkhole lawyers who can represent you during your EUO, and SinkTeam’s adjusters can even sit in on the EUO with you.

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.

An EUO is like a deposition - a homeowner needs an attorney.  PA's can attend but cannot talk/represent during EUO b/c that would be the unlicensed practice of law. Anybody going to an EUO needs a lawyer. Don't be afraid to make the call today! Find out the facts and start protecting yourself! Call 813-435-1616 right now!