Getting a claim is never a good feeling, but it is important to know that the insurance companies are there to assist and make the best of the claims process as possible.
Has your firm received a verbal or written demand for money or services? If so your first step is to report this to your insurance agent or the insurance company. The initial written or verbal demand is what the insurance company will need to open a claim file.
The next step in the claims process is that the insurance company will have a claims counsel contact your firm’s primary contact on the claim to discuss the situation. They will then ask for additional information, starting with the contract and any communication that was received with the demand. Depending on the situation, the claims counsel will then determine the attorney that will be used to represent your firm.
The attorney will then be in contact with your firm’s primary contact to determine the next steps on the demand. Your firm will then be working with the attorney directly and the claims counsel and your insurance agent are also there to assist, if needed. This is the discovery phase of the claim, to determine your firm’s part in the claim, if any at all. Your firm’s attorney will then make a determination on how to respond to the demand. There are several approaches that can happen at this point and that will be between your firm and the attorney on the claim.
Mostly it is important for your firm to know that the insurance company and attorney are there to help and your firm’s cooperation is needed in this process.
If your firm has any questions with regards to the claims process for professional liability please call, or email, your Professional Underwriter agent for assistance.