Does My Insurance Company Have to Defend Me?
When you or your business face civil claims for damages, however groundless they may seem, you face a serious threat to your tangible and intangible property, including future earnings and possibly even assets belonging to your marital and/or business partners. It is not unusual for professionals, agents, management level employees and officers and directors of companies to face individual liability as well as the need to participate in or even oversee the defense of actions brought against their business or company. Whether you face such claims individually, in a business capacity or both, you may be covered by an insurance policy if the damages relate in any way to coverage under a policy that you or your business or company holds, at least as to some of the allegations set forth. But can you depend on the insurance company to meet the costs of an attorney who can adequately represent you in the entire action?
Preparing to Meet with Your Attorney
Suing someone or being sued yourself is an extremely stressful and often times expensive process. If you are proactive and keep your attorney well informed, the experience can be less stressful and meetings with you attorney will be more efficient. The following is a list of documents you should copy and provide to your attorney if you are suing someone or being sued.
An Insurer's Duty to Defend
When you or your business face a civil lawsuit for damages, however groundless it may seem, you face a serious threat to your tangible and intangible property, including future earnings and possibly even assets belonging to your spouse and/or business partners. It is not unusual for professionals, agents, management level employees and officers or directors of companies to face individual liability, as well as the need to participate in or even oversee the defense of actions brought against their business or company. Whether you face such claims individually, in a business capacity or both, you may be covered by an insurance policy if the damages relate to coverage that you or your business holds, at least as to some of the allegations. The following document discusses an insurer's duty to defend its insured.
