Claims

CONTACT A CLAIMS ATTORNEY

Reporting Claims: Simple Steps to Protect Your Coverage

We understand that the possibility of a legal malpractice claim can be overwhelming. That's why Lawyers Mutual has made the claims reporting process as straightforward and painless as possible. Here are the simple steps to follow when something goes wrong.
 

  1. Know When to Report
    Your Lawyers Mutual policy requires you to report any act or omission that might lead to a claim against you. This includes both actual and potential claims. While some situations are obvious—such as missed deadlines, default judgments, or a letter of complaint from a client—others may be less clear. Remember, you must report both meritorious and groundless claims, even if you haven't yet been sued.

Common situations to report include:

    • Missed statute of limitations.
    • Improper service or incorrect party named in a case.
    • Client complaints or State Bar grievances.
    • Title search errors or missed liens.

When in doubt, report it. It's always better to err on the side of caution.
 

  1. Report Promptly
    Reporting a claim or potential claim to Lawyers Mutual as soon as possible is essential. There are two key reasons for this: 1) Late reporting may result in a loss of coverage under your policy, and 2) early reporting can often lead to a repair of the issue, minimizing potential damage.
     
  1. Start with a Phone Call
    To begin the claims reporting process, simply call our claims staff at 800.662.8843. We’ll help guide you through the next steps. Please note, a written report is required after the phone call to ensure the claim is properly documented under your policy.
  1. Submit a Written Report
    You will be asked to provide a written narrative that summarizes 1) the nature of your representation and 2) the circumstances of the mistake. In some cases, we may request a meeting with claims counsel or a full copy of the case file.
  1. Cooperate in Your Defense
    Your policy requires you to cooperate in the claims process. Failure to do so may result in the loss of coverage. Our team is here to assist you throughout the process, so we encourage your full cooperation. At Lawyers Mutual, we’re committed to supporting you when it matters most. When you have a question about a potential or actual claim, reach out—we’re here to help.

 

Disclaimer: This information is for general reference purposes only. Lawyers Mutual does not imply coverage for any specific situation. Please refer to your policy or contact our office if you have questions about claims or coverage under your Lawyers Mutual policy.