A Video Explaining How a Claims Person Should Select Counsel

Retaining an Attorney

In instances where insurance claims may entail litigation, insurers must move quickly to engage counsel. When an attorney is retained to defend a person insured, the fact should be documented in writing by the attorney, the adjuster, and the insured who is to be defended.

Before an insurer retains an attorney to represent an insured to defend an insured who has been sued for a tort the claims person should be certain the lawyer is competent to defend the insured. This can be accomplished by attending a trial conducted by the lawyer where the claims person can evaluate the lawyer’s competence at trial. If that option is not available the claims person should seek recommendations from other insurance claims professionals who have retained the lawyer in the past or the insurance company’s list of approved defense lawyers who have been evaluated by the insurer’s management.

If the attorney is being retained for the first time by the insurer, the insurer should obtain an engagement letter from the attorney setting forth the terms and conditions of the retention and signed by the attorney, the claims person, and the insured. If the attorney or law firm has an ongoing relationship with the insurer, only the person being defended need sign an engagement letter.