What should I report?
- Claim
- Potential Claim
- Grievance
You need to report to WILMIC any circumstance, act, error or omission arising from the rendering of professional services that a reasonably prudent lawyer might expect to become the basis of a claim, potential claim or grievance, regardless of its merits.
When should I report?
- Report a matter when you first become aware of it
How do I report?
Many policyholders call our claims attorneys, Brian Anderson or Matt Beier, about a claim, potential claim or grievance, then follow up with a letter.
Reporting options include:
- Mail your report to: 725 Heartland Trail, Suite 300, Madison, WI 53717
- Fax your report to : (608) 824-1701
- Email: brian@wilmic.com or matt@wilmic.com
- Use our website: www.wilmic.com Click on “Report a Claim”
- Call: (800) 373-3839 or (608) 824-1700
When reporting a claim, potential claim or grievance, include:
- Your firm name
- Name of lawyer(s) involved
- Claimant/grievant name
- Date of alleged error
- Date you first become aware of the matter
- Description of claimant/grievant’s allegations
- Your description of the matter, including potential damages, if known
What will happen after I report?
After reviewing your report, our claims staff will work with you to determine a course of action to resolve the claim or potential claim. Your knowledge of the client, the circumstances surrounding your representation, and the substantive area of law will help us find a responsible solution.
Depending on the circumstances, the next step may be to:
- Collect more information
- Hire an expert to review the matter
- Attempt to repair the matter
- Settle the matter
- Select a defense attorney
- Wait for further developments
We will not settle a claim without your consent. (If you refuse to consent to a settlement that we consider appropriate, some other conditions apply. Please see your policy.) Likewise, you will have the opportunity to review any letters sent to the client denying the claim. You will be involved in all major decisions related to your claim.
What happens when a claim becomes a lawsuit?
Only a small percentage of the matters reported to us develop into lawsuits. If that happens, we will retain counsel to defend you. Your attorney will work closely with you and us. Please call our claims staff any time you have questions about your claim.
What should I avoid doing when I know of a matter?
In the interest of resolving your claim and protecting you defenses, we ask that you talk with us before:
- Admitting negligence
- Discussing your matter or corresponding with anyone other than our staff or your defense attorney
- Attempting to settle the claim on your own
Why timely reporting is crucial
Failure to report a claim or potential claim during the policy period in which you first became aware of it may result in forfeiture of your coverage.
A claim or potential claim that is reported early frequently can be “repaired”. Our claims staff will work with you to find ways to reduce damages or mitigate a claim before it develops into a lawsuit.
Our commitment to you
You purchased professional liability insurance to give you peace of mind and to protect you clients and your financial security in the event of a malpractice claim. With Wisconsin Lawyers Mutual, you receive insurance coverage plus the services of a claims staff devoted to giving prompt and personal attention to your concerns. Please call us any time you have a question about an actual or potential claim.