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Claim Services
The Bar Plan offers Claim Services for the following coverages, Lawyers Professional Liability and Surety Bonds. |
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 Lawyers Professional Liability Claim Information |
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When do I report a claim, incident or bar complaint?
The Bar Plan should be notified immediately, in writing, upon notice of any claim or circumstances which might give rise to a claim. If you have concerns about timely reporting a new matter within the effective dates of the current policy or if there are other exigent circumstances, we encourage you to expedite reporting by making the report via fax, email or courier.
CLAIM: Under the terms of your policy, a "CLAIM means: Receipt by an Insured of a demand for money or services (including the service of suit or the institution of arbitration proceedings) against the Insured from one other than that Insured." Two or more demands arising out of a single act or omission, or a series of related acts or omissions shall be treated as a single claim.
INCIDENT: Notice of client's dissatisfaction or any set of circumstances which might give rise to a claim in the future.
BAR COMPLAINT: A grievance from the OCDC.
The Insured can send his/her report in writing (address listed below), via facsimile (number listed below), or click here to download the form.
What should I include in my report to The Bar Plan?
- A complete chronology of events leading up to such allegations;
- A "date of error" meaning the date the alleged error/misrepresentation took place; and
- "Insured's first notice" meaning the date the insured first knew of a potential problem arising from his/her representation.
What happens after I report a claim, incident or bar complaint?
Once your initial written report is received, it will be reviewed and assigned to in-house Claims Counsel who will then send a letter of confirmation, which may also seek additional facts. Once a claim or potential claim has been made, do not discuss the matter without first consulting the Claims Counsel assigned to the file. If necessary, legal counsel will be retained by The Bar Plan to represent you.
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Contact Information |
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Steven C. Couch, Vice President, x124
E-mail
Valerie L. Polites, Senior Claims Counsel, x123
E-mail
Lisa L. Von Gontard, Claims Counsel, x147
E-mail
Allison J. Price, Claims Counsel, x129
E-mail
Melissa Demmon, Claims Counsel, x127
E-mail
Janet C. Meier, Claims Assistant, x120
E-mail
Beth Halling, Paralegal, x173
E-mail
The Bar Plan Claims Department
1717 Hidden Creek Ct.
St. Louis, MO 63131
Phone: 314-965-3333
Toll Free: 800-843-2277
Fax: 314-965-8122
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Bond Claim Information |
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Is there anyone I can talk to if I have a question about the claims process?
An attorney in the Bond Claims Department will be happy to speak with you to answer any questions that you may have regarding the claims process. An attorney can be reached at 314-965-3333 or 800-843-2277.
Should I report to The Bar Plan if the estate brings a claim against my client?
If the estate brings a claim against your client, you should contact The Bar Plan immediately. The Bar Plan is supposed to receive notice of the claim from the Court; however, it is best to contact the company directly. As soon as The Bar Plan knows about a claim, the company will provide any assistance possible to reduce or eliminate your client's liability to the estate.
How do I make a claim on an appeal bond filed for the benefit of my client?
Once you have a final judgment, contact an attorney in the Bond Claims Department at 314-965-3333 or 800-843-2277. As soon as The Bar Plan has a copy of the final judgment or order, payment will be immediately sent to the court clerk in the jurisdiction of the litigation. The Bar Plan cannot release the money directly to you or your client. Additionally, The Bar Plan cannot assign a letter of credit to you or your client.
What resources does The Bar Plan provide if the estate brings a claim against my client?
The Bar Plan will do everything that it can to help reduce or eliminate your client's liability to the estate. Ultimately, The Bar Plan's interests may become adverse to your client's interests, however, initially, The Bar Plan will cooperate with you to attempt to eliminate the liability. It is in The Bar Plan's best interest to help your client since no liability against your client means that The Bar Plan will not face any liability. If the estate brings a claim against your client, contact one of the bond claims attorneys at The Bar Plan.
Does The Bar Plan offer any risk management services for principals on bonds or their attorneys?
The Bar Plan offers CLE's periodically in Probate Procedures and Attorney Malpractice as it relates to Probate, Trust and Estate Practice. We also provide guidelines for your clients on their duties as a fiduciary. A bond claims attorney will be happy to speak with you about any aspect of the bonding process. We will make every effort to help educate you and your client to prevent claims.
Can I communicate with The Bar Plan's bond claims attorneys?
Yes. Please contact Teresa Niederwimmer at 314-965-3333 x107 or 800-843-2277, or E-mail can be sent here. |
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