Claims Defense from the Attorney’s Perspective

By Gregory N. Ziegler, Esq.

When a claim is made, counsel is retained by the professional liability insurance carrier to defend the claim. Defense counsel is experienced in defending design professionals and will work on behalf of the architect. Resolving a complaint requires a collaborative effort between the architect and attorney. The attorney’s role is twofold. First and most obviously, the attorney helps guide the architect through all legal matters associated with the case. Secondly, he or she presents the factual issues of the matter in a light that is most favorable to the architect. The architect can greatly assist the attorney in both these roles.