The most common LAWPRO claims and how to avoid them...The most common errors and how to avoid them...

The most common LAWPRO claims and how to avoid them

Dan Pinnington VP, Claims Prevention & Stakeholder Relations

Lawyers’ Professional Indemnity Company

LSUC Oatley McLeish 2017March 31, 2017

Agenda

• Claims trends• Most common errors• Strategies for avoiding

claims• Questions

Area of law trends

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

Claims Count by Area of Law

Litigation

Real Estate

Corporate

Wills/Estates

Family

$0

$5,000,000

$10,000,000

$15,000,000

$20,000,000

$25,000,000

$30,000,000

Claims Cost by Area of Law

Litigation

Real Estate

Corporate

Wills/Estates

Family

Incurred costs2015-16 are “green”

The most common errors

Plaintiff litigation claims (2006 to 2016)

Defence litigation claims (2006 to 2016)

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

Causes of Litigation Claims by Count

Time Management

Communications

Inadequate Investigation

Error of Law

Clerical

Conflict of Interest

Other

The most common errors and how to avoid them

Limitation periods!!

• Limitations Act, 2002• 2 years to commence MVA action

– Subject to discoverability• Accident Benefits

– Licensing Appeal Tribunal deadlines • Shorter notice periods

– Municipal Act– s.33 of Public Transportation and Highway

Improvement Act

CivPro 101

• Must serve within 6 months of issuing

• Notice of Intent gives you 30 days to issue Statement of Claim

• Missing other deadlines• Dealing with multiple parties

when counterclaims, crossclaims etc.

New Rule 48.14

• New automatic dismissal of court files 5 years after commencement– Without notice! – Pre-2012 matters dismissed January 1, 2017– 5 year rolling window going forward

The biggest dangers

• Languishing files– Minimal damages or issues with liability

• Clusters of claims– Overwhelmed juniors– Lawyers with personal issues– Unexpected hiatus (health issues)– Files left behind by departing lawyers

Prevent Rule 48 claims• Use tickler systems!!• Keep files moving!!• Review

– Inactivity reports– Trust fund reports

• Rule 48 Transition Toolkit– File progress plan

• Practicepro.ca/rule48– FAQs

Not controlling client expectations

• Discuss terms of retainer– See LAWPRO precedent

• Be forthright and clear on process, timing, outcome, costs

• Don’t sugar coat damages• Explain cost consequences• Document communications

on these things

Allegations of improvident settlements

• Document advice to client and directions you received– Remember FLA claimants

• Give client breakdown including “take home” amounts and how your fees will be paid

• Get court approval if minors involved

Not digging deep enough

• Understand causation• Name all and proper parties…

– Obtain and read the police report– Corporate searches– Property searches

• Obtain clinical notes and records to work-up damages

• Get experts you need

Not getting all the necessary and correct parties

• Not suing driver of own vehicle• Not naming correct doctor

– Get the clinical notes and records early• Not naming proper insurer due to an

unidentified, uninsured or underinsured claim (OPCF 44R)

• Not naming FLA claimants• Don’t forget other third parties

Accident Benefits

• Application and appeal deadlines!• Claim for the right benefits

– Get documentation to support• Making correct election on care-giver vs.

non-earner benefits

Cyber dangers

• Sending email to wrong person• Bad cheque frauds• Redirection of settlement funds via hacked

email account

• Phishing• Sloppy use of passwords

Carefully evaluate files before taking them on

• Minimal damages• Complex liability issues• Re-evaluate if things change

Conclusion

• Move your files along• Watch limitation periods and deadlines!• Control client expectations• Take time to dig deeper and get details• Document your file

Litigation claims malpractice fact sheet

Questions please!!

www.lawpro.ca

www.lawpro.ca/excess www.practicepro.ca

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