Marlin & Edmondson, P.C. v. National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA.

Court Rules on Insurance Notice Requirements

This case involved a dispute between a law firm (Marlin & Edmondson) and an insurance company (National Union Fire Insurance) over a professional liability insurance policy. The law firm had a "claims-made" insurance policy, which only covers claims if the insurance company is properly notified within specific time limits. When a claim was made against the law firm, they notified their insurance broker but failed to directly notify the insurance company itself.

The trial court initially ruled in favor of the law firm, but the appeals court reversed this decision. The appeals court found that telling the insurance broker was not the same as properly notifying the insurance company directly. Under the terms of the claims-made policy, the law firm was required to give notice directly to the insurance company, not just to their broker.

What this means for workers: If you have professional liability insurance or other workplace insurance policies, carefully read the notification requirements. When you need to file a claim, make sure you notify the insurance company directly, even if you also tell your broker or agent. Don't assume that telling one party automatically counts as proper notice to another. Following exact policy requirements protects your coverage.