Professional indemnity insurance

[Quetzals]

Hoping someone can put my mind at
rest as I'm spiralling a bit.

I'm a Scottish solicitor. I've received a complaint (not by a client, but a third party - think disappointed beneficiary but it's not those circumstances - different practice area). They are talking about raising a civil claim against me. Now, their complaint is completely vexatious and my file has been reviewed by several Partners all of whom are reassuring me it'll be fine. Unfortunately I suffer from terrible anxiety and my mind is just going to the worst case scenarios.

If they did "sue me" I understand the firm's insurers would handle it all. My question is, could there be any situation where the insurers then pursued me for their costs?

I know how stupid all this sounds written out but I've just been diagnosed with a life changing illness and I think this complaint has pushed my anxiety over the edge! I am seeing a psychologist but my next appointment isn't for a few weeks.

The very experienced and qualified partners have said it will be fine. The company is insured and they will handle it. That's what the firm pays their insurance premium for. I worked in a law firm for many years and I never heard of any lawyer being personally pursued for money, and there were always complaints in all areas of the practice. I also worked in financial services and again even with the partners the insurance would deal with any such complaint. It doesn't sound like you actually did anything wrong though so I think it's all gesturing from a disgruntled person who has suffered in some way through your client's legal action. I'm not an expert and I don't know if any of this applies in Scotland however nobody would become a lawyer would they if people could sue them financially willy nilly every time they didn't like the outcome. Focus on your health right now, liaise with HR and believe the partners!

The firm's insurance will have their own lawyers who will fight your corner. They'll probably ask you to hand over all the information you have on the case, then they'll take it from there.

They will cover any financial payments, if there are any. It's obviously stressful but happens all the time.

The only scenario where I could possibly conceive of the insurers coming after you would be if you had been actively fraudulent, grossly negligent, or intentional in your actions to cause the firm liability. I'm thinking of intentionally falsifying documents type situation. Even then, unless you are massively rich pursuing you would be probably be throwing good money after bad.

You really don't need to worry. It's horrible to be in this situation but some people are arses and it sounds like the experienced partners have your back here. Do try and listen to them rather than catastrophizing.