Will my former employer’s insurance company be required to represent meregarding a work related accident case?
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Will my former employer’s insurance company be required to represent meregarding a work related accident case?
I worked at a snow plow company that is being sued for a slip and fall. I have since left the company and no longer work at the company. This lawsuit started well before I left. I was the forman on the site so I will be involved until this is over. Could I be required to get my own lawyer?
Asked on August 8, 2011 Minnesota
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If you are being sued personally, you *definitely* need your own lawyer--and that would be true even if you were still employed at that company. A company's attorney will ONLY defend an employee who has been named in a lawsuit if contractual (i.e. in a union or employement agreement) obligated to do so; otherwise, the attorney only represents the company.
If you are not named as a party to the suit--i.e. you are not being sued--you do not need an attorney. That said, if you could afford one, it would be handy to consult with one to confirm if you do have any liability exposure, to advise you on what to say--or not say (for example; if you are deposed, it's good to have a lawyer with you)--etc.; but strickly speaking, unless you are named in the suit, you do not need an attorney.
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