Institutional Liability
The claims faced by institutions include non-provision of services, negligence in service provision, and physical and sexual abuse. These organizations, often established to provide education, care, aid and comfort, face difficult and unique challenges in assembling a defence. Our counsel not only provides a full and vigorous defence, but also one which reflects the insured organizations’ aims given the existing political and social climate.
From its inception, Stieber Berlach has represented institutional defendants, including religious organizations, residential schools, public and private schools and school boards, children’s aid societies, national and international charities, museums, arts organizations, long-term care facilities, and government entities.
The claims faced by institutions are varied and include employment, non-provision of services, negligence in service provision, and sexual and physical abuse. These organizations, often established to provide education, care, aid and comfort, face difficult and unique challenges in assembling a defence. Further, the claims they face often involve tragic allegations that are very much in the public domain. Our counsel not only provide a full and vigorous defence, but also one which reflects the insured organizations’ aims given the existing political and social climate.
These claims, often historic, are among the most difficult for insurers and insureds alike, as those with actual knowledge are often unavailable, policies may be lost and documents incomplete. Further, they are often started as class actions and/or multi-party actions, requiring not only a swift defence, but one strategically recognizing the uniqueness of such processes.
Stieber Berlach understands the unique demands of such claims and provides timely and accurate assessments. Our lawyers are adept at suggesting alternative routes to resolve disputes and shortening the time to resolution where appropriate, to give clients the finality they desire without sacrificing their goals.
Our expertise not limited to defending clients. We also provide coverage advice to insurers regarding claims across the country. These are often unique, troubling and complex claims spanning many years, involving many insurers, some no longer in existence. Stieber Berlach, with its wealth of experience, is able to guide clients on all coverage issues which arise.
To learn more about our practice in Institutional Liability, please contact:
