Mark Scruggs is senior claims counsel with Lawyers Mutual specializing in litigation, workers compensation and family law matters. You can reach Mark at 800.662.8843 or at mscruggs@lawyersmutualnc.com.

Practice Points with Mark Scruggs: Rule 36 Request for Admissions

Today’s practice point is on Rule 36 Request for Admissions. Not a month goes by that we don’t have an insured call to report that they’ve missed the deadline for responding to a Request for Admissions. That’s bad because if a Request for Admissions is not timely responded to, the reques… Read More

Practice Points with Mark Scruggs: Uninsured Motorist Claims

Today's practice point is on Uninsured Motorist claims. Now that’s uninsured motorist claims as opposed to underinsured motorist claims. There’s a big difference in the kind of notice you have to give the insurer in each situation. Practice Point number 1: Although you do not have to name the UM in… Read More

Six Tips for Newly Minted Lawyers

As the Bar Exam looms, we begin anticipating an influx of newly minted lawyers, many of them courtroom bound. As a former practicing litigation attorney, I would like to offer my top tips for newly minted lawyers, especially those who aspire to courthouse and courtroom practice. Tip #1 – Find a mentor. I… Read More

The “Dead Defendant” Problem

Hypothetical: You represent an individual in a personal injury case. The tortfeasor died six months after the accident. He had a minimum limits policy, but there are significant assets in his estate. Your client’s medical bills alone exceed the policy limits of the other tortfeasor’s liability polic… Read More

Keep That Summons Alive!

A recent case out of the North Carolina Court of Appeals underscores the importance of keeping a summons alive until you are sure you have valid service on the defendant, or until you have received an answer that does not include service-related defenses and the time for amending the answer as a matter of cours… Read More

How To Write a Good (And Ethical) Conflict Of Interest Waiver

At Lawyers Mutual, we are often asked whether we have a sample conflict of interest waiver the caller can use. Our reply is always “no,” because a conflict of interest waiver is highly specific. It must be tailored to the circumstances of the conflict. We can, however, give some guidance on the type… Read More

4 things you expect when you call a Lawyers Mutual claims attorney

 An experienced ear. All six of us have many years of experience, both as practicing lawyers and as claims attorneys for Lawyers Mutual. We've heard and seen a lot, and chances are we can help you through a rough patch. An understanding attitude. No matter how bad or embarrassed you feel about what has … Read More

What I Did on My Summer Vacation

On my summer vacation, I traveled with my wife and her mother to the Emerald Isle. No, not Emerald Isle, North Carolina, but the Republic of Ireland. I would like to share a bit of our wonderful trip with you with the hope that if you have not visited this beautiful island, you will plan a trip soon. We got ou… Read More