This course focuses on one of the most specialized areas of litigation; suits against licensed professionals, doctors, lawyers, engineers, architects, etc. The personal and professional consequences of such suits increase the intensity of the litigation. Add the fact that insurance policies for professionals, unlike other liability policies, often provide that the insured must approve any settlement, and the atmosphere surrounding these suits can become supercharged.

This course analyzes the elements and requirements of negligence claims against licensed professionals. The course explores substantive tort and contract law causes of action and defenses such as non- party at fault and the economic loss doctrine. Respondeat superior and its applicability to these cases, as well as developing concepts set forth in Section 56 of the Restatement (Third) of the Law Governing Lawyers, are also considered. The course also explores the impact that a claim of professional negligence has with the professional’s licensing board.

In addition to exploring the legal issues commonly experienced in claims against all licensed professionals, the course also addresses important practical issues that face the trial attorney such as insurance coverage, statute of limitations, statute of repose and claims in excess of the insurance policy limits.

Additional Information:
Credit Hours: 1
Grading Option: Pass/Fail Only
Graduation Writing Requirement: No
Flexible/Upper-Level Writing Requirement: No
Skills Requirement: No
Simulation Course: No
Experiential Learning: No
Seminar: No
Special Withdrawal Course: No
Final Exam Given: Yes
Final Exam Type: In-Class - Completely Secure
Attendance Policy: Per Statement Of Student Policies

* The law school has a policy that is used to calculate credit hours. Please see the Statement of Student Policies.