In these difficult economic times, it seems like everyone is under pressure to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and increase effectiveness. One step in the right direction is for claims professionals to truly partner with their defense counsel. Below are five tips for fostering a mutually beneficial partnership.

Communication

One way to increase efficiency and effectiveness is for claims professionals and their defense counsel to communicate early and often. Opening the lines of communication allows the claims representative and counsel to discuss expectations and helps ensure that the claims representative's expectations are met. It also provides an opportunity for claims professionals to clarify their case-handling preferences. For example, advising defense counsel of your preferred mode of communication (i.e. email versus standard mail) early on in the case will help reduce the chance that you will be inundated with hard copies of documents that you don't want or need.