Insurance Protection for the Professional Man IT is not at

all unusual to find reported in the daily Press eases where professional men are being sued for damages for some alleged neglect of duty or wrongful advice. It may be in the majority of such cases that the claimant is unable to prove his allegations, and judgment is given for the defendant with costs, but it frequently happens that the costs of the defence, usually substantial in amount, cannot be recovered from the plaintiff.

THE LITIGIOUS MANIAC.

There are unfortunately in existence to-day a certain number of persons suffering from a kind of litigious mania, and woe betide the unfortunate professional man who innocently agrees to act for such a person. Not so long ago a case was before the Courts in which the plaintiff (a woman) was appearing in person. Whilst it was apparent from the beginning that she had no real cause or justification for complaint, the Judge evidently considered it his duty to give her every possible latitude, with the consequence that a number of irrelevant ques- tions were introduced, and the case dragged on for several days, during which time costs were mounting up. Even- tually the verdict was a complete vindication of the defendant's actions; and the judgthent'provided that the costs, amounting to some hundreds of pounds, were to be paid by the plaintiff, who, however, was quite unable to pay them.

Tim NON-CONTESTED CLAIM.

Apart from the: eases which come into Court, there are a number of claims which are compromised, and more espeCially where it is felt that some accidental oversight. or negligence may be 'proved on the part of an assistant, for which, according to the law, the principal is held responsible.

Tun NEED FOR PROTECTION.

Having regard to the very high pressure at which so many professional men have to work in the present day, and the complex system of modern life, it is a marvel that their work should be conducted so efficiently and with so few mistakes. In view, however, of the fact that even the most efficient may _err, and that a comparatively simple oVersight May lead to a-serious law case, it-Would appear a necessity for all professional men to have some satisfactory form of protection. ..

Certain of the professions have established their own defence unions, whilst. the insurance companies and underwriters have not been behind in drawing up special Ibinis of insurance to cover the risks involved. It is not possible in a short article to elaborate very fully the full terms and conditions of the various forms of policy, but the following short summary may prove of interest to the reader.

ACCOUNTANTS' INDEMNITY.

A special form of policy is in use indemnifying the assured against all sums for which he may become legally liable (liability under contract excepted) for compensation and litigation expenses in defending any claim made upon him in respect of any act of neglect, default or error on the part of the partners or their servants the conduct of their business as accountants. The preiniums charged vary . with the amount insured and the total number of partners and audit clerks.

SOLICITORS' INDEMNITY POLICY.

A solicitors' indemnity policy has become popular since the coming of the recent Property Act. This Act in many instances completely upset the previous procedure as'- o conveyancing, with the result that solicitors of many years' standing had to make a special study of the whole procedure. Many - of them-felt that with all the caption possible pitfalls might still arise, and welcomed, therefore, a 'form of insurance under which .they might bd protected iin the event of an error being made. The policy form follows very closely that used in the case of the accountants, and the premiums are calculated on a similar basis. DOCTORS' INDEMNITY POLICV.

A medical man is often called on to diagnose scone obscure case at _short notice, when.an important decision as to operation or otherwise- has to -be decided on the spot. Can_ it_ be wondered that from time to :time the decision may prove to have been wrong, although givt in all good faith ? • It seems doubly hard that in such a case the frequently over-worked doctor should, be called upon to undergo the anxiety and expense of litigation, even although in the long run the plaintiff may fail to prove any actual negligence. In such -a-case 'a policy of indemnity mr: prove a very useful alleviation from any financial worn, DRUC:101STS' INDEMNITY z POLICY.

It is comparatively, easy tor kehentist or his assistant in the rush and- hurry of business to: Make an error in making up a prescription; -although itynust be admitted that the number of such cases reported in the Press is com- paratively - On- the. other hand, -a-slight mistake with some of the drits -prekeribed -may- result in serious consequences ; althangIL anxiety in such cases cannot be protected against, _the financial worry can he alleviated by insurance. - _- STOCKBROKERS' INDEMNITY.

-A stockbroker may quite unwittingly put forward for registration, or be an innocent intermediary in connexion with, a stolen or forged security. 'This is a risk which he can insure against in a policy which also covers other risks, such as _ burglary, fire_ or theft of securities belonging to -himself or -his Cliente.

• INSURANCE BROKERS.

Even an insurance broker runs a risk in his everyday business of placing insurances whereby he- may he liable for an action of negligence, and here again the under- writers are prepared to provide reasonable insurance protection. GEORGE M. WYATT.