In the context of insurance, who is usually defended in a lawsuit?

In the context of insurance, the person who is typically defended in a lawsuit is the defendant being sued for a covered loss. This refers to an insured individual or entity who has a legitimate insurance policy in place that covers the type of claim being made against them. The insurance company has a contractual obligation to provide a legal defense for their policyholder in cases where the allegations fall within the scope of the coverage.

When a lawsuit is filed, the insurance provider usually steps in to handle the legal defense for the insured, protecting them against potential financial losses or liability stemming from the claim. This defense includes hiring legal counsel, managing court proceedings, and making decisions related to the lawsuit, always aiming to mitigate the insured’s exposure to damages or judgments.

The roles of the plaintiff, insurance adjuster, and judge are different. The plaintiff initiates the lawsuit seeking damages, while the insurance adjuster primarily works to evaluate claims and determine the validity of coverage rather than directly participating in the lawsuit defense. The judge's role is to oversee the legal proceedings impartially, ensuring that the law is upheld, rather than defending either party.