Legal Proceedings – Summons and Other Legal Papers

Scope

Any University employee, officer, and volunteer in connection with certain claims and suits. 

Reason for Policy

Operational policy to notify any University employee of their responsibility regarding handling of any summons or pleading related to their employment.

Policy Statement

If an employee receives any summons or pleading in a lawsuit or other legal proceeding involving the University or involving an accident or incident occurring in the course of or arising out of employment with the University, the employee must forward the document immediately to the Office of the General Counsel. 

Definitions

Accountabilities

Additional Details

Forms

Related Information

Examples of pleadings that must be forwarded include petitions, complaints, motions or other legal papers.  If an employee has any doubt or question about the nature of a summons or pleading and whether it must be forwarded, the employee should consult the Office of the General Counsel.

The Office of the General Counsel, upon receipt of summons or pleading, will review the claim with the UM Director of Risk & Insurance Management to determine applicable insurance coverages available.

History

Formerly Business Policy Manual 712 – Summonses & Petitions (revised 9/19/1989)

Procedure