A: The lawyer for the person filing the lawsuit ("plaintiff") will give your ministry two documents: the complaint (a description of the lawsuit) and the summons (a request for your response). Generally, you have 20-30 days to file an answer depending on your state requirements.
Because of this time requirement, it is imperative that you provide the lawsuit to your agent or a Brotherhood Mutual representative immediately. Covered lawsuits will be given to our attorneys to file an answer on your behalf and begin the defense of your ministry.
If you fail to notify your agent or a Brotherhood Mutual representative and an answer isn't filed within the time limit, the plaintiff may obtain a default judgment. When a court enters a default judgment, it means that the plaintiff wins by default, and the defendant (the person against whom the lawsuit was filed) usually has little opportunity to defend its actions at that point, even if it did nothing to cause the alleged injuries or damages.