Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with the Partner of Wood Smith Henning & Berman, Frances OMeara. Frances' path to law was as dynamic as the cases she handled. With a background in sports, particularly basketball, she earned a scholarship to play at Stanford. However, her trajectory took a turn toward law school, leading her to specialize in insurance defense. Her story is a testament to how diverse experiences can shape a successful legal career.To learn more about Frances' work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Chris' work at SecondLook? Check out his website at https://secondlook.net/.

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with the Founding Partner of Cruser & Mitchell, Bill Mitchell. Bill's story is a testament to the power of vision and determination. Growing up as a blue-collar kid in Detroit, his future was shaped early on by his father's aspirations for his children. Despite not having a high school diploma, Bill's father envisioned successful careers for his kids: an accountant and lawyer for his brother, a doctor for his sister, and a lawyer for Bill. This early direction set Bill on a path that leads him to law school and beyond.After graduating from law school in Detroit, Bill found himself in Atlanta, working for a law firm that represented police and sheriff departments through insurance companies. This was his unexpected entry into the insurance world. He spent a decade handling civil rights cases, which were as challenging as they were thrilling, dealing with issues like excessive force and jail class actions.Bill's career took a pivotal turn when he challenged the status quo in litigation management. He shared a story about handling a case for Hartford, where he managed to get a case dismissed with prejudice voluntarily, billing only $3000 compared to the usual $80,000 to $100,000. This success demonstrated the value of early evaluation and efficient execution, principles that would become the cornerstone of his approach to law.Bill's passion for negotiation led him to author "The Disruptive Lawyers: The Little Black Book of Litigation Management" and "The Disruptive Lawyers: Little Black Book of Negotiation." These books are based on his extensive experience and discussions with claims executives, focusing on the importance of strategic planning and execution in litigation and negotiation.To learn more about Bill's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Chris' work at SecondLook? Check out his website at https://secondlook.net/.

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with the Litigation Specialist of SECURA Insurance Companies, Taylor Rawal, and the Attorney of DunbarMonroe, Chris Dunnells. Taylor has carved a niche for herself at SECURA Insurance Companies, climbing the ranks from the call center to handling litigation files. Her expertise spans personal lines, commercial lines, and specialty lines, though she candidly admits that work comp is not within her purview. On the other hand, Chris Dunnells brings a wealth of experience as a civil litigation defense attorney, with a focus on insurance defense, particularly in trucking litigation and general liability cases. Like Taylor, work comp cases fall outside his domain.The conversation naturally gravitated towards the negotiation workshop that Taylor and Chris had conducted. The workshop was designed to arm attorneys and claims adjusters with advanced tools for negotiating both litigated and pre-litigated claims. Chris underscored the fact that while these professionals may possess basic negotiation training, the workshop was tailored to refine those skills with a laser focus on claims defense and litigation management.Taylor shed light on the psychological aspects of negotiation, emphasizing the significance of understanding claimants' needs and managing emotions. She pointed out that gathering information and conducting discovery must be balanced with an appreciation for the human element involved. Chris chimed in, noting that a common hurdle for many is the discomfort with negotiation and a reluctance to adapt their negotiation style.The million-dollar question that was tackled was how to negotiate a claim to achieve the best outcome. Taylor and Chris explored the notion of creating win-win situations, where both parties walk away satisfied. They debunked the myth that the best deals leave both sides unhappy, advocating instead for settlements where all parties feel justly compensated for the injuries sustained.To learn more about Taylor and Chris' work, click HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Chris' work at SecondLook? Check out his website at https://secondlook.net/.

your host, Chris Tidball, talks with the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of First Acceptance Insurance, Sarannah McMurtry. Sarannah's career trajectory is as fascinating as it is instructive. She began in the legal field, focusing on insurance defense, coverage-related litigation, and the thorny issue of bad faith claims. Her expertise led her to a pivotal role at First Acceptance Insurance, where she now oversees legal advice and support for claims operations across various jurisdictions. Her transition from practicing law to guiding an in-house team provides a unique perspective on the insurance industry's legal challenges.To learn more about Sarannah's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Chris' work at SecondLook? Check out his website at https://secondlook.net/.

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with the Partner of Gerber Ciano Kelly Brady LLP, Kelly Petter. Like many of her peers, Kelly's entry into the insurance sector was somewhat accidental. After graduating from law school during the recession, job opportunities were scarce. She was unaware of insurance defense as a field until she received a job offer the day after her bar exam. Grateful for employment, Kelly accepted and soon found herself enamored with the intricacies of insurance coverage and defense work. Kelly's firm, primarily based in the Northeast, has a national practice, serving as national coordinating counsel for clients across the United States.To learn more about Kelly's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Chris' work at SecondLook? Check out his website at https://secondlook.net/.

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with the SVP of Sales and Marketing of DigitalOwl, Sean Allen. Sean's journey into the insurance world was quite serendipitous. Nearly three decades ago, he was asked to manage the insurance vertical at a company where he worked. Despite the industry's reputation for slow decision-making, Sean took on the challenge and has since been deeply involved in the servicing side of the business across Canada, the UK, and the USA. Sean's experience ranges from handling claims for a large PPO company with a workforce of 40,000 to dealing with the aftermath of the still-missing Malaysian airline.Throughout Sean's career, he's engaged in extensive work with Lloyd's of London and has been privy to a vast array of claims, providing him with a unique perspective on the industry's complexities and the need for innovation.To learn more about Sean's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Chris' work at SecondLook? Check out his website at https://secondlook.net/.

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with the Director of National Claims Operations of Marsh & McLennan Agency, Angela Lee. Angela's entry into the insurance world was serendipitous. After graduating college during a challenging job market, she found her first role as a claims assistant at Travelers. Here, Angela discovered her passion for the technical nuances of insurance and the profound satisfaction that comes from assisting clients during some of their most trying times.Her career trajectory is a testament to her dedication and expertise. Angela's deep dive into the technical and coverage aspects of insurance claims didn't just happen overnight. It was a journey marked by curiosity, learning, and a genuine desire to help others.To learn more about Angela's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Chris' work at SecondLook? Check out his website at https://secondlook.net/.

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with the Senior Claims Counsel of OOIDA, James Luce. OOIDA stands out as a unique organization dedicated to representing the interests of truck drivers. Unlike the Trucking Insurance Defense Association (TIDA), which focuses on trucking companies, OOIDA is committed to individual truck drivers whether they are company drivers, lease owner-operators, or independent owner-operators with their own authority. This distinction is crucial because it ensures that the specific needs and challenges of drivers are addressed and advocated for.Trucking regulations are notoriously complex, and they can vary depending on the nature of the trucking activity. While some regulations are state-specific, the federal government predominantly oversees trucking due to the interstate commerce clause in the Constitution. This is where OOIDA's expertise becomes invaluable. The association provides truck drivers with access to knowledgeable individuals who can assist with understanding and complying with these regulations, without the need for membership. From licensing and permits to insurance, OOIDA is a lifeline for drivers navigating the regulatory landscape.To learn more about James's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Chris' work at SecondLook? Check out his website at https://secondlook.net/.

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with the VP of Business Development of Paragon, Sean Garret. Sean's path to the insurance sector is as intriguing as it is inspiring. Transitioning from the hospitality industry, he found his niche in insurance, where he now plays a pivotal role at Paragon. His story is a testament to the dynamic nature of career paths and how skills from one industry can translate into success in another.One of the main topics Sean discussed was the concept of third-party deductibles. Unlike the first-party deductibles we're accustomed to in personal auto insurance, third-party deductibles introduce a receivable environment in commercial policies. This means that every time there's a claim, the insured owes a deductible to the carrier. Sean illuminated the complexities of this system, including the challenges in identifying, invoicing, and recovering these deductibles.A critical point Sean emphasized was the need for seamless communication between claim systems, policy systems, and recovery systems. This triad is essential for the efficient management of deductibles. Without it, carriers and insureds alike can face significant hurdles.To learn more about Sean's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Chris' work at SecondLook? Check out his website at https://secondlook.net/.

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with the CEO of CLM Alliance, Ronna Ruppelt. Ronna's career is a testament to the dynamic nature of the insurance industry. Her journey is filled with valuable lessons for professionals at any stage of their careers. Ronna's rise to the top echelons of the industry wasn't just about hard work and expertise; it was also about recognizing opportunities and the importance of continuous learning.The CLM is more than just an organization; it's a community where like-minded professionals converge to share knowledge, foster innovation, and drive the industry forward. Ronna eloquently described the myriad benefits of the CLM, from its educational resources to its advocacy efforts. She emphasized how the organization serves as a catalyst for its members, empowering them to excel in their respective roles.To learn more about Ronna's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Chris' work at SecondLook? Check out his website at https://secondlook.net/.

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with the Director of Carrier Engagement and Vice President of Carrier Practice of Gallagher Bassett, Caryn Siebert. Caryn's path into the insurance industry was as unexpected as fascinating. Initially aspiring to be a veterinarian, she quickly realized that fainting at the sight of blood was a clear sign that it wasn't her calling. With her father's advice, she explored politics and law, which eventually led her to claims. Caryn's career trajectory is a testament to the serendipitous nature of life – from outside counsel to in-house assistant general counsel, and finally, to a chief claims officer. Her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, our best-laid plans lead us to destinations we never intended, yet where we're meant to thrive.To learn more about Caryn's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Chris' work at SecondLook? Check out his website at https://secondlook.net/.

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with the President and CMO of Domestic & General Group, Gayle Terry. At its core, Domestic & General Group is dedicated to protecting the appliances you depend on daily. From washing machines and dishwashers to consumer electronics and HVAC systems, they offer extended warranties that ensure your home runs smoothly. Their policies are comprehensive, covering everything from accidental damage to breakdowns, and they pride themselves on a customer-first approach, eschewing small print and deductibles for straightforward coverage.Gayle explained that Domestic & General Group is a vertically integrated business, meaning they handle every aspect of appliance protection. This includes organizing repairs, administering policies, and replacing appliances that can't be fixed. They've built their policies around listening to customers' needs and expectations, which is evident in their flexible payment options. Instead of a lump sum, customers can pay monthly, maintaining protection as long as they continue their payments.When asked how Domestic and General differentiates itself from competitors, Gayle highlighted their customer-focused ethos. With a century of credibility and partnerships with household names, they prioritize customer satisfaction and solutions. Their claims statistics are impressive, with over 99% of claims accepted, 75% of appliances repaired on the first visit, and less than 1% complaints per policy.To learn more about Gayle's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Chris' work at SecondLook? Check out his website at https://secondlook.net/.

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with the CEO of CLM Alliance, Ronna Ruppelt. Insurance wasn't always the career path Rana Rupal had envisioned. During our conversation, Rupal shared how a job at an insurance defense firm during law school led to a fulfilling career that she hadn't anticipated. After practicing law for several years and working in-house at various insurance carriers, Rupal found herself as the general counsel and head of claims at a carrier. The leap to CEO of CLM was an unexpected turn that proved to be her dream job.For those unfamiliar with CLM, Rupal provided a succinct overview. The Claims and Litigation Management Alliance is the leading association dedicated to connecting industry professionals. CLM's mission is to educate and provide a collaborative space for members to discuss and innovate within the realms of claims and litigation management.To learn more about Ronna's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Chris' work at SecondLook? Check out his website at https://secondlook.net/.

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with the President of TEACH Insurance Resources and serves on the Board of Directors at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Tim Nee. Tim's career began in management consulting, but he eventually found his calling in insurance. He honed his skills as a product manager at Progressive and Liberty before taking the entrepreneurial leap and starting a training company. One of the biggest challenges Tim faces as the owner of an insurance company is staffing. With a low unemployment rate, finding the right people and getting them interested in insurance is a tough task. Tim is a firm believer in mentorship and emphasizes the importance of being in the office for development and leadership.The insurance industry is evolving, and Tim predicts some significant changes in the next 5 to 10 years. One major change is the shift in demographics, with younger generations preferring technology over human interaction when it comes to insurance. This will drive major carriers to adapt their distribution models and potentially lead to a consolidation of the market.To learn more about Tim's work, click HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Chris' work at SecondLook? Check out his website at https://secondlook.net/.

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with Matt Sutika, Founder and CEO of Obie Insurance. Obie is all about protecting you and your investment for landlords and real estate investors. Obie sells insurance without paper applications or confusing processes with the best industry rates that are right for you.To learn more about Matt's work, click HERE.If you'd like to be a guest on Insurance Claims Innovation, click HERE.

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with Ty Andreson, a Claims Adjustor with Bluefire Insurance. Bluefire Insurance aspires to be the only MGA of its kind. The company was formed from a network of agencies that offered a wide variety of innovative insurance solutions in multiple states. The talented professionals at Bluefire deliver amazing claims handling and top-notch, personalized service. Bluefire strives to be the most trusted source of insurance solutions, so their customers can have peace of mind. To learn more about Ty's work, click HERE.To view Ty's LinkedIn, click HERE.If you'd like to be a guest on Insurance Claims Innovation, click HERE.

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with Insurance Lawyer at MWL Law, Gary Wickert. Gary L. Wickert is an insurance trial lawyer and partner with the law firm of Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C. Gary has nearly four decades of litigation experience and is regarded as one of the world’s leading experts on insurance subrogation. He is the author of several subrogation books and legal treatises and is a national and international speaker and lecturer on subrogation and motivational topics.To learn more about Gary's work, click here.If you'd like to be a guest on Insurance Claims Innovation, click HERE.

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with team leader at WTW, Teresa Carmody. WTW provides data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital that make your organization more resilient, motivate your workforce, and maximize performance. They work directly beside you, bringing diverse points of view and a deep commitment to your success.To learn more about WTW, click here.If you'd like to be a guest on Insurance Claims Innovation, click HERE.

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with founder and CEO of Authentic 4D, Jorey Chernett. Authentic 4D is a fast and cost-effective method for carriers to perform Independent Medical Exams. They provide unprecedented 3D visualization and image analysis of multi–dimensional digital images acquired from medical imaging equipment.To learn more about Jorey's work click HEREIf you'd like to be a guest on Insurance Claims Innovation, click HERE

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with Mike Fiato of Liberty Mutual Insurance. Liberty Mutual is an insurance company, you might have seen the commercials. They are there to insure and protect anything you own, home, auto, life. Being the 6th largest insurance company means they care and professional about finding the right insurance plans for you.To learn more about Mike's work, visit https://www.libertymutual.com/If you'd like to be a guest on Insurance Claims Innovation, click HERE