Erica Reed

Unifying Stakeholders in the Claims Value Chain

State Approved CE Credits:FL NC TX

Tuesday 3:30 - 4:30
Wednesday 1:30 - 2:30

Rob Hanson, CCO, Accuserve Solutions
Hunter Powell, CEO, Accuserve Solutions
Erica Reed, VP Construction Operations, Elite Claim Solutions

Explore the existing pain points and challenges faced by Insurance Carriers, Policyholders, and Contractors in the property claims process

Showcase the tangible benefits that arise from unifying stakeholders in the property claims value chain

Demonstrate how Accuserve has effectively brought together Insurance Carriers, Policyholders, and Contractors to deliver trusted, timely, and expert-quality solutions

Gregory Reed

Medical Damages in Bodily Injury Claims

State Approved CE Credits:FL NC OK TX

Tuesday 1:30 - 3:00
Wednesday 3:30 - 5:00

Gregory Reed, JD, Shareholder, Simon, Reed & Salazar, P.A.

Gain detailed information and perspectives on specific, core issues that routinely and significantly impact the medical damages aspect of BI claims. This will assist professionals, in both pre-suit and post-litigation contexts, in evaluating and, as applicable, defending that aspect of these claims. Attendees’ experience participating in this session will be broadly broken into two areas – medical causation and economic medical damages.Specifically, attendees will identify things to look for/ways of considering or looking for in the first place, positive versus negative facts on medical causation for claimed injuries. This will include broadening horizons as to things that may be beyond the most obvious of positives (existence of prior injuries claimed area[s]) on causation.

Examine the contours of particular, more detailed “causation problem” fact patterns, i.e. how to think of and/or deal with a case without any obvious positive fact on causation, and the means of effectively evaluating/arguing a case on causation grounds when in reality the available argument is that “there was/is nothing wrong with the claimant” (so they are treating for money or allowing doctors to do their thing).

Analyze the framework for determining (and therefore including evaluating a claim ahead of time) the real measure of likely-admissible claimed economic medical damages, past and future. This will include a comparative survey of some representative/significant jurisdictions’ applicable framework for past medicals, in light of Florida’s March 2023 comprehensive tort reform statute.

Learn to evaluate and attack “life care plans” and other means by which the claimants’ side attempts to use UNreal numbers.

Christopher M. Reilly

Condominium Losses: Navigating Property Damage and Liability

State Approved CE Credits:DE FL NH NC TX

Tuesday 10:30 - 12:00
Wednesday 3:30 - 5:00

Yea Ji Lee, Asst. Property Claims Supv., Amica Mutual Group
Christopher M. Reilly, JD, Partner, Sloane and Walsh, LLP

Highlight nuances of handling first-party and third-party condominium claims under homeowners’/unit owners’ policies

Recognize interplay of condominium association documents, lease agreements, insurance policies, and applicable state laws

Distinguish and allocate responsibilities of parties: owner, tenant, condominium association, multiple insurers, other third parties

Christine M. Renella

Weather Experts in Claims: So Many Perils

State Approved CE Credits:DE FL NH NC OK TX

Monday 1:30 - 3:00
Wednesday 8:30 - 10:00

Howard Altschule, CEO, Certified Meteorologist, Forensic Weather Consultants
Leonardo Garzon, PE, Managing Dir.-Latin America, McLarens
Christine M. Renella, JD, Partner, Zelle LLP

Learn about the role of Forensic Meteorologists and how getting reliable site-specific weather reports early in the claims stage can help adjusters conduct a prompt and thorough investigation and help make the proper determination of cause and scope of the loss. Wind speeds, hail sizes, and rainfall amounts can change over short distances and how having accurate, site-specific weather historical information after each event can play major role in the claims resolution process.

Learn how engineers and adjusters use metrological data to conduct building envelope, roof, and cause and origin investigations—including the use of 3D Building information Modeling (BIM).

Understand the scope of investigate tools available under the “duties after loss” section of an insurance policy and how counsel can assist the adjustment team in discovering the information needed to investigate losses; including inspections, requests for information, proofs of loss, and examinations under oath.

Learn how to ensure the quality of the claims investigation will satisfy Daubert’s reliability factors, including: (1) whether the expert’s technique or theory can be or has been tested—that is, whether the expert’s theory can be challenged in some objective sense, or whether it is instead simply a subjective, conclusory approach that cannot reasonably be assessed for reliability; (2) whether the technique or theory has been subject to peer review and publication; (3) the known or potential rate of error of the technique or theory when applied; (4) the existence and maintenance of standards and controls; and (5) whether the technique or theory has been generally accepted in the scientific community.

Geoffrey J. Repo

Third-Party Bad Faith Claims: Emerging Issues

State Approved CE Credits:FL NH NC TX

Monday 10:30 - 12:00
Tuesday 10:30 - 12:00

Geoffrey J. Repo, , Partner, Gordon & Rees, LLP
Kevin Willging, JD, Executive Counsel, Travelers Companies

Spot warning signs of bad faith exposure in third-party contexts

Review emerging bad faith issues and trends in the third-party claims

Identify warning signs of bad faith "set-ups" by third-party claimants and develop responsive action plans

Gina Reyes

Building Inclusive, Diverse, and Equitable Leadership Roles

Tuesday 3:30 - 4:30

Trisha Barhorst, VP, PL Claims Property, Nationwide Group
Jessica Hamilton, SVP Sales & Business Dev., Eberl Claims Service
Michelle Licht, VP Sales, ALE Solutions
Baer Philipbar, CPCU, AVP Property Claims Manager, W. R. Berkley Group
Gina Reyes, VP of Claims, Openly Insurance Company

This panel discussion delves into the vital aspects of recognizing women's experience, talent, and acumen as fundamental attributes for leadership roles. Participants will explore strategies for garnering support from board leaders, securing sponsors and advocates, and promoting diversity by including the best diverse women in leadership positions. This discussion also emphasizes the celebration of male allies who contribute to building pipelines for women leaders and highlights the significance of celebrating successful women as role models and advocates. Participants will also examine the importance of equal compensation and learn about opportunities to join women's organizations dedicated to advancing positions, pay, and equal power for all women.

Joseph Riley

Large Multifamily Structural Water Losses

State Approved CE Credits:FL NC

Monday 3:30 - 5:00
Wednesday 8:30 - 10:00

Alex Mavrelis, IH & IEQ Practice Director, Gallagher Bassett Tech. Svcs.
Joseph Riley, , General Adjuster, Gallagher Bassett Tech. Svcs.
Donald Rondy, Senior Project Professional, Gallagher Bassett Tech. Svcs.

Understand the Stages of the Assessment and Restoration Process – discussion of the roles of the various parties, avoiding conflicts of interest, and the terms and conditions of water losses

Review Restoration Project Oversight and Clearance Inspections – driving the restoration process through rapid response, repeated assessments and mapping, area by area clearance, and cooperation between consultants and contractors in order to reduce overall project costs

Learn about Water Loss Project Documentation – compiling the moisture mapping, field and photographic documentation, dates and timelines, testing results, and clearance criteria into a single deliverable

Mike Rimoldi

Building Codes: A Critical Look

State Approved CE Credits:FL NC TX

Monday 10:30 - 12:00
Tuesday 3:30 - 5:00

Joey Lang, Chief Operating Officer, Cat Claims Unlimited
Mike Rimoldi, MOA, CBO, CBC, CFM, Senior Project Manager, J.S. Held LLC

Interpret building codes to apply to various claims

Determine which questions to ask when dealing with building code supplements

Describe how the FEMA 50% Rule and the Roofing 25% Rule work

Determine which building code book and new construction codes apply to a structure and how they interact

Andy Rock

Mediation Techniques & Strategies that Work

State Approved CE Credits:FL NH NC OK TX

Monday 3:30 - 5:00
Wednesday 8:30 - 10:00

Michael Pritchett, AIC, Sr. Claims Specialist, Cypress P&C Insurance
Andy Rock, JD, Partner, The Rock Law Group, P.A.
Claire Winston, Director-Claims Litigation, GeoVera U.S. Insurance Group

Describe optimal strategies to employ when preparing for a mediation

Identify qualities that contribute to a successful mediation

Demonstrate persuasive presentation techniques to enhance negotiation leverage

Evaluate steps to take to conclude mediation with enforceable settlements

Robin Roeder

Accidents: Immediate Steps in the First 48 Hours

State Approved CE Credits:FL NH NC

Tuesday 1:30 - 3:00
Wednesday 10:30 - 12:00

Allyson C. Byrd, JD, Member, McGlinchey Stafford, PLLC
Robin Roeder, SVP-Risk Management, Sedgwick

Implement polices and guidelines to mitigate costs and exposure in litigation, as well as effectively respond to incidents.

Communicate protocols to their employees on responding to incidents.

Understand why the recommended investigative tactics are helpful to your company.

Consider legal ramifications of a thorough, proper investigation.

Steven Romero

Claims Handling for Iconic Hotels

State Approved CE Credits:FL NC OK TX

Tuesday 3:30 - 5:00
Monday 10:30 - 12:00

Diane Barnes-Reynolds, JD, Managing Partner, Tampa Office, Simon, Reed & Salazar, P.A.
Kenneth R. Gilvary, M.S., P.E., Principal Engineer/Owner, Revision Engineering Inc.
Tom Jefferies, Senior Vice President, Allcat Claims Service
Steven Romero, CPCU, AIC, ARM, Executive Large Loss Spec., ICAT Boulder Claims

Identify key issues when handling a large damaged occupied iconic hotel in a disaster zone          

Organize and manage claim conditions while separating sudden damage from ongoing conditions

Separate multiple causes of damage/loss using appropriate allocation methods

Evaluate risk and resolve complicated claim disputes, while maintaining excellent customer service to the insured.

Donald Rondy

Large Multifamily Structural Water Losses

State Approved CE Credits:FL NC

Monday 3:30 - 5:00
Wednesday 8:30 - 10:00

Alex Mavrelis, IH & IEQ Practice Director, Gallagher Bassett Tech. Svcs.
Joseph Riley, , General Adjuster, Gallagher Bassett Tech. Svcs.
Donald Rondy, Senior Project Professional, Gallagher Bassett Tech. Svcs.

Understand the Stages of the Assessment and Restoration Process – discussion of the roles of the various parties, avoiding conflicts of interest, and the terms and conditions of water losses

Review Restoration Project Oversight and Clearance Inspections – driving the restoration process through rapid response, repeated assessments and mapping, area by area clearance, and cooperation between consultants and contractors in order to reduce overall project costs

Learn about Water Loss Project Documentation – compiling the moisture mapping, field and photographic documentation, dates and timelines, testing results, and clearance criteria into a single deliverable

Mike Rose

Code Upgrades vs. Pre-Existing Conditions

State Approved CE Credits:FL NC TX

Monday 1:30 - 3:00
Tuesday 1:30 - 3:00

Mike Rose, PE, Forensic Engineer, The Vertex Companies, LLC
Richard I. Woolf, JD, Partner, Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice

Define terms in the policy associated with code upgrade requirements

Learn the vocabulary from the codes and requisites of upgrade analysis

Describe scenarios impacting code updates and investigation of prior damages impacting/ adjustment of property damage claims

Craig D. Roswell

Emerging Issues in Property Coverage: Digital Assets

State Approved CE Credits:DE FL NH NC OK TX

Tuesday 8:00 - 9:30
Wednesday 1:30 - 3:00

Jay A. Johnston, JD, Executive Counsel, Travelers Companies
Craig D. Roswell, Esq., Managing Partner, Niles, Barton & Wilmer, LLP

Describe the underwriting challenges with digital assets, such as virtual currency and non-fungible tokens, and the underwriting appetite for digital asset exposures

Evaluate existing policy wording as it relates to digital assets, such as virtual currency and NFTs

Review recent case law applying existing policy wording to digital assets, such as virtual currency an NFTs

Identify challenges in applying existing wording to digital assets and understand industry attempts to address such property and exposures

Kingshuk K. Roy

Premises Security for Criminal Acts & The Rise in Jury Awards

State Approved CE Credits:FL NC OK TX

Tuesday 10:30 - 12:00
Wednesday 1:30 - 3:00

Nick Polavin, PhD, Senior Jury Consultant, IMS Consulting & Expert Svcs.
Kingshuk K. Roy, JD, Partner, Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP

List the elements of a negligent security claim

Identify some of the common legal issues presented by these claims such as questions about foreseeability

Develop a plan to investigate these types of claims including what documents to obtain, witnesses to interview, and experts to retain

Describe potential coverage and risk transfer issues related to these claims

Michael T. Ryan

Homeowners' Claims: Sticky Issues Facing Adjusters

State Approved CE Credits:DE FL NC TX

Monday 3:30 - 5:00
Wednesday 8:30 - 10:00

John McLaughlin, AIC, Sr. Claims Specialist, Choice Solutions Services
Michael T. Ryan, JD, Partner, Merry, Farnen & Ryan, P.C.

Understand residency and its impact upon coverage

Discover the scope of worldwide contents coverage

Determine when appraisal is appropriate

Discern what constitutes an "other structure"