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Posts by: James Pattillo

  1. How Plaintiff’s Lawyers Make Settlement Difficult and What You Can Do About It April 7, 2011

    Posted in SPOT on Legal.

    If there is one universal truth that plaintiff’s lawyers, claims executives and defense counsel know well, it is that claims are more likely to be resolved when everyone knows the case inside and out. Unfortunately one of the biggest obstacles to settlement can be the lazy plaintiff’s lawyer who doesn’t know his case. We’ve all seen this guy. He is Barney Fife in a pin stripe suit. He probably has a great yellow page ad, his office is understaffed, and he is impossible to get on the telephone. He probably won’t try a great case in the courtroom and may even forget his client’s name (I’ve seen it happen)! Yet somehow, these cases are always harder to settle. In this week’

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  2. 5 Elements That Reports From Outside Counsel Should Have March 15, 2011

    Posted in SPOT on Legal.

    Last post, our resident SPOT on Legal contributor, Jim Pattillo suggested 5 things counsel should leave out of their report. This posting he provides an inside look at what counsel should have. Everyone is striving to improve claims and ensure information is provided timely and effectively. Take a look at these suggestions and feel free to join the discussion and add a few more.

    4 comments
  3. 5 Things Claims Handlers DON’T NEED In A Report From Counsel March 10, 2011

    Posted in SPOT on Legal.

    Claim handling is tough enough. Attorney’s hired to defend claims on behalf insured are given guidelines and instructions, yet they still manage to provide information that is not useful. In our latest post from our resident attorney, Jim Pattillo, we provide some practical advise to counsel that can help produce a better report. Pass it along and spread the word.

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  4. 5 Ways To Use Defense Counsel To Lower Claims Expenses And Get Better Results January 5, 2011

    Posted in Best Practices, Litigation Management, SPOT on Issues, SPOT on Ops.

    The management of litigation is both an art and a science. The issue that every company must face is how to best spend dollars on defense costs to minimize the amount paid in indemnity. In addressing this, lots of questions come to mind. Does the size of the claim matter when deciding how much to spend on defense costs? Does a higher rate buy a better defense? Do flat rates buy a better defense for certain claims? What is the effect of a looming trial date on the claimant’s view of case value? And of course every company is different and has its own philosophy.

    Defense Counsel should be a help, not a hindrance, to producing improved results and helping to lower indemnity payouts. Focusing on these 5 issues will go a long way to achieving better results.

    Read the latest from our newest contributor, James Pattillo, Partner in the Birmingham, Alabama law firm of Norman, Wood, Kendrick & Turner.

    5 comments