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Category Archives: My SPOT

  1. Saying “I’m Sorry” Can Reduce Exposure to New Claims March 5, 2010

    Posted in Commentary, Medical Malpractice, My SPOT, SPOT on Costs.

    It may seem counter intuitive, but with the right technique a heartfelt apology can help lower claims costs and exposures There is a wave of civility sweeping through the world of risk management as a way to lower exposure and reduce costs: Apologize. Maybe mom was right when she stood there and said “now say you’re sorry.” In fact, there are some very impressive statistics in the area of medical malpractice around the simple use of an apology. Regardless, there is a proper way to apologize while protecting rights and some policy considerations to consider.

    3 comments
  2. Failing to properly document files can be costly – It cost one insurance agency $5.83 Million February 1, 2010

    Posted in Best Practices, Commentary, SPOT on Ops.

    Files should speak for themselves. A recent California decision is yet another example of what can happen if you don’t document your files and maintain procedures. In this case – it cost $5.83 million.

    No comments
  3. Putting Puzzle Pieces Together and the Challenge of Creating a New Claims System January 22, 2010

    Posted in Claims Technology, My History.

    Creating a new claims system should be easy with no legacy, right? Not so fast! One of the great things about going to work for a start-up insurance company with a lot of venture money is the idea that you can build everything from scratch. No legacy of losses, a clean balance sheet, and no […]

    1 comment
  4. Start-up – Lets get down and dirty and pitch in on everything January 19, 2010

    Posted in My History.

    On day one as Vice President of Claims for Arch Insurance Company I found myself working in cramped space in Lower Manhattan where the CEO shared an office with others and the head of Professional Liability Underwriting found a happy home in an electrical closet. Arch was rapidly growing its underwriting and was binding new […]

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  5. Change comes quickly when you least expect it January 19, 2010

    Posted in My History.

    9/11 changed everything for a lot of people. I was at my desk at One Liberty Plaza across the street from the World Trade Center when the attacks occurred. I was literally shaken from my desk and the world would never be the same. There were significant emotional and physical issues to deal with. I […]

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  6. I found my insurance calling – Making operations better and the job easier! January 18, 2010

    Posted in My History.

    Working at Zurich was a great growing and learning experience. One thing about an insurance company is the need to document and follow procedures. Whether as a defense to a potential bad faith action, or in order to continually justify your actions, there are steps that need to be followed. Managing claims is a very […]

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  7. So this is claims – hey this job is pretty interesting! January 17, 2010

    Posted in My History.

    Welcome to the world of property and casualty claims management. I learned quickly to sit down and avoid the speakerphone. I also learned how to reserve files and negotiate settlements. I managed defense counsel and working with senior management to ensure underwriters, actuarial and finance, were aware of the impact of my work on the […]

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  8. My first insurance job – So this is insurance January 15, 2010

    Posted in My History.

    Amazingly, it did not take time to find a position (the economy was a tad better back in 1998). I answered a New York Time classified advertisement, interviewed with several staff members (welcome to the corporate world) and was offered a position as a claims supervisor at Zurich Insurance Company. While many of my colleagues […]

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  9. In the begining I was a Lawyer January 14, 2010

    Posted in My History.

    I began my career as an attorney on Long Island defending doctors against actions of malpractice – a solid beginning with a promising future.

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  10. Day 1 – Blog 1 January 14, 2010

    Posted in My History.

    So here it is, day 1 of the blog to end all blogs. Or not. Insurance usually has the effect of exciting people to extol negativity rather than something positive so as I sit here about to justify my chosen profession I will start with a little history. No I did not wake up one […]

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