In the fast-paced world of insurance and claims administration, the ability to efficiently manage claims is essential for organizations to provide timely and effective services to their clients. In the current digital age, various technological advancements help pave the way for transformative solutions in claims management. From automated workflows to data-driven decision-making, organizations have better access to the tools and systems that can help streamline their operations and drive efficiency. In this course from PRIMA 2024, a panel of experts discussed the many strategies, techniques, and resources designed to help optimize claims management, reduce costs, and enhance outcomes. Learn innovative
(Read the full article…)

Opioid prescriptions have declined sharply over the last several years, but drug overdose continues to be a major cause of accidental death throughout the United States. Illicit opioids, especially synthetics like fentanyl, continue to be the primary causative agent, but stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine are also becoming more prevalent. A first responder may encounter any number of toxic substances when they arrive on the scene of a suspected overdose, but only certain precautions ensure their safety from exposure. In this session from PRIMA 2024, expert Pharmacist, Broker, and Risk Manager Alan Rook illustrated the typical assessment for first responders
(Read the full article…)

With social inflation and nuclear verdicts on the rise, it is critically important for all stakeholders to work together. Risk management programs thrive when local governments and intergovernmental risk pools work effectively with their insurers and reinsurers. In this session at PRIMA 2024, a panel of experts considers the top “pain points” in these relationships, including notice, reporting ongoing claim developments, liability and exposure assessment, and management of complex or large exposure claims. They also touch on the current litigation climate and provide specific strategies to help mitigate exposure. They share perspectives from both the governments/pool and those by insurers/reinsurers
(Read the full article…)

In this session from PRIMA 2024, Colin Finn, Vice President of Structured Settlements at Alliant, focused on the ways public entities effectively use structured settlements to combat the alleged damages brought by plaintiffs in personal injury cases. Learn how structured settlements add leverage to the negotiating table while providing credibility that yields higher closure rates for many claim files. Structured Settlements Defined A structured settlement is a method of negotiating and compensating individuals involved in personal physical injury claims and litigation. Rather than receiving a single lump sum to settle a dispute, the injured party receives a stream of periodic
(Read the full article…)

Effective public-sector risk managers have specialized institutional knowledge and unique skills. When one of us retires or moves to other opportunities, it often begins a cycle of vacancies as risk management shifts among a region’s agencies. But in this constantly changing industry, stability, and reliability are crucial qualities for a risk management team. In this session at PRIMA 2024, a panel discussed practical and sometimes unconventional strategies for succession planning, talent identification, and technology integration.  Speakers included: Richard Spiers – Claims and Risk Management Consultant, Spiers Consulting Ann-Marie Sharpe – Risk Manager, City of Miami Megan Damato, J.D. – Founder,
(Read the full article…)

In this session at PRIMA 2024, Jessica Osborne and Liani Reeves, attorneys at Miller Nash LLP, identify and discuss employer obligations and limitations relating to privacy and confidentiality. They also evaluate specific examples of how privacy and confidentiality rights are applied in the workplace, developing an understanding of federal laws and cases and how to incorporate the law into everyday workplace practices. Employee Privacy Rights Privacy includes freedom from unauthorized intrusion. Employees come to work with an expectation of privacy even if it is work-related. At times, those expectations are even reasonable, but what is authorized in the workplace? Rules
(Read the full article…)

Surprise visits from “First Amendment auditors” (self-identified individuals who photograph/video public facilities) are on the rise. Not just posing possible litigation issues, the “auditors” attempt to provoke public employees to limit First Amendment rights and post the interaction on YouTube/social media which allows them to make money from a high quantity of views. In this session at PRIMA 2024, Jennifer Serran, CSRM, provides details about how to comply with the First Amendment, handle an auditor’s appropriate access, limit contentious interaction, and minimize potential litigation. First Amendment Auditors Video recording is protected speech under the First Amendment. Because of this, it
(Read the full article…)

The United States Supreme Court constantly re-writes the rules for public entities and officials. Higher courts are tackling cases that affect local governments. For example, the U.S. Supreme Court is addressing free speech rules governing public officials in O’Connor-Ratcliff v. Garnier (whether public officials violate the First Amendment if they block a constituent on social media) and Lindke v. Freed (whether public officials’ social media activity is governmental activity). In this session from PRIMA 2024, speakers Benjamin Eggert (Partner and Co-Chair, Wiley Rein) and Kaitlin Fleming (Claims Attorney, Genesis and General Star) analyzed the effects of decisions recently ruled out
(Read the full article…)

In law enforcement circles, risk management is often equated with legal updates and liability training classes, but it really is much more than that. A careful strategy can only do so much. New threats are constantly arising on the scene, leaving fresh challenges for the police force. At PRIMA 2024, industry expert, Greg Veitch revealed some of the many obstacles police officers often encounter. As a retired Chief of Police with more than 25 years of experience, Greg details specific opportunities risk managers and police leaders have when attempting to instill risk management principles in law enforcement operations. Recapping this session,
(Read the full article…)

First responders often carry lingering mental images of crisis and overarching feelings of despair. When a shift is over, firefighters, police officers, and dispatchers go to their homes and families, expected to enjoy their off time, but instead are filled with sadness. Brains are trained to process trauma the same way, but individual coping capacity can vary wildly. While essential training helps to ensure respondents are tactically getting the job done in an efficient manner, they are not trained to mitigate the effects of numerous traumatic events they experience firsthand. Culminating such incredible challenges while on the job can be potentially
(Read the full article…)