In the latest episode of The Insurance Lawyer, host Evan Schwartz sat down with guest Danielle Laughlin, CEO of Sage Business Counsel.  Danielle brings a unique perspective to business insurance, drawing upon her extensive experience as a litigator to champion proactive legal strategies that complement traditional insurance coverage. She firmly believes that by weaving legal foresight into the fabric of business insurance decisions, companies can not only minimize risk but also pave the way for long-term prosperity, fostering a ripple effect of success for businesses and their stakeholders. They illuminated the necessity for business owners, legal counsel, and insurance brokers to communicate effectively for comprehensive risk management. They also explored common pitfalls, including insufficient coverage, inaccuracies in applications, and non-compliance with contract requirements. The crux of their conversation was the vital role of taking insurance coverage seriously and seeking legal counsel to dodge potential risks. Takeaway: By developing a proactive legal strategy that focuses on risk mitigation alongside securing appropriate insurance coverage, small businesses can achieve greater peace of mind, potentially reduce insurance costs, and foster a more sustainable future for their company and its employees.

Join us in welcoming Josh Soloway, a seasoned attorney and entrepreneur, to the Insurance Lawyer podcast. Josh's extensive experience ranges from advising operating companies, asset managers, and individual investors in various sectors, to managing complex transactions and crises. He shares valuable insights on risk mitigation and the critical role of insurance in protecting smaller companies during negotiations with larger entities. Our conversation highlights Josh's belief in the power of good business as a force multiplier for impact, and his commitment to aiding entrepreneurs in building solid, impactful businesses. Takeaway: There is an intrinsic link between robust insurance strategies and business resilience. Insurance empowers small companies to stand firm in negotiations, safeguarding their interests against potential risks. Business growth is fostered through strategic risk management, showcasing insurance not just as a safety net, but as a pivotal foundation for sustainable development and impact.

In this riveting interview on "The Insurance Lawyer" podcast, host Evan Schwartz dives deep into the world of criminal defense with a special focus on mental disability cases. Guest Elizabeth Kelley, an accomplished criminal defense lawyer, highlights her unique journey to this specific law practice and the essential role of expert teams in these cases. Kelley emphasizes the need for broader understanding and support for mentally disabled individuals within our criminal justice system, illustrating her points with impactful case studies. The discussion underscores the importance of alternative sentencing options for individuals with mental disabilities, such as diversionary programs, and the ongoing work needed to ensure fairness and appropriate treatment. Takeaway: Lower verdicts in personal injury cases are leading to a greater emphasis on mediation and arbitration instead of court trials. This makes it crucial to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer, skilled in trial proceedings and capable of handling coverage issues to secure justice for clients. Especially in cases involving mental and intellectual disabilities, a collaborative approach with defense lawyers and experts like forensic psychologists, psychiatrists, and neuropsychologists is key.

In the latest episode of The Insurance Lawyer, Evan Schwartz sat down with Richard A. Dubi, a CPA and the esteemed founder of the Law Offices of Richard A. Dubi, PC. Specializing in personal injury, Richard has helped countless clients navigate cases ranging from motor vehicle accidents to professional malpractice claims and construction site incidents. During their conversation, Richard shared his insights into evolving trends in personal injury law, such as the growing influence of social media in investigations and the rise in claims related to emotional damage. He also discussed the challenges involved in securing coverage in personal injury cases and recounted a particularly complex case involving an Uber driver. As an experienced litigator with personal attention to his clients, Richard embodies the benefits of choosing a boutique firm for representation. Takeway: Lower verdicts in personal injury cases are leading to greater use of mediations and arbitrations as alternatives to court trials. The shift underscores the importance of choosing an experienced personal injury lawyer, skilled in trial proceedings and adept at navigating coverage issues to ensure justice for their clients. The Insurance Lawyer is available on all major podcast platforms. Subscribe today to never miss an episode! If you need help with an insurance recovery matter, contact us today for a free consultation.

In this episode of the Insurance Lawyer podcast, host Evan Schwartz interviews Greg Hamlin, the Senior Vice President and Chief Claims Officer at Berkeley Industrial Comp.  They discuss the importance of empathy in workers' compensation and how Berkeley has implemented an empathetic resolution model in their claims process. Hamlin explains that by infusing empathy into their interactions with injured workers, they are able to drive better outcomes and gain cooperation. Berkeley Industrial Comp. has made changes such as rewriting their initial letter to injured workers to acknowledge their pain and confusion, and even sending gifts to workers after surgery. These small steps show the injured workers that we're there to help them through this process. Hamlin also shares success stories of how their empathetic approach has led to better outcomes for injured workers, such as helping a paraplegic worker live independently.    Takeway: Through prioritizing empathy, insurance companies can attract top talent, avoid unnecessary litigation, and ultimately achieve better results.

In part two of this series on business insurance policies, host Evan Schwartz continues his conversation with Josh Weisberg, Chief CoverageI Counsel and Director of Risk Management Services at SterlingRisk Insurance, as they delve into the world of Construction Insurance Policies. The two discuss how the market is changing as a result of COVID-19, as well as what construction companies need to think about in terms of their risk and the insurance they need to protect themselves. 

In part one of our new series on business insurance coverage, Evan Schwartz chats with Josh Weisberg, Chief Coverage Counsel and Director of Risk Management Services at SterlingRisk Insurance. The two discuss what types of insurance policyholders with business offices need, as well as how the landscape of the industry has changed due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, more and more businesses are and will be faced with personal injury claims from people who claim to have contracted COVID-19 at their business location. Hosts Evan Schwartz and firm partner Matt Conroy discuss what businesses need to do to protect themselves from financial exposure to COVID-19 personal injury claims. If you are in need of assistance with a COVID-19 related personal injury insurance claim, contact us today. Visit schlawpc.com for more information and to schedule a free consultation. 

In this episode, Evan sits down with Schwartz, Conroy & Hack Trial Partner Matt Conroy as he discusses his role as a primary trial counsel for a complex case involving both medical malpractice and general commercial liability insurance coverage matters.

In this episode of The Insurance Lawyer, host Evan Schwartz discusses his role in shaping the Unum Provident Class Action Suit of 2002 and its ongoing implications in the insurance industry.