3 CE Credits: Log in to https://www.plrb.org/ to access the course, Basic Casualty Claims Handling." Please provide certificate of completion to HRAdmin@johnseastern.com.

The course, "Basic Casualty Claims Handling," is designed to provide adjusters with a general overview of handling a casualty claim from receipt until resolution. The module is presented by Richard A. Nouza. J.D., Senior Claims Attorney at Central Mutual Insurance Company, and Christine A. Sullivan, MBA, CPCU, AIM, President of CAS Consulting, LLC.

The course provides an overview of the five phases of casualty claims handling – (1) Coverage investigation, (2) Liability and damage investigation, (3) Evaluation, (4) Negotiation, and (5) Litigation. It also identifies techniques to shorten the file length of an average casualty claim.

After completing the course, the attendee will be able to understand how to conduct a coverage investigation; define the importance of the statute of limitations; explain the circumstances surrounding reservation of rights; discuss the duty to defend; define a declaratory judgment action; define waiver; define torts; know the value of interviews and statements, scene investigations, and photographs; define comparative negligence; explain principles of liability investigation such as causation and proximate cause, independent medical exams, and surveillance; describe the steps used in evaluation; understand tips and strategies for a successful negotiation; outline the steps in litigation; and explain the importance of bill/fee review.