Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network - February 2017

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network

February 2017 Volume XXIV • Number II

www.MidValleyClaims.org

Serving MVCA Since 1994

Fair Claims Settlement Practices Act Recertification at February 17, 2017 MVCA

Join the MVCA for our annual recertification luncheon meeting

Friday, February 17, 2017 as we welcome returning presenter

Christine Reed Low Ball & Lynch at

Dave Wong’s Restaurant & Bar 2828 West March Lane, Stockton

- see page 5

Join Mid-Va lley Claims Association fo www.MidV r 2017 Now! alleyCla ims.org

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • February 2017

2

2017 MVCA OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

SECRETARY

TREASURER

Frontier Adjusters

Golden Bear Insurance (209) 870-2990

Centralcalclaims@aol.com

mary@goldenbear.com

Wingard Construction 925-383-5618 khoward@wingardconstruction.com

Frontier Adjusters

(209) 478-1422

Sherry Wenograd

Mary Parker

Katie Howard

Staci Moreno (209) 603-5006

smoreno@frontieradjusters.com

2017 BOARD MEMBERS Bryan Harrison

Association News Network

Tom Shefchick, PE Shefchick Assocates

John Tucker

York Risk Services Group

Marvin Wenograd Frontier Adjusters

MVCA CCNC REP: Katie Howard

Claims People!

Asbestos, Lead, Mold, Bacteria Testing & Consulting Services Anthony Miller: Operations/Lab Manager CSST, CMI, CDPH Lead Sampling Tech anthony@sierraenviro.com

Cell:209-625-6221 Fax: 866-612-8294

Golden Bear Insurance is hiring

Check the Job Connection listing on page 7

www.SierraEnviro.com

209-229-8240

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • February 2017 Luncheon meetings are held the THIRD FRIDAY of each month moving to Dave Wong’s Restaurant & Bar 2828 West March Lane., Stockton, except where indicated. www.MidValleyClaims.org

MVCA Upcoming Events Friday, February 17, 2017

Luncheon Meeting Annual ReCertification of the

California Department of Insurance Fair Claims Settlement Practices Act regulations

Christine Reed Low Ball & Lynch

Friday, March 17 Luncheon Meeting

Friday, April 21 Luncheon Meeting

Friday, May 19 Luncheon Meeting

Friday, June 16 Luncheon Meeting

Friday, July 21 Luncheon Meeting

SAVE THE DATE!

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017

MVCA Golf Tournament!

MVCA is excited for the return of our annual golf tournament.

The Reserve at Spanos Park - More to follow shortly

September 13-15, 2017

24th Annual Claims Conference of Northern California www.ClaimsConference.org

Friday, October 20 Luncheon Meeting

Friday, November 17 Luncheon Meeting

Friday, December 15 Holiday Luncheon Meeting

Recertification Time!

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February 2017 Message from 2017 MVCA President Sherry Wenograd

First, we want to thank Greg Meath, of Meath & Pereira, for his excellent presentation on Cyber Law at our January meeting. We are grateful to him and hope that he will visit us again next year with updates on this very timely topic.

We look forward to our speaker for February, Attorney Christine Reed of Low, Ball & Lynch, who will be providing us with our Certification Class for 2017.

The meeting is at Dave Wong’s at 12:00 p.m., on February 17th.

We are asking for help from those of you who would like to join our Golf Committee to plan the “best golf tournament ever” for August 11, 2017, at Spanos Golf Course! Contact me, or Staci Moreno or Katie Howard, for more information and to learn how you can help make this a huge success! We need you!!!

We hope that our attendance will continue to grow at our monthly luncheons, so that we will be able to have social events as well, including cocktail parties (mixers), possibly a bowling event, and a growing golf tournaments.

Come along and bring your friends!

See you on the 17th!

Sherry L. Wenograd 2017 Mid-Valley Claims Association President

Sherry L. Wenograd MVCA President FRONTIER ADJUSTERS (800) 262-4067 (800) 262-4979 (fax)

wenograd@frontieradjusters.com

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • February 2017

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Meath Explores Use of Social Media in Claims Investigations at January MVCA

By Bryan Harrison

The Mid-Valley Claims Association was pleased to welcome Stockton attorney, Gregory Meath, of Meath & Pereira, speaking on Cyber Law at the January 20, 2017 luncheon meeting.

Mr. Meath, who teaches colleges courses on the subject, began by stating there is “too much information” available, referring to the vast expanse of social media on the internet.

He cited statistics on frequency of Facebook posts, illustrating the incredible resource available within public domain for claims investigations.

Despite some level of limitations due to the “Stored Communications Act”, which preserves privacy measures for private posts and messages, anything posted publically is considered fair game under the law.

His presentation covered some detail on fraud investigations, and how social media posts can sometimes illustrate a very different status of well-being for some claimants. He also pointed out limitations to the use of social media in the claims process.

“Lawyers, law firms and investigators may not ‘friend’ or ‘follow’ a represented claimant or plaintiff to obtain otherwise private information,” he said. “If this is done pre-suit by a claims professional or

investigator to obtain information, it could be pre-cluded during litigation if improperly obtained.” He strongly advised against that approach.

Likewise, impersonating someone, or pretending to be someone other than oneself in the course of an investigation is prohibited by the insurance code, he said.

People are apparently getting smarter about their privacy settings, too, he said. He cited a recent case where a judge reprimanded the plaintiff for making her Facebook account “private” during litigation. Defense counsel actually sought sactions for spoliation of evidence in that instance, albeit unsuccessfully, he added.

However, in another case, he stated, the court levied major sanctions on the plaintiff’s attorney - more than a half million dollars - and the plaintiff (Lester) $180,000 to cover defense attorney fees, all due to a “Facebook deletion issue”.

Mr. Meath also offered-up some tips for properly locating relevant social media-based content.

The numerous claims people, including fraud investigators, in the room contributed some experiential annecdotes, as well as posing several questions to Mr. Meath.

The presentation was informative and well received.

Residential & Commercial Reconstruction 24 hour emergency service

MARK SCOTT

construction, inc.

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Gregory T. Meath is an adjunct professor of law at Pacific McGeorge where he teaches Computer & Internet Law, and at Humphreys University Drivon School of Law where he teaches, Corporations, Intellectual Property and International Law

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • February 2017

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Fair Claims Settlement Practices Act ReCertification at February 17 MVCA Luncheon Christine Reed, of Low Ball & Lynch returns

C

Join the Mid-Valley Claims Association for our annual Fair Claims Regs Recertification Friday, February 17, 2017, as we welcome Ms. Christine Reed, of Low, Ball & Lynch as our returning presenter.

hristine Balbo Reed joined the firm in 2003. She practices in the areas of employment, personal injury, premises liability, construction defect defense. Ms. Reed specializes in the representation of developers and general contractors, and employers in employment law, litigation and wage disputes. She is admitted to practice in the State of California, before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and in the Northern, Central, and Eastern Districts of the Federal Courts.

Ms. Reed handles all aspects of litigation, including jury trials in state and federal court and numerous court trials. Her practice also includes appellate work, with the most recent decision published in 2015 in conjunction with Guy Stilson, Valdez v.

Santa Lucia Preserve Co. CA6 (H040685) (unpublished), reversing a denied motion to compel arbitration in employment class action matter. Published decisions include Trend Homes Inc. v. Azperren 131 Cal.App.4th 950 regarding judicial reference in 2005,

and again in conjunction with Guy Stilson in 2010, in Sacramento Suncreek Apartment , LLC, et al. v.Cambridge Advantaged Properties II L.P., et al. 187 Cal. App. 4th 1, regarding proper service of out of state parties for California jurisdiction.

She was born in Torrance, California and raised on the Monterey Peninsula. She admitted to bar 1995 after graduating from the University of California, Berkeley in 1991 with a degree in Legal Studies and from Monterey College of Law in 1995, where she earned the David Sabih Scholarship Award.

Ms. Reed is a member of the California Bar Association, Monterey County Bar Association, and Monterey County Women Lawyers Association and is the Vice President of Insurance Professionals of Monterey Peninsula.

Ms. Reed resides in Carmel with her husband and two children. She enjoys swimming, officiating age group swim meets for Pacific Swimming, yoga, skiing, hiking, cooking, and traveling.

at

Dave Wong’s Restaurant & Bar 2828 West March Lane, Stockton

11:30 a.m. check-in Noon - 1:00 p.m. luncheon

Just $22 for all paid 2017 Members $28 for Non-Members/guests or Those with No Reservations Join or Renew your MVCA Membership Now! www.MidValleyClaims.org Dave Wong’s must have a head count and it is important that everyone RSVP to midvalleyclaims@gmail.com or you can call Staci Moreno at (209) 603-5006.

Please make your reservations now with 2017 MVCA Treasurer Staci Moreno: 209-603-5006, or midvalleyclaims@gmail.com License # 877420

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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • February 2017

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Mid-Valley Claims AssnNewsNet Services Directory CONTRACTORS - ASBESTOS/LEAD/MOLD REMEDIATION

AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Barry Metcalf 2965 Ramco Street.

Barry.Metcalf@atirestoration.com • (916) 388-2440 West Sacramento, Ca 95691 Fax (916) 388-2445 BELFOR USA - Grant Cody 3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302 Elk Grove, CA 95758 grant.cody@us.belfor.com JM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - John Moore & the JM Team PO Box 2189 www.jmenvironmental.net • (916) 726-0304 Granite Bay, CA 95746-2189 Fax (916) 726-0340 P.W. STEPHENS ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - Jason Kettlehut/Jackie Mezeul 3278 Swetzer Road www.pwstephensinc.com • (916) 212-2962 Loomis, CA 95650 jasonk@pwsei.com

CONTRACTORS - ELECTRICAL

TUCKNOTT ELECTRIC CO. - Robert A. Tucknott, CFLC Forensic Electrical Expert bob@tucknott.com • (925) 931-0800

www.Tucknott.com • Fax (925) 931-0817

CONTRACTORS - GENERAL RESTORATION

BELFOR USA - Grant Cody 3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302 Elk Grove, CA 95758 grant.cody@us.belfor.com HUGON CONSTRUCTION 4601 Spyres Way Suite 1 (209)491-2620 Modesto, CA 95454 Raquel.hugonconst@yahoo.com • (209)581-0149 MARK SCOTT CONSTRUCTION 241 Frank West Cir. www.MSConstruction.com • (209) 982-0502 Stockton, CA 95206 info@msconstruction.com

CONTRACTORS-MICROBIAL REMEDIATION

AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Barry Metcalf 2965 Ramco Street.

Barry.Metcalf@atirestoration.com • (916) 388-2440 West Sacramento, Ca 95691 Fax (916) 388-2445 BELFOR USA - Grant Cody 3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302 Elk Grove, CA 95758 grant.cody@us.belfor.com P.W. STEPHENS ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - Jason Kettlehut 3278 Swetzer Road www.pwstephensinc.com • (916) 212-2962 Loomis, CA 95650 jasonk@pwsei.com

ENGINEERS - FORENSIC

COMPLERE ENGINEERING GROUP, INC. - Gene Wilkins, P.E. Fire C&O, Property Liability, Thermography, Structural, Combustion Safeguards 4230 Kiernan Av., Suite 210 wilkins@complere.com • (209) 545-8165 Modesto, CA 95356 www.complere.com • Fax (209) 545-8170

ENGINEERS - FORENSIC - continued

UNIFIED INVESTIGATIONS & SCIENCES - Michael O’Connor 1172 National Dr. Ste 100 (916) 640-0640 Sacramento, CA 95834 www.uis-usa.com

ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING & CONSULTING

SIERRA ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING & CONSULTING, INC. Anthony Miller: Operations/Lab Mgr. CSST, CMI, CDPH Lead Sampling Tech PO Box 1563 Email: anthony@sierraenviro.com • Cell:209-625-6221 Woodbridge, CA 95258 Fax 866-612-8294

FIRE INVESTIGATORS

FIRE CAUSE ANALYSIS - Ulises Castellon, CPCU Serving Clients (800) 726-5939 • Fax: (510) 649-3099 Nationwide! inquiry@fcafire.com

OVERSPRAY REMOVAL

NATIONWIDE OVERSPRAY - Eric Gerencser Benicia, California

www.overspray.net • (925) 408-5909 Safe Overspray Removal eric@overspray.net • (800) 345-1269

PROPERTY RESTORATION-CLOTHING SPECIALIST

Bright Leaf Cleaners - Liza Wisecarver Servicing all BrightleafCleaners.com • cell (925) 406-9889 of Northern CA liza@blcleaners.com • office (925) 455-6000 FRSTeam - Jennifer Martin 910 Striker Ave. Ste E (916) 997-8119 Sacramento, CA 95364 jmartin@frsteam.com

PROPERTY RESTORATION/CONTENTS

AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Barry Metcalf 2965 Ramco Street.

Barry.Metcalf@atirestoration.com • (916) 388-2440 West Sacramento, Ca 95691 Fax (916) 388-2445 BELFOR USA - Grant Cody 3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302 Elk Grove, CA 95758 grant.cody@us.belfor.com MS VITAL RESTORATION, INC. (a division of Mark Scott Construction, Inc.) 241 Frank West Cir. 1-800-944-0502 Stockton, CA 95206 Info@MSVitalRestoration.com

Have Info to share?

Submit it for consideration bryan@associationnewsnetwork.com Deadline for submissions is February 24, 2017

The Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network© is a production of Association News Network, Inc. Published monthly as a free service to the MVCA with a commitment and dedication to the promotion and betterment of this professional organization. The views and comments expressed within the articles herein do not necessarily reflect the views of A.N.N., Inc. or MVCA. We assume no responsibility for any opinions and/or statements offered by contributing authors to the publication. Acceptance of advertising material does not constitute endorsement of the products or services offered. We reserve the right to reject any advertising copy or placement. We encourage industry support of this professional organization - its monthly newsletter publication and web site.

Go to: www.MidValleyClaims.org Please email articles for consideration to: Bryan Harrison, President/Publisher

For Advertising opportunities and info, contact: Lynna Harrison, Customer Service Manager

Bryan@AssociationNewsNetwork.com Lynna@AssociationNewsNetwork.com 925.708.5569 925.785.7021 © 1994-2017, all rights reserved • Association News Network, Inc. • www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com 2455 Naglee Rd. #263 . Tracy, CA 95304 • 209.229.8240

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • February 2017

Positions Available GOLDEN BEAR MULTI-LINES CLAIMS CONSULTANT WANTED

Golden Bear Insurance Company in Stockton, California seeks an experienced multi-line claims consultant to adjust primary and excess commercial general liability claims, liquor liability claims, and property claims.

Applicant must have strong organizational and writing skills. He or she must be able to draft statutory communication in a timely manner and evaluate coverage. This position also requires travel on occasion to MSCs and mediations. Professionalism with insureds a must.

• Full time

• Pay commensurate with experience

• Benefits

• Experience requirement: Minimum 10 years

• Educational Requirement: Licensed Adjuster in California

or AIC

• Computer literate. Exactimate and Excel experience desired,

but not required.

You may apply even if your experience is limited to mono-line adjusting if you are willing to train. Direct your resume to Emmaleigh Schoen, Administrative Services Manager at Emmaleigh@goldenbear.com.

CLAIMS INDUSTRY PLACEMENTS

Gary E. Mingus, GEM Search Group provides both Temporary, Temp to Hire and Direct Hire placements in the Insurance Industry also, placing Vendors related to the Insurance Industry. Call Gary Mingus 866-935-4426 or email to Gary@GEMSearchgroup.com. Serving the Insurance Industry since 1995.

Submit Your Job Connection ad to:

Choose from Four (5) Monthly Editions - Four Print + Online Edition: Up to 50 words just $45 (just 50¢/word thereafter)

Run Your Ad Network-Wide for a net rate of just $180/mo.

Next Deadline for submissions is February 24, 2017 call 209-229-8240 or email info@AssociationNewsNetwork.com

7

People On The Move is produced as a service to the Property & Casualty Insurance Claims Community. For more, call 209-2298240 or email bryan@associationnewsnetwork.com

UNIFIED INVESTIGATIONS & SCIENCES ACQUIRES OCONNOR ENGINEERING SACRAMENTO, Calif., – Unified Investigations & Sciences, Inc.—a subsidiary of Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc., and national provider of multidisciplinary engineering and Terri & Michael OConnor forensic investigation services to insurance carriers, corporations and public entities—is pleased to announce that it has acquired OConnor Engineering, Inc., a regional provider of forensic engineering and investigation services to the construction claims, products liability, and property and casualty industries in the western United States.

As part of the transaction, OConnor’s team of engineers, investigators, draftsmen and construction professionals—who bring specialized expertise in forensic engineering investigations related to fires and explosions, mechanical and electrical failures, construction claims and reconstruction—have joined the Unified organization.

Michael OConnor, the firm’s president and chief engineer, has assumed the role of senior forensic engineer and team lead of Unified’s service center in Sacramento, California; Terri OConnor, managing shareholder of OConnor, has been appointed district manager of the Sacramento service center.

“This acquisition strengthens Unified’s position as a leading national provider of forensic engineering and fire investigation services,” said Unified President Steve Powell. “We are excited to have OConnor’s entire team of engineers and forensics experts join our growing organization. OConnor’s reputation in California and the western United States is exceptional, and their talents, particularly in the area of turnkey capabilities in the construction claims arena, present limitless opportunities to Unified and our clients.”

“We are thrilled to join Unified and the Sedgwick family,” Terri OConnor said. “Combining our engineering and investigative services puts us in the pole position to serve a multitude of clients in risk assessment, post-loss investigations and reconstruction. This is an exciting time to become a part of Unified.”

Unified Investigations & Sciences, and Terri and Michael O’Connor, maybe reached at: (916) 640-0640, or www.uis-usa.com. They are located at: 1172 National Dr. Ste 100, Sacramento, CA 95834.

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