Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network - November 2017

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network

November 2017

www.MidValleyClaims.org

Volume XXIV • Number X

There will be No November Meeting!

Serving MVCA Since 1994

Presenting...

Mid-Valley Claims Association

Holiday Luncheon

Plan Now to Join the MVCA

As we honor our

Friday, December 15, 2017 for a very special

Holiday Luncheon

Local MVCA Heroes at

The Dave Wong’s Restaurant 2828 W March Ln, Stockton

- see page 5

Determination of Cause at Oct MVCA Katie Howard Retirement Acknowledged as well

- see page 4

LBL Provides Annual Event LBL Legal Seminar/Webinar Highlights

- see page 2

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • November 2017

2

Annual Low Ball & Lynch Sacramento Seminar Tackles Tough Issues A breadth of coverage issues, new Cannabis Laws and more in afternoon seminar/webinar

By Bryan Harrison

The law firm of Low, Ball & Lynch held their annual complimentary seminar/webinar Thursday, November 9, 2017 at the Hilton Sacramento Arden West.

Tackling key and sometimes controversial insurance claims related topics, the three-part afternoonlong session provided another worthy educational opportunity for the claims community.

Low Ball heavy-hitters, Charles Redfield and Kurt Bridgman led off the afternoon with a comprehensive session on the latest case law decisions. From duo tag-teamed on several themes, including Employment Law, Qualification of Expert Witnesses, various Tort cases; Assumption of the Risk-related decisions, and more. There were decisions

viewed as victories as well as setbacks for the industry.

As a result of the decision in the case of Mohammed Haniff v. Christine Reed, above right, and Beth Ossino, gave a fascinating presentation on the emerging industry risk of the Marijuana The Superior Court of Legalization law, and potential for market coverage.

Santa Clara County, 9 Cal.App.5th 191 (March 19, receive an examination by a vo2017), “defendants will not be cational rehabilitation expert reable to compel a plaintiff to tained by the defense,” Bridgman said. There was “almost a collective gasp by the defense bar,” he said. “This was a very bad case for defendants in personal injury cases,” he added.

In a win for insurance defense, courts rejected an attempt at “gross negligence” in an Assumption of the Risk Tort case. Erika Grotheer v. Escape Adventures,

Some 45 claims industry professionals turned out for the 2017 LBL Sacramento Legal Seminar, in addition to a strong webinar attendee audience.

continued page 7

2017 MVCA OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

SECRETARY

TREASURER

Frontier Adjusters

Golden Bear Insurance

Wingard Construction

Frontier Adjusters

(209) 478-1422

(209) 870-2990

(925) 689-9322

Centralcalclaims@aol.com

mary@goldenbear.com

Sherry Wenograd

Mary Parker

Katie Howard

khoward@wingardconstruction.com

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

MVCA CCNC REP: Katie Howard

Marvin Wenograd Frontier Adjusters

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • November 2017 Luncheon meetings are at Dave Wong’s Restaurant & Bar 2828 West March Lane., Stockton, except where indicated. www.MidValleyClaims.org

MVCA

Upcoming Events There is NO November Luncheon Next up...

Friday, December 15 Holiday Luncheon Meeting - see page 5

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

We hope to see you December 15th

No November Meeting!

3

Join us for our annual Holiday Celebration November 2017 Message from 2017 MVCA President Sherry Wenograd Dear Mid-Valley Members, First, a big thank you goes out to Jack Osborn of Engineering Design & Testing for his most informative and enjoyable presentation at our last luncheon. We learn more all the time from the professional people who make up our current world of claims investigations!

We will not have a meeting in November. Our next meeting will be our Holiday Luncheon Party on December 15th at 11:30 a.m. at Dave Wong’s in Stockton. Our party will be on the outside heated patio. Appetizers and desserts will be included with your meal, at no charge. There is a discounted price for members of $15.00 per lunch and a discounted price for non-members of $18.00 for lunch.

Any of our MVCA heroes who returns to give us an update this year on what their organization has accomplished will be eligible for a “BIG” raffle prize drawing. You know who you are. Please be present so that we can honor you and so that we can hear how your wonderful endeavors are continuing!

Since we cannot have our November elections in November, we will have them at our December meeting, before the luncheon begins. If anyone is interested in being on the Board of Directors or if you would like to nominate someone to be on the Board of Directors, please let us know immediately by calling Sherry or Staci at 209-478-1422!

If you RSVP for our luncheon before December 10th, you will automatically receive a prize.

We will have our annual “Toys for Tots” Drive at our Holiday Luncheon. Please bring an unwrapped gift for a child (any age) and for a boy or girl and we will present these Toys for Tots to “Haven of Peace” at our luncheon. We are hopeful that Beth Ossino and a representative of Haven of Peace will participate at our luncheon and will be there to receive all of the toys!

If you are a member who has an organization or are a member of an organization which reaches out to the community and helps others, please be one of our heroes this year and make a small presentation and be eligible for the “BIG” raffle prize, as well.

Respectfully submitted,

Sherry L. Wenograd 2017 Mid-Valley Claims Association President

Sherry L. Wenograd Frontier Adjusters (800) 262-4067 (800) 262-4979 (fax)

wenograd@frontieradjusters.com

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • November 2017

4

Osborn Provides Determination of Cause from the Engineer’s Perspective at October MVCA Board Member, Katie Howard, honored as she retires from industry

By Bryan Harrison

Understanding the perspective of engineering experts in the claims process is crucial for claims adjusters, with whether relating to Property Damage, Liability, or other types of claims. To address method used in Determination of Cause at the October 20, 2017 luncheon meeting of the Jack Osborn, of Engineering Design & Testing Corp Mid-Valley Claims Association was Mechanical Consulting Engineer Jack Osborn, , P.E., P.M.P., CFEI, with Engineering Design & Testing Corporation.

Mr. Osborn gave a brief overview of the process, and provided a detailed flow chart for all attendees.

Bringing your engineer onto the case early in the process is encouraged, he said.

The Mid-Valley Claims Association also gave special recognition to board member, Katie Howard, on her retirement from Wingard Construction, and the industry.

Ms. Howard has been a huge asset Golden Bear Insurance represented at the October meeting to MVCA. Her perspective and experience will be sorely missed.

President Sherry Wenograd encouraged Katie to continue to attend associatoin meetings and events.

A haunting door prize MVCA President, Sherry Wenograd, and Treasurer, Staci Moreno, at the October luncheon Katie Howard and Amaya Fine at the October luncheon

Jack Osborn provided a flow-chart of the process of determining cause of a loss

BRANDING/VISIBILITY Association News Network

Print Publications • Online Sponsorships

W H O ’s ou?

L o o k in g fo r Y Call

209-229-8240

www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com

MVCA Leaders, Sherry & Marvin Wenograd, at the October luncheon meeting.

The MVCA acknowledged the undying work from board member, Katie Howard, on her retirement from Wingard Construction.

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • November 2017

5

Presenting...

Mid-Valley Claims Association

Holiday Luncheon

Plan Now to Join the MVCA

Join MVCA for our final luncheon meeting of the year

for a very special

as we celebrate the season!

Holiday Luncheon

Dave Wong’s Restaurant & Bar

Friday, December 15, 2017

As we honor our

Local MVCA Heroes at

The Dave Wong’s Restaurant 2828 W March Ln, Stockton

at

2828 West March Lane, Stockton

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

$22 for paid 2017 and 2018 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, by August 10th.

Please make your reservations now with MVCA President Staci Moreno: 209-603-5006, or midvalleyclaims@gmail.com

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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • November 2017

6

Mid-Valley Claims AssnNewsNet Services Directory Thanks to all our Paid Listing Sponsors

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 1588 Santa Ana Ave. www.pwstephensinc.com • (916) 565-1700 Sacramento, CA 95838 www.pwsei.com • 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 UNIFIED INVESTIGATIONS & SCIENCES - Michael OConnor, P.E. Civil, Structural, Electrical, (916) 640-0640 Mechanical, Fire O&C, Repair Plans www.uis-usa.com

ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING & CONSULTING

CONTRACTORS - ELECTRICAL

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

CONTRACTORS - GENERAL RESTORATION

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

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

www.Tucknott.com • Fax (925) 931-0817 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 MARK SCOTT CONSTRUCTION 241 Frank West Cir. www.MSConstruction.com • (209) 982-0502 Stockton, CA 95206 info@msconstruction.com WINGARD CONSTRUCTION - Bror Wingard 24 Hr. Em (925) 383-5618 One-Call Contractor for all your Lodi office: (209) 368-2464 reconstruction needs email@wingardconstruction.com • Concord: (925) 689-9322

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 1588 Santa Ana Ave. www.pwstephensinc.com • (916) 565-1700 Sacramento, CA 95838 www.pwsei.com • jasonk@pwsei.com

Have Info to share?

Submit it for consideration bryan@associationnewsnetwork.com

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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

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

PUBLICATION ADVERTISING SERVICES

ASSOCIATION NEWS NETWORK, INC. - Bryan Harrison 2455 Naglee Rd. bryan@associationnewsnetwork.com • (209) 229-8240 Tracy, CA 95304 www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com

Deadline for submissions is November 27, 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 • November 2017

7

Sacramento Legal Seminar continued from page 2

Inc., et al., 14 Cal.App.5th 1283 (August 31, 2017) ultimately held that “hot air ballooning is dangerous” and, as a result, defendant could not be held responsible for injuries resulting from a rough landing.

Led by firm partner out of the Monterey office, Christine Reed, the event drew a good live crowd as well as a Christine Reed orchestrated and MC’d strong online webinar audience. another successful Low Ball & Lynch Sacramento Seminar/Webinar Novem- The second session featured Reed and ber 9, 2017 Golden Bear Claims Manager, Beth Ossino, with a detailed look at the potential impact on the insurance industry with regard to the new Marijuana Legalization law.

Golden Bear Insurance has been on the forefront of writing policies for cannabis-related businesses on the eve of the outset of the new law. Proposition 64, passed by California voters in 2016, makes recreational use of marijuana legal as of January 2018.

Government agencies, business people and the insurance industry are gearing up to be ready for the new law to take affect.

Reed and Ossino took an interested and engaged audience through numerous perspectives and considerations, from personal use and personal cultivation regulations, as well as state licensing regulation of com- Tami Rockholt, RN, BSN. conducted mercial operations and questions regarding the session on Reasonable Value of Medical Treatment at the Sacthe availability of insurance coverage. ramento Legal Seminar/Webinar With regard to the question of potential conflicts with regard to Federal laws that still define cannabis as an illegal drug, Ossino stated “If you write a policy you must pay related claims”.

The final session of the day featured Tami Rockholt, R.N., B.S.N., with her presentation on “Reasonable Value of Medical Treatment”.

Rockholt delved into evaluating medical costs in Personal Injury Cases, as well as covering Workers’ Comp.-related issues. She detailed appropriate In-Patient Hospital Stays, Professional Fees and Prescription Drug pricing.

The 2017 Low Ball & Lynch Sacramento Seminar was dynamic, informative, and covered a wide range of subject matter all in a relatively short time span. A video recording may still be available. Contact Christine Reed at 831-655-8822 or CReed@lowball.com for more.

Above, left-right: Christine Reed acknowledged partners Charles Redfield and Kurt Bridgman for their comprehensive Case Law Update at the November 9th Sacramento Legal Seminar.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE JM ENVIRONMENTAL SEEKS ESTIMATOR/PROJECT MANAGER

JM Environmental is looking for an Estimator/Project Manager in our Roseville office. Needs to be experienced in Xactimate for Commercial and Residential structures.

Please call John Moore at 916-802-8035.

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.

SENIOR CLAIMS REPRESENTATIVE - PROPERTY

The Dentists Insurance Company (TDIC), a subsidiary of the California Dental Association, seeks a Sr. Claims Representative. Duties include: investigating and preparing property claims by gathering and reviewing available records; verifying injuries, damages and economic loss to determine potential case exposure and establish a strategic course of action.

From detailed investigations, must provide the ability to make solid recommendations for consideration of settlement or denial. Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Ideal candidate must be able to perform job duties with little or no supervision and be able to work well in a collaborative and high functioning team environment.

Generous pay plus a benefits package that includes medical/dental/vision, 22 days of vacation, 401(k) match, profit sharing and education reimbursement. In addition, CDA supports its employees with a robust wellness program, casual Fridays, and programs to build essential workplace skills.

The Senior Claims Representative will manage, coordinate and appropriately direct the handling of complex dental commercial property and general liability claims, with minimum supervision, and will manage claims in accordance with established state mandated claims handling practices. contact: Bre Myres at cdajobs@cda.org.

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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network

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Presenting...

Plan Now to Join the MVCA

Mid-Valley Claims Association

Holiday Luncheon

There will be No November Meeting!

Join Mid-Valley Claims Association Now!

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Friday, December 15, 2017 for our annual

Holiday Luncheon

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

We hope to see you December 15th