Late-reported workers' compensation claims cost 45% more than those reported promptly – a startling statistic that reveals how critical timing can be when managing your company's experience modification factor. This hidden multiplier determines whether your business pays more or less for workers' comp insurance and, for contractors especially, can determine whether you qualify for jobs at all.

Jeremy Morrison, Director of Underwriting at Berkeley Industrial with 20 years in workers' compensation, breaks down the complex world of E-mods with refreshing clarity. He explains how the classification system uses three years of historical data to compare your company's performance against similar businesses in your industry. The resulting math produces a multiplier that can significantly impact your bottom line – particularly as your business grows.

We tackle common misconceptions about claims management, including why paying medical-only claims out-of-pocket often backfires financially. Jeremy explains how these claims are heavily discounted in the E-mod calculation and why prompt reporting nearly always saves money in the long run. We also explore why the system penalizes frequency more than severity, capping the impact of any single large claim on your rating.

Perhaps most valuable is our discussion about partnership. The strongest workers' comp programs emerge when claims adjusters, underwriters, risk management specialists, and business owners communicate openly about goals and challenges. When everyone understands how their role impacts the others, better outcomes naturally follow. For workers' compensation success, we truly believe that teamwork makes the dream work.

Think differently, care deeply, and discover how proper claims handling can transform your experience modification factor from a mysterious penalty into a competitive advantage. Subscribe, leave a review, and join us every two weeks for more insights that help you protect what matters.

Season 9 is brought to you by Berkley Industrial Comp. This episode is hosted by Greg Hamlin.

Visit the Berkley Industrial Comp blog for more!
Got questions? Send them to marketing@berkleyindustrial.com
For music inquiries, contact Cameron Runyan at camrunyan9@gmail.com

Digital transformation starts with people, not technology. Emma Roloff, Director of North American Property and Casualty Sales, shares her journey from aspiring teacher to insurance technology leader. She emphasizes a people-first approach to digital transformation, advocating for technology to enable process improvements rather than dictate them.

Emma discusses the challenges carriers face, such as balancing backend system improvements with customer-facing experiences, and provides practical advice on engaging stakeholders, choosing the right technology partners, and fostering digital literacy. Her insights on change management highlight the importance of converting skeptics into advocates to accelerate adoption.

Season 9 is brought to you by Berkley Industrial Comp. This rebroadcasted episode is hosted by Greg Hamlin and guest co-host Sam Neer, Group Product Manager with Berkley Alternative Market Technology (BAMTECH).

Visit the Berkley Industrial Comp blog for more!
Got questions? Send them to marketing@berkleyindustrial.com.
For music inquiries, contact Cameron Runyan at camrunyan9@gmail.com

"We're creating that room for people to be in the right place, to meet the right people, to grow their career."

From accidental beginnings to intentional leadership – that's the journey so many of us take in the insurance industry. This fascinating conversation with Amy Cooper, founder of RISE and VP of Carrier Practices at Gallagher Bassett, reveals how one organization is transforming the future of insurance talent development.

Like most professionals, Amy stumbled into insurance by chance. But what she found was an industry full of opportunity paired with a looming talent crisis. Her response? Creating RISE – now a thriving community of over 7,000 members across 14 countries dedicated to developing the next generation of insurance leaders.

The timing couldn't be more critical. As Amy explains, the industry faces a perfect storm: mass retirements accelerated by COVID-19 combined with remote work environments that eliminate organic mentoring opportunities. RISE addresses these challenges by providing free membership and structured development programs that complement technical training with crucial "human skills" development.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is the practical advice for both early-career professionals and companies looking to attract top talent. Amy outlines specific strategies for getting involved with RISE's mentorship programs, educational series, and committees. She also shares insights on how companies can better attract Gen Z through mission-driven storytelling, technological innovation, and meaningful workplace flexibility.

The passion behind RISE shines through in Amy's gratitude for the volunteer mentors and board members who make the organization's work possible. Their collective commitment reminds us that while insurance might be an "accidental" career for many, developing the next generation of leaders requires intentional effort from everyone in the industry.

Whether you're just starting your insurance journey or looking to give back after years in the field, this episode offers valuable perspective on how we can collectively shape the future of our industry through meaningful connection and growth.

Season 9 is brought to you by Berkley Industrial Comp. This episode is hosted by Greg Hamlin and Mike Gilmartin.

Visit the Berkley Industrial Comp blog for more!
Got questions? Send them to marketing@berkleyindustrial.com
For music inquiries, contact Cameron Runyan at camrunyan9@gmail.com

In this heartfelt episode of "Adjusted," we explore life after catastrophic injury with Julie Greer, Senior Catastrophic Claims Specialist at Berkley Industrial Comp, and Steve Ehretsman, the late founder of Shamrock Prosthetics. When Steve lost his leg following a workplace accident, he identified a critical gap in the recovery process: the lack of coaching for the mental and physical challenges of adapting to life as an amputee. This experience, combined with his coaching background, inspired him to establish Shamrock Prosthetics, where his team adopts a unique approach to supporting amputees.

Julie and Steve share their insights on reconstructing lives after workplace amputations through innovative prosthetic solutions and empathetic claims management. Their collaboration highlights how listening to injured workers' goals and providing real-world functional testing can lead to better outcomes than standard prosthetic protocols.

If you find this episode valuable, please like and share it, and subscribe for future episodes. We'd love it if you could leave a five-star review on your preferred platform – it helps others discover this podcast.

Season 9 is brought to you by Berkley Industrial Comp. This episode is hosted by Greg Hamlin and Matthew Yehling.

Visit the Berkley Industrial Comp blog for more!
Got questions? Send them to marketing@berkleyindustrial.com
For music inquiries, contact Cameron Runyan at camrunyan9@gmail.com

Technology in workers' compensation claims isn't about replacing humans but augmenting them to work more effectively. Sam Neer from Berkeley Alternative Markets Technology shares how technology is transforming claims handling while keeping adjusters at the center of the process.

• Machine learning identifies potentially serious claims early by analyzing first reports of injury
• Technology excels at identifying patterns across millions of claim notes that humans could never process
• Digital payments and texting capabilities are improving claimant communication experiences
• "Human in the loop" models keep adjusters involved while reducing mundane tasks
• Cloud computing is making systems faster and more reliable with better uptime
• Technology teams need to spend time with claims staff to understand their daily processes
• Effective communication during system outages builds trust and transparency
• Balancing tactical needs with strategic vision helps prioritize technology development
• Incremental improvements often yield better results than waiting for perfect solutions

I encourage you to like, share and follow the podcast, as well as to leave a five-star review so we have an opportunity to help others find this podcast and enjoy the content we've created. Remember to do right, think differently and don't forget to care.

Season 9 is brought to you by Berkley Industrial Comp. This rebroadcasted episode is hosted by Greg Hamlin and guest co-host Matt Yehling, Directory of Claims at Midwest Employers Casualty.

Visit the Berkley Industrial Comp blog for more!
Got questions? Send them to marketing@berkleyindustrial.com
For music inquiries, contact Cameron Runyan at camrunyan9@gmail.com

What happens in those crucial moments when customers reach out for help? The difference between frustration and relief often comes down to one simple factor: responsiveness.

Responsiveness in customer service is vital, especially when addressing time-sensitive needs in the insurance sector where a quick, accurate answer can make all the difference. Our Business Engagement Unit was created specifically to redefine traditional admin roles by hiring top talent focused on immediate customer response.

• Responsiveness builds trust, fosters relationships, and enables efficient problem-solving
• Empathy is crucial—putting yourself in others' shoes and providing service you'd expect
• Injured workers experience disruption to their lives and need immediate support
• Lack of response can lead to mistrust, increased costs, and potential litigation
• The Business Engagement Unit answers calls live rather than using automated systems
• Cross-training ensures representatives can answer multiple types of questions
• Multiple communication channels (phone, email, text, chat) meet customers where they are
• Setting clear expectations when immediate answers aren't possible prevents frustration
• Acknowledging mistakes, taking responsibility, and making things right builds stronger relationships
• Leaders must model responsive behavior with their own teams

We encourage you to like, follow, and give us a review—we would love a five-star review to help others find this podcast. Do right, think differently, and don't forget to care.

Season 9 is brought to you by Berkley Industrial Comp. This episode is hosted by Greg Hamlin.

Visit the Berkley Industrial Comp blog for more!
Got questions? Send them to marketing@berkleyindustrial.com
For music inquiries, contact Cameron Runyan at camrunyan9@gmail.com

In this rebroadcasted episode of ADJUSTED, we explore the transformative power of internships in the workers' compensation insurance industry through conversations with current and former interns and their manager. The episode reveals how internship programs address the industry's talent crisis while providing students with valuable career exploration opportunities and pathways to full-time employment.

Season 9 is proudly sponsored by Berkley Industrial Comp and our host, Greg Hamlin. If you're interested in learning more about leveraging internships as a student or employer, this episode provides valuable insights from multiple perspectives. Remember to like and share this episode and leave us a five-star review.

For more insights, visit the Berkley Industrial Comp blog. Have questions? Email us at marketing@berkleyindustrial.com. For music inquiries, contact Cameron Runyan at camrunyan9@gmail.com.

Discover the art and science of mediation in our latest episode of ADJUSTED as we welcome Alan Jordan, a seasoned mediator and founder of Prism Group. Alan offers rich insights into the transformative power of mediation in resolving disputes, particularly in the complex realm of workers' compensation. He reflects on his journey from traditional legal practice to becoming a mediation expert in Louisiana, highlighting the legislative shifts that made mediation mandatory but not always effective.

Season 9 is brought to you by Berkley Industrial Comp. This episode is hosted by Greg Hamlin.

Visit the Berkley Industrial Comp blog for more!
Got questions? Send them to marketing@berkleyindustrial.com
For music inquiries, contact Cameron Runyan at camrunyan9@gmail.com