ZIFL Volume 28, Issue 11
https://lnkd.in/g4ZCBiis, See the full article at https://lnkd.in/g2VXQMY3, https://lnkd.in/g4ZCBiis, see the full video at https://lnkd.in/gga7T4QM and at https://lnkd.in/gADfWipg and https://zalma.com/blog plus more than 4800 posts.
Read the article and the full 26 page issue here in Adobe pdf format http://zalma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ZIFL-06-01-2024.pdf.
The Source for the Insurance Fraud Professional
Zalma’s Insurance Fraud Letter (ZIFL) continues its 28th year of publication dedicated to those involved in reducing the effect of insurance fraud. ZIFL is published 24 times a year by ClaimSchool and is written by Barry Zalma. It is provided FREE to anyone who visits the site at http://zalma.com/zalmas-insurance-fraud-letter-2/ This issue contains the following articles:
The Scope of Loss
When dealing with a potential fraudulent first party-property loss it is essential that the investigation into the claim is through and prompt. To do a thorough investigation of a property loss it is essential that the insured and the company’s adjuster agree to a complete scope of loss so that the investigation into the amount of the loss is prepared and agreed to in immediately.
In a loss to structures or contents the scope of loss is generated at the first meeting between the adjuster and the insured. The scope of loss is where both parties agree on the categories of property damaged.
Read the article and the full 26 page issue here in Adobe pdf format http://zalma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ZIFL-06-01-2024.pdf.
More McClenny Moseley & Associates Issues
This is ZIFL’s twenty ninth installment of the saga of McClenny, Moseley & Associates and its problems with the federal courts in the State of Louisiana and what appears to be an effort to profit from what some Magistrate and District judges indicate may be criminal conduct to profit from insurance claims relating to hurricane damage to the public of the state of Louisiana.
April 26, 2024 – MMA Generated Lawsuits Dismissed
Read the article and the full 26 page issue here in Adobe pdf format http://zalma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ZIFL-06-01-2024.pdf.
Insureds are Made More Equal Than Insurers
California Court of Appeals Extends Meaning of Statute to Make Insured More Powerful than Insurers at EUO
As George Orwell explained in his novel “Animal Farm” we are all equal, but some are more equal than others. In Vladimir Myasnyankin v. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, A166946, A167445, California Court of Appeals, First District, Fifth Division (January 30, 2024) the Court of Appeals decided, over the dissent of the Presiding Judge that the insured in a disputed claim is more equal than the insurer.
Read the article and the full 26 page issue here in Adobe pdf format http://zalma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ZIFL-06-01-2024.pdf.
New Book
The Compact Book of Adjusting Property Claims – Fourth Edition
In Kindle, paperback and hardback formats, The Compact Book of Adjusting Property Claims, Fourth Edition is now available for purchase here and here. The Fourth Edition contains updates and clarifications from the first three editions plus additional material for the working adjuster and the insurance coverage lawyer.
Read the article and the full 26 page issue here in Adobe pdf format http://zalma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ZIFL-06-01-2024.pdf.
Health Insurance Fraud Convictions
The federal prosecutors and courts have been busy prosecuting health insurance fraud.
Doctor, One of Top Prescribers of Opioids in Massachusetts, Is Sentenced
Dr. Olarewaju James Oladipo, of Canton, a Massachusetts, an orthopedic surgeon who prosecutors say was one of the top prescribers of opioid drugs in the state was sentenced in federal court in Boston for his role in a health care fraud scheme.
Oladipo was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 16 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release. In December 2023, Oladipo was convicted by a federal jury of 10 counts of health care fraud.
Read the article and the full 26 page issue here in Adobe pdf format http://zalma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ZIFL-06-01-2024.pdf.
New Book Now Available from Barry Zalma
Property Investigation Checklists: Uncovering Insurance Fraud, 14th Edition
Read the article and the full 26 page issue here in Adobe pdf format http://zalma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ZIFL-06-01-2024.pdf.
Other Insurance Fraud Convictions
Tennessee Man Sentenced to Over 3 Years in Federal Prison for Crop Insurance Fraud
David Garrett Manion, 61, of Lafayette, Tennessee, was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $3.5 million in restitution for defrauding the federal crop insurance program.
According to court documents, Manion was convicted for defrauding the federal crop insurance program between 2016 and 2022. Manion also has a prior 2016 conviction for defrauding the federal crop insurance program. As part of that 2016 case, Manion agreed to a five-year debarment from the federal crop insurance program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency.
While that case was being resolved, however, Manion devised a scheme under which other family members applied for and received crop insurance for tobacco that was farmed by and belonged to Manion. In addition to $3.5 million in criminal restitution, Manion agreed to pay the Risk Management Agency nearly $5.5 million to resolve other outstanding issues.
Read the article and the full 26 page issue here in Adobe pdf format http://zalma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ZIFL-06-01-2024.pdf.
(c) 2024 Barry Zalma & ClaimSchool, Inc.
Please tell your friends and colleagues about this blog and the videos and let them subscribe to the blog and the videos.
Subscribe to my substack at https://barryzalma.substack.com/subscribe or
Subscribe to my substack at https://lnkd.in/gmmzUVBy
Go to X @bzalma; Go to Newsbreak.com https://www.newsbreak.com/@c/1653419?s=01; Go to Barry Zalma videos at Rumble.com at https://rumble.com/c/c-262921; Go to Barry Zalma on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCysiZklEtxZsSF9DfC0Expg.
Go to the Insurance Claims Library – https://lnkd.in/gwEYk
Read the article and the full 26 page issue here in Adobe pdf format http://zalma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ZIFL-06-01-2024.pdf.
Please tell your friends and colleagues about this blog and the videos and let them subscribe to the blog and the videos.
Go to X @bzalma; Go to the Insurance Claims Library – https://lnkd.in/gwEYk
Read the article and the full 26 page issue here in Adobe pdf format https://lnkd.in/g2VXQMY3.
The Professional Claims Handler
Post 5218
Read the full article at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/zalma-philosophy-claims-handling-part-8-barry-zalma-esq-cfe-zdwsc, see the full video at https://rumble.com/v70zl4s-the-zalma-philosophy-of-claims-handling-part-8.html and at https://youtu.be/MIYcF71ffRQ, and at https://zalma.com/blog plus more than 5200 posts.
Claims Commandment X – Thou Shall Not Pretend to be a Lawyer
Some experienced and professional claims people know the law in their area of expertise better than most lawyers.
Adjusters should be adjusters and leave lawyering to lawyers. Similarly, lawyers should be lawyers and never try to be adjusters.
Claims Commandment XI – Thou Shall Empathize With the Claimant
Everyone presenting a claim is unhappy, disturbed, shocked, injured and needs help.
Empathy is identification with and understanding of another’s situation, feelings, and motives. It is the ability to understand another person’s circumstances, point of view, thoughts, and feelings....
HOW TO CREATE AN EXCELLENCE IN CLAIMS HANDLING PROGRAM
See the full video at https://rumble.com/v70wb2i-the-zalma-philosophy-of-claims-handling-part-6.html and at https://youtu.be/tL5nDKPEs40 and at https://zalma.com/blog plus more than 5200 posts.
Post 5217
This is a change from my normal blog postings. It is my attempt. in more than one post, to explain the need for professional claims representatives who comply with the basic custom and practice of the insurance industry.
An Excellence in Claims Handling program begins with a statement in the insurer’s claims manual or statement of professionalism that it is dedicated to providing excellence in claims handling to every insured who presents a claim.
The excellence in claims handling program should include, at a minimum:
A series of lectures supported by text materials explaining:
A definition of insurance.
How to read and understand an insurance policy.
How to interview an insured, witness, or claimant.
How to assist an insured in the insured’s obligation to ...
The Professional Claims Handler
Post 5216
Read the full article at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/zalma-philosophy-claims-handling-part-5-barry-zalma-esq-cfe-jde8c, see the full video at https://rumble.com/v70q4x8-the-zalma-philosophy-of-claims-handling-part-5.html and at https://youtu.be/6b9tZQsEkB4, and at https://zalma.com/blog plus more than 5200 posts.
This is a change from my normal blog postings. It is my attempt. in more than one post, to explain the need for professional claims representatives who comply with the basic custom and practice of the insurance industry.
Standards to be a Professional Claims Adjuster
The Insurance claims professional should be a person who:
1. Can read and understand the insurance policies issued by the insurer.
2. Understands the promises made by the policy.
3. Understand their obligation, as an insurer’s claims staff, to fulfill the promises made.
4. Are competent investigators.
5. Have empathy and recognize the difference between empathy and sympathy.
6. ...
The Professional Claims Handler
Post 5219
Posted on October 31, 2025 by Barry Zalma
An Insurance claims professionals should be a person who:
Can read and understand the insurance policies issued by the insurer.
Understands the promises made by the policy.
Understand their obligation, as an insurer’s claims staff, to fulfill the promises made.
Are competent investigators.
Have empathy and recognize the difference between empathy and sympathy.
Understand medicine relating to traumatic injuries and are sufficiently versed in tort law to deal with lawyers as equals.
Understand how to repair damage to real and personal property and the value of the repairs or the property.
Understand how to negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement with the insured that is fair and reasonable to both the insured and the insurer.
How to Create Claims Professionals
To avoid fraudulent claims, claims of breach of contract, bad faith, punitive damages, unresolved losses, and to make a profit, insurers ...
The History Behind the Creation of a Claims Handling Expert
The Insurance Industry Needs to Implement Excellence in Claims Handling or Fail
Post 5210
This is a change from my normal blog postings. It is my attempt. in more than one post, to explain the need for professional claims representatives who comply with the basic custom and practice of the insurance industry. This statement of my philosophy on claims handling starts with my history as a claims adjuster, insurance defense and coverage lawyer and insurance claims handling expert.
My Training to be an Insurance Claims Adjuster
When I was discharged from the US Army in 1967 I was hired as an insurance adjuster trainee by a professional and well respected insurance company. The insurer took a chance on me because I had been an Army Intelligence Investigator for my three years in the military and could use that training and experience to be a basis to become a professional insurance adjuster.
I was initially sat at a desk reading a text-book on insurance ...
The History Behind the Creation of a Claims Handling Expert
The Insurance Industry Needs to Implement Excellence in Claims Handling or Fail
Post 5210
This is a change from my normal blog postings. It is my attempt. in more than one post, to explain the need for professional claims representatives who comply with the basic custom and practice of the insurance industry. This statement of my philosophy on claims handling starts with my history as a claims adjuster, insurance defense and coverage lawyer and insurance claims handling expert.
My Training to be an Insurance Claims Adjuster
When I was discharged from the US Army in 1967 I was hired as an insurance adjuster trainee by a professional and well respected insurance company. The insurer took a chance on me because I had been an Army Intelligence Investigator for my three years in the military and could use that training and experience to be a basis to become a professional insurance adjuster.
I was initially sat at a desk reading a text-book on insurance ...
