Chris Tidball

58 - Cracking the Montana Litigation Code: AI, Guidelines, and Tax-Free Cars

Chris Tidball

Published on: 28/04/2026

In this episode of Claim Hunters, host Chris Tidball speaks with Montana attorney Brandon Shannon about litigation management challenges. Brandon explains why subrogation is difficult in Montana due to the state's "made whole" rule. He highlights the importance of early case evaluation within 45–60 days and advocates for standardized litigation guidelines to improve consistency across insurers. Brandon also discusses how AI tools help summarize depositions and medical records efficiently, while attorney oversight remains essential.

Insurance Fraud & InvestigationsLegal & ComplianceBusiness & Operational EfficiencyClaims and Litigation Management

57 - AI vs. Adjusters: Partnering for Faster, Smarter Claims Processing

Chris Tidball

Published on: 23/04/2026

In this episode of the Claim Hunter podcast, host Chris Tidball interviews Bryan Guin, Co-Founder and COO of Avallon AI, about the role of artificial intelligence in insurance claims operations. Bryan explains how Avallon AI builds AI agents that handle routine communications, document processing, and medical bill reviews, freeing adjusters for complex tasks. They discuss AI's potential for claims negotiation, licensing regulations, liability concerns, and job displacement fears. Bryan emphasizes that AI complements rather than replaces adjusters, helping address industry workforce shortages while preserving institutional knowledge. The conversation concludes with insights on future AI capabilities, pricing, and regulatory considerations.

Legal & ComplianceBusiness & Operational EfficiencyClaims and Litigation Management

56 - Inside Workers’ Compensation Claims: A Director’s View on Litigation and Investigations

Chris Tidball

Published on: 21/04/2026

In this episode of the Claim Hunter's podcast, host Chris Tidball speaks with Michelle Punturi, Director of Workers' Compensation Department at Marshall Dennehey. Michelle shares her career journey from law clerk to firm board member, and discusses key aspects of workers' comp litigation, including balancing employer and injured worker interests. The conversation covers rising medical costs, attorney fees on medical bills, and fraudulent claims, including a notable case involving a claimant secretly working multiple jobs. Michelle also explores how social media and AI are transforming investigations, while emphasizing that human judgment remains essential in navigating complex claims.

Insurance Fraud & InvestigationsBusiness & Operational EfficiencyClaims and Litigation Management

55 - Exploring the Evolution of Negotiation in Liability Claims and the Role of AI Training

Chris Tidball

Published on: 16/04/2026

In this episode of Claim Hunters, host Chris Tidball speaks with Steve Ellis, Liability Practice Lead at Sedgwick, about the declining art of negotiation in insurance claims handling. Steve draws on his experience teaching MBA negotiation courses to highlight how adjusters today often reduce negotiation to simple number exchanges rather than leveraging case facts. They discuss challenges like pressure to close claims quickly, remote work limiting experiential learning, and the underuse of comparative negligence. Steve also shares how AI-powered simulations can help rebuild negotiation skills by identifying individual styles and providing interactive, theory-based training tailored to real claims scenarios.

Subrogation & Claims RecoveryInsurance Fraud & InvestigationsClaims and Litigation Management