Facing Fire and Litigation: Ronald Morrison on Claims, Catastrophes, and the Future of Insurance

In this episode of The Claim Hunter, host Chris Tidball sits down with Ronald Morrison, Divisional Senior Vice President at Great American Insurance Group, to explore the evolving world of claims, catastrophe response, and the increasing complexity of litigation in the insurance industry. With over a decade of experience and firsthand insight from the frontlines of natural disasters like the California wildfires, Ronald shares a compelling perspective on how insurers must adapt—both operationally and technologically—in order to meet rising challenges head-on.

Claims in Crisis: Wildfires, Technology, and Industry Transformation

Ronald recounts the emotional and logistical challenges of working on the ground during the devastating 2017 Napa Valley wildfires. He emphasizes the importance of providing not only timely financial relief but also human support during moments of loss. Great American Insurance’s proactive claims handling—through immediate funds, physical presence, and empathy—helps businesses rebuild faster, a testament to both the resilience of their clients and the company’s core values.

Beyond catastrophe response, Ronald dives into the growing impact of nuclear verdicts and third-party litigation funding, noting how these trends are reshaping litigation risk. Plaintiff attorneys are rapidly adopting AI tools to build cases faster and more effectively. For insurers to keep pace, Ronald argues, they must embrace data analytics, predictive modeling, and proactive investigations to drive better outcomes and reduce exposure.

Looking ahead, he champions deeper collaboration between insurers and defense firms and urges a shift toward outcome-based compensation models, where efficiency and results matter more than billable hours. The industry’s future, he believes, hinges on adaptability, shared intelligence, and tech-enabled speed.

About Ronald Morrison

Ronald Morrison is Divisional Senior Vice President at Great American Insurance Group, where he brings over 11 years of leadership in claims and litigation strategy. His career spans frontline experience during disasters and driving innovation in complex claim environments.

About Great American Insurance Group

Great American Insurance Group specializes in property and casualty insurance, offering deep expertise in niche markets. Known for their relationship-driven approach, they combine financial strength with personalized service across a wide range of industries.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Ronald Morrison – LinkedIn

• Great American Insurance Group

Key Episode Highlights

• Emotional intelligence in claims: Why showing up in person during catastrophes matters as much as writing the check

• AI adoption in litigation: Plaintiff attorneys are leveraging tech—insurers must catch up

• Wildfire risk mitigation tips: Actionable advice for property owners in fire-prone zones

• Nuclear verdicts and litigation funding: How they’re driving up claims costs and complicating settlements

• The future of defense partnerships: Why outcome-based models may become the new standard

To learn more about claims innovation, litigation trends, and risk resilience, visit ChrisTidball.com. If you’re an industry leader with insights to share, apply to be featured on The Claim Hunter podcast.

🔗 Link to this episode: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/77e86c23-e379-47d0-906f-f2b2cb74aeaa/