Getting Claims Right: Lawrence Beemer on Field Investigations, Training, and the Truth Behind Insurance Outcomes

In this episode of The Claim Hunter, host Chris Tidball welcomes Lawrence Beemer, Consultant Expert at Suite 200 Solutions, to share the hard-earned wisdom from his 45-year journey in insurance claims and litigation management. With experience spanning leadership roles at Aetna, QBE, and Fireman’s Fund, Lawrence dives into how claims investigations have evolved—and what’s being lost in the process. From ethical red flags and rising caseloads to gaps in adjuster training, this conversation offers a candid and practical roadmap for claims professionals striving for precision and integrity in a high-pressure environment.

Why Claims Go Wrong—and How to Fix It

Lawrence reflects on the shift from boots-on-the-ground investigations to remote, tech-reliant assessments. While tools like Google Maps provide speed, they often miss context. In cases like slip and falls, only physical site visits reveal nuances like slope, lighting, or hazards. He stresses that firsthand observation—not digital shortcuts—leads to better decision-making, stronger defense, and fewer surprises in litigation. When adjusters aren’t on-site, they miss details, ask the wrong questions, and risk letting questionable claims pass through unchallenged.

Another key challenge: volume over value. Today’s adjusters are often buried in claims and pushed to close files fast. The result? Rushed investigations, weak documentation, and openings for litigation exposure. Lawrence recounts an experience at Fireman’s Fund, where adjusters had never stepped onto a loss site. He warns that such disconnection not only affects outcomes but weakens the industry's defense posture when plaintiff attorneys exploit these oversights.

Finally, Lawrence discusses how training and communication gaps hurt both carriers and defense counsel. He and his colleague Vic Malmo have built programs to educate young attorneys and TPAs on carrier expectations, risk transfer principles, and how claims really work. When lawyers understand how carriers think—and when adjusters know how to build cases for defense—outcomes improve, costs go down, and integrity is restored across the board.

About Lawrence Beemer

Lawrence Beemer is a Consultant Expert at Suite 200 Solutions and a seasoned insurance industry veteran. With more than four decades of experience across major carriers, Lawrence now trains law firms and third-party administrators on effective claims handling, risk transfer, and investigation strategies.

About Suite 200 Solutions

Suite 200 Solutions provides expert consulting services for insurance carriers, defense firms, and TPAs. From strategic claims support to training programs, their work bridges the gap between legal insight and operational excellence in claims management.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Lawrence Beemer – Suite 200 Solutions

• Lawrence Beemer – LinkedIn

Conclusion

This episode of The Claim Hunter sheds light on the overlooked drivers of poor claims outcomes: lack of fieldwork, rushed investigations, and untrained professionals. Lawrence Beemer’s insights serve as a powerful reminder that real-world expertise, proactive communication, and strong ethics are the foundation of successful claims management.

Key Episode Highlights

• On-site investigations reveal case-critical details that remote tools can’t

• High claim volume often undermines investigation quality and litigation defense

• Training programs are essential to align lawyers and adjusters with carrier expectations

• Ethical concerns grow when financial incentives encourage dishonest claims

• Risk transfer knowledge improves litigation strategy and cost mitigation

To learn more about proactive strategies in claims management and litigation defense, visit SubroIQ. If you're a seasoned professional with insights on claims, investigations, or litigation and want to share your story, apply to be a guest on The Claim Hunter podcast.