Risk Mgmt Image

 Risk Management

 Benchmarking & Claims Studies 

Email This Page Print This Page Add Page to QuickClicks
Subscribe to Updates via RSS Find Us on Facebook Follow SchinnererRM on Twitter Visit our Risk Management blog

From Risk to Profit: Benchmarking and Claims StudiesFrom Risk to Profit: Benchmarking and Claims Studies

This valuable benchmarking resource was updated with claims data through 2010. See what the latest trends are in terms of claims activity.

This guide offers risk management guidance, claims figures, and claims scenarios broken down into such categories as client, project, contractor, consultants, and contracts, among others.

Understanding the Claims ProcessUnderstanding the Claims Process

This resource is a general guide to the typical CNA claims handling process.

Professionals who have had a lawsuit filed against them say that they would have been less anxious if they had known more about what to expect during the claims handling process. By familiarizing yourself with the sequence of events in a typical claim, you can reduce the common feeling of being caught in a confusing process.

For additional information on defending a claim, please see our publication on selection of counsel.

Online Benchmarking Study

This valuable benchmarking resource was updated with claims data through 2010. See what the latest trends are in terms of claims activity.

We've broken down the data of this online study into four main groups:

  • General claims information covering deductibles, limits, and frequency of claims;
  • Large Firms;
  • Premier Firms; and
  • Small Firms.

Within each billing and discipline category, we analyzed claims data by region, the project types that generated the highest frequency (claims reported) and severity (dollars spent), and claimant identification.

General Claims/Benchmarking Information
Large Firm Claims Groups (annual billings above $5 million)
Premier Firm Claims Groups (annual billings between $500,000 and $5 million)
Small Firm Claims Groups (annual billings less than $500,000)

Individual Claims and Case Studies

Recent Claims Studies

Tropicana Hotel Garage Claim Study: A lesson in the applicability of professional insurance coverage

The accident that occurred in October 2003 at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey resulted in one of the largest settlements for a personal injury case in U.S. history. The garage collapsed during construction of the eighth floor of a ten-story parking garage, killing four construction workers and seriously injuring 20 others. The settlement was for $100 million. This claim study focuses on the lead architect for the project, and provides a good example of how professional liability insurance is applied to claims.

Iowa Claims Study

This study analyzes exposure times and meritless claims against design professionals in Iowa.

Golf Courses Claims Study

We look at several examples of claims that arose from performing design work on golf courses, and discuss risk management lessons to keep in mind when working on such projects.

John Hancock Building Claim Study

We take an in-depth look at the deadly accident at the John Hancock Building in 2002. Based on interviews with the architect and the architect's attorney, as well as presentations by the architect's expert witness.,the study analyzes what led to the accident, and discusses what valuable lessons can be learned to avoid similar situations in the future.

We have posted updated versions of 19 claims studies throughout the fall of 2012. Please check below for updates.

Studies by Project Type
Studies by Discipline
Studies by Service Type
Studies by Problem Area/Miscellaneous Studies