Last months’ issue of the Medical Care magazine estimated that the societal cost of the U.S. prescription opioid epidemic tops $80 billion and is growing. Health insurers and workers’ comp carriers shoulder about one-third of this cost, while only one-fourth of it is borne by the public sector. For employers and workers’ compensation carriers, this means that even employees who don’t fit the stereotype of drug users will struggle with this potentially deadly addiction. The crisis has led directly to increased workers’ compensation costs.

In claims involving personal injury or property damage caused by the negligent operation of a stolen vehicle, operated by the thief who stole the vehicle, we are confronted by the issue of whether the owner of the stolen vehicle is responsible for the subsequent negligence and damage caused by the theft. Claims and subrogation professionals must know the law involving liability resulting from stolen vehicles if they are to competently handle claims and seek recovery of those claims dollars from a third party responsible for the loss. This article also contains a link to our newest 50-state chart on this topic.

Changing Times Require Changing Tactics. Lady Justice, the blindfolded woman carrying a sword and a set of scales, symbolizes the fair and equitable administration of justice, without corruption, greed, prejudice, or favor. Lately, however, she’s been looking for work. It seems that the hallowed halls of justice we call courtrooms are being used less frequently. This is especially true when subrogation claims, which tend to be smaller, liquidated claims, are involved. Subrogation professionals should recognize that there is a skill to effectively resolving cases for maximum value just as there is to trying a case.