Ringler Radio - Structured Settlements and Legal Topics

This episode is a light-hearted look at 3 Ringler Settlement Consultants -- Erin Eddy, Bob Caples, and Chris Chan -- and how they approach their practice, their cases, and their careers. 

Relationships are the corner stone of any good business and structured settlement consultants are no different. In this episode, we chat with Ringler Settlement Consultant, Mark Vogel, who has built his career in making great relationships and converting clients into trusted friends. 

In this episode, Erik Barker, a new consultant at Ringler, gives an outsider's perspective on what it takes to be a settlement consultant.

Ringler Radio goes live from the Ringler Annual Meeting to hear what motivates the Ringler people to do the work they do.

As Ringler prepares to celebrate its 50th Anniversary, this episode of Ringler Radio focuses on both the past and the future. In this episode, the Ringler Executive Team -- Gerardo Monroy, Chief Executive Officer; Joe Loseman, Chief Operating Officer, Nicol Vargas, Chief Financial Officer; and Butch Knowlton, Chief Information Officer -- join Matt Ross, Ringler Radio host and Ringler's Chief Business Development Officer, to discuss what they see as Ringler's future in 2025. 

Ringler Radio welcomes Eric Vaughn, Director of the National Structured Settlements Trade Association (NSSTA), to give a recap of the work NSSTA did in 2024 and a peak into what's coming for 2025.For more information about NSSTA, visit www.nssta.com.

Join host, Matt Ross, and Ringler Settlement Consultant, John Muir, as they interview attorney Jim LeFante to learn more about how attorneys view structured settlements and how they're best used.Jim LeFante is the owner and founder of LeFante Law Offices in Peoria, Illinois. HIs practice concentrates on personal injury law. To learn more about LeFante Law Offices, visit www.lefantelaw.com.John Muir is a Settlement Consultant for Ringler based out of the Illinois area. As a former attorney himself, John brings a unique perspective to settling cases. For more information about John Muir or any of the other Ringler Settlement Consultants, visit www.ringlerassociates.com

In this live episode from the CLM Claims College, we talk with 3 claims professionals about their work. 

In this episode, our guest, Nolan Robinson, a Structured Settlement Consultant and the Past President of the National Structured Settlements Trade Association (NSSTA), explains the work that he has done both within the Oregon legal system and with NSSTA on Factoring practices. He shares stories and advice for anyone confronting the decision to factor their settlement or anyone who might have a client who could be a factoring candidate.To learn more about Nolan Robinson and the consulting work that he and his colleagues do, and to learn more about factoring and the work that Ringler does in settlement practices, visit us at www.ringlerassociates.com.

In this episode, our guest, Brian Farrell, a Ringler Settlement Consultant and Chairman of the Ringler Board of Directors, explains the complexities of creating a settlement solution that addresses the clients wants as well as their needs. He provides examples of pitfalls to avoid and good decision-making techniques to use.To learn more about the Brian Farrell and the services that both he and the other Ringler Settlement Consultants offer, visit www.ringlerassociates.com.

Our guest, Ryan Jandreau, Vice President of Product and Relationship Management at Prudential discusses Prudential's new product: Income Advantage. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the product and uncover how it works, the value it brings to settlement plans, who benefits from using it.Prudential is a long-time supporter of Ringler and structured settlements. For more information on Prudential and Income Advantage, as well as important disclosures, please visit prudential.com/structuredsettlements. For more information on Prudential's financial strength and credit ratings, click here.

In this episode, our guest, Leif Lundberg from JurisPrudent Deferral Solutions, explains his company's unique solutions for attorney fee deferrals, how they can be used creatively, and recent success stories.To learn more about the JurisPrudent and the services they offer, visit www.jpdsllc.com.To see if this type of solution is right for you, contact your Ringler consultant at www.ringlerassociates.com

Our guest, Johnny Meyer from Ametros, breaks down how Ametros helps injured workers manage  future medical funds, save money, and live worry-free. Ametros was founded with the vision of making healthcare easy for injured individuals and anyone that is paying for their medical needs out-of-pocket.Their mission is to help those individuals save money on their ongoing medical expenses, and to help them save time from dealing with the hassle of the complex healthcare system. Ametros' products provide discounts and support, simplifying the process with all the key players in healthcare, including patients, insurers, employers, attorneys, medical providers and Medicare.For more information on Ametros and its services, visit www.ametros.com

Our guest, Morgan Christiansen, VP of Distribution for the Pinnacle Group. He discusses the various insurance solutions that should be considered when settling a case.

In this episode, our guest, Greg Bashaw, from CP Resolutions breaks down the ins and outs of Future Medical Cost Projections and discusses why they should be considered for every claim.If you'd like to learn more about Greg Bashaw and the work that CP Resolutions does, please visit their website at www.cpresolutions.com

On October 11, 2023, Medicare announced updates to the Medicare Civil Money Penalties which sent everyone into a state of shock. Our guest, Greg Bashaw, from CP Resolutions breaks down what occurred and helps us make sense of what the penalties are and what effect they'll have going forward.If you'd like to learn more about Greg Bashaw or CP Resolutions, please visit their website at www.cpresolutions.com. 

Host, Matt Ross, gives a preview of what to expect from Ringler and from the structured settlement industry in 2024.

Ringler Radio welcomes back Ringler Vice Chairman, Peter Jachym, to shed light on how the industry faired in 2023 and what we might have to look forward to in 2024.

In this throwback episode, our hosts interview Jason Schechterle, who used a structured settlement after his case against Ford Motor Company to create a new life for himself and his family. After suffering extreme burns to over 40% of his body, his structured settlement gave him the freedom to focus on his recovery knowing that his financial future was safe for himself and his loved ones.To learn more about Jason's story, to purchase a copy of his book Burning Shield, or to book him as a speaker, please visit his website at www.burningshield.com.

With the workforce in turmoil over the past few years, there are organizations that are gaining strength by supporting career building, networking, and collaboration. In the insurance industry, RISE Professionals is one of those organizations that's making some big waves. In this episode, we talk with Amy Cooper, founder of RISE, and Jarrod Zea, a member of the RISE Strategic Planning Board and a structured settlement consultant with Ringler, about how RISE is addressing the talent gap in the industry and what its plans are for the upcoming year.

Ringler Consultant, Jeffrey Klugerman, tells stories of past settlement outcomes -- the good and the unfortunate -- to illustrate the benefits of engaging a settlement consultant and learning about all the settlement options available.To learn more about Jeffrey Klugerman and the services he provides, or to contact him directly, go to https://ringlerassociates.com/consultants/jeffrey-klugerman/. To find a Ringler Settlement Consultant in your area, go to www.ringlerassociates.com.

When a general advice legal memorandum, also known as a GLAM, was issued in December addressing attorney fee structures, the industry took a collective gasp. It took some deep research to unravel the meaning of the GLAM, but our conversation with legal tax expert, Matt Meltzer from the law firm of Flaster Greenberg, helps sort it all out. 

Join Matt Ross as he talks with Ringler Settlement Consultant, Chris Chan, and attorney, Brit Karp from the law firm of  Alexander, Morrison & Fehr about using structured settlements in employment disputes.Learn more about Brit Karp here: https://amfllp.com/about/britt-karp/Learn more about Chris Chan here: https://ringlerassociates.com/consultants/christopher-chan/About Ringler: Ringler is the largest settlement planning company in the United States with over 250 professionals in more than 70 offices nationwide since it was established in 1975. Ringler's team of expert and objective consultants has earned the trust of all parties involved in the settlement process. Ringler consultants take an individualized, customer-focused approach to each case, backed by the strength and resources of a national brand, to collaborate with injured people, attorneys and insurance professionals. We provide the most effective and fair settlement solutions in the industry and our dedication to being the most innovative and acknowledged leader in the profession continues to be our top priority.    

With concerns about inflation mounting, the Growth Structured Settlement offered by Assura Trust offer a complement to the basic structured settlement annuities that the industry has grown to trust. On today's episode, we welcome Susan Bowersox, Vice President of Business Development for Assura Trust, and a long-time structured settlement insider. She walks us through what Assura Trust has to offer and how the GSS, Growth Structured Settlement, works.

Ringler Radio host, Matt Ross, visits with lobbyist Towner French on legislation  being discussed on Capitol Hill that could effect the settlement industry.Towner French is a lobbyist with the law firm of Cozen O'Conner where he advises clients on a broad spectrum of legislative issues. His extensive knowledge of the legislative process helps him to further legislative strategies and goals. As part of that mission, he was integral in helping to pass the ABLE Act, a bill promoting self-reliance and personal growth of persons with disabilities by authorizing new, dynamic ways for their families to save for their future. His perspectives on current legislative issues can help understand the settlement industry and provide a road map for the future.

Ringler Settlement Consultant, John Muir, talks with our host, Matt Ross, about settling cases on the defense side. He goes in-depth to unveil the detailed work that a claims adjuster does and the responsibility they shoulder when settling a claim. This episode is a fascinating look behind the curtain to reveal the stresses and the amount of work that is done in order for a claim to settle well.

Ringler Radio welcomes attorney and structured settlement recipient, Dylan Clewis, to discuss his perspectives on the settlement process from  the perspective of an injured person who received a structured settlement himself, a former plaintiff attorney representing injured parties, and a current defense attorney representing the other side. Mr. Clewis helps pull all the different viewpoints together for a singular look at the settlement process, what can be improved, and what he does in his own practice.Dylan Clewis sustained a catastrophic neck injury during his sophomore year at college as a result of a fall and became wheelchair-bound. Undaunted, he returned to school the same year to continue his studies and soon graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. He then attended South Texas College of Law to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming an attorney.After law school, Mr. Clewis joined a small firm where he gained experience in all phases of civil litigation across multiple practice areas, including premises liability, personal injury, business formations, contract drafting, and alternative dispute resolution. Since joining Crim & Villalpando, PC, Dylan has focused on courtroom advocacy and personal injury. He is devoted to client centered legal practice and helps clients play a central role in the outcome of their cases.

With all that has happened in the financial markets in 2022 we invited Ringler's interim CEO Peter Jachym to share his thoughts around the macro-economic trends from 2022 expanding into 2023 and what that means to the various parties involved in a settlement.

What do you think of when you hear the phrase: Injured Worker Advocacy? In this episode, we sit down with George Townsend, President of the Workers Injury Law and Advocacy Group, and Partner at the law firm of Hammond Townsend in Virginia, as he shares his experience about what worker advocacy looks like and how both sides can work together to drive better results for each party.

As with all industries, law firms need to stay abreast of trends in the industry to both market themselves and to continue to be relevant in the minds of their clients. To learn more about this, we invited attorney William Colarulo of the law office of Grungo Colarulo, and Ringler settlement consultant, Simon Rossetter to discuss the emerging trends in law firms and why they're so important to the future. The conversation was so extensive, that we divided the episode into 2 parts. This first episode centers the discussion on the growing need to address client experience and how culture in a firm is the driving force behind it.To learn more about William Colarulo and his practice, visit his website at www.gcinjurylaw.comTo consult with Simon Rossetter on settlement solutions, email him at SRossetter@ringler associates.com.To learn more about the products and services that Ringler offers, visit us at www.ringlerassociates.com.

In part II of our episode on Trends in Law Firms, we continue our conversation with attorney William Colarulo of Grungo Colarulo, and settlement consultant Simon Rossetter from Ringler. In this episode we discuss hiring trends, generational differences, and the evolution of law firm marketing strategy.To learn more about William Colarulo and his practice, visit his website at www.gcinjurylaw.comTo consult with Simon Rossetter on settlement solutions, email him at SRossetter@ringler associates.com.To learn more about the products and services that Ringler offers, visit us at www.ringlerassociates.com.

In this episode, we take a deeper dive into Structured Installment Sales, what they are, and how best to use them.Our guest, Philippe Petit, Sales Director for Structured Settlements at MetLife, is responsible for managing and growing MetLife's relationships with structured settlement brokers and has spent his entire professional career at MetLife, holding positions in MetLife's Institutional Income Annuities business as a client relations account executive as well as MetLife's Structured Settlements business as a senior sales consultant and as a new business consultant.If you'd like to learn more about Structured Installment Sales, you can visit MetLife's website at www.metlife.com/structured settlements, click HERE, or call MetLife directly at 1-800-638-0051 ext. 2. Or, for a more personalized approach, contact your local Ringler Consultant at www.ringlerassociates.com.

Settling cases doesn't only extend to the injured parties. The attorneys who work to settle the cases are also burdened with financial concerns and responsibilities to their employees and to their firms. One way to manage the responsibility is for a lawyer to defer their attorney fees so that their money can work for them now and into the future.To talk about attorney fee deferral options, we welcome Boston Trial Attorney, Hector Zumbado and Ringler Settlement Consultant Peter Early.To learn more about Hector Zumbado and his practice, visit his website at https://www.zumbado-elmore.com/attorney/hector-e-zumbado/To consult with Peter Early on settlement solutions, email him at PEarly@ringler associates.com.To learn more about attorney fee deferral options, to contact a Ringler consultant, or to learn more about the products and services that Ringler offers, visit us at www.ringlerassociates.com.

What would you do if a workplace injury left you with the difficult decision between either amputating both your hands and feet, or death? In this episode we hear a firsthand account of a nurse, Karen, who contracted a bacterial infection at work. At the end of her ordeal she was left as a quad amputee. During this incredible interview, Karen tells us about her injuries, but she also shares with us how her settlement consultant, Mike Zea, was a crucial ally in helping to negotiate her settlement and her financial future.Karen's story is both a cautionary tale and an inspiration as it relates to self-advocacy and trust. Mike Zea joins the interview to add details of the settlement process and their incredible relationship.If you find yourself inspired by Karen's story and would like to share it, Karen is available for speaking engagements. You can contact Karen via Facebook at Caring for Karen or email her directly at kannec19@gmail.comTo learn more about the services that Mike Zea and all of the Ringler Settlement Consultants offer, visit us online at www.ringlerassociates.com

Building on our conversation from a previous episode, we welcome Mediator Rachel Ehrlich to the podcast to take a deeper dive into the psychology behind mediations and ways to set goals and intentions that create a meaningful outcome.If you're in need of a mediator and would like to contact Rachel Ehrlich, you can send an inquiry email to rachel@ehrlichadr.com.If you need help with settlement options for a case and would like to contact a Ringler consultant, or to learn more about the products and services that Ringler offers, visit us at www.ringlerassociates.com.

When it comes to Medicare Set Asides the goal is to ensure that the interests of Medicare are appropriately considered. When denials occur, it's difficult to understand how the decision was made and what to do about it. In this episode, we welcome our partners at Ametros to discuss their recent white paper which addresses the reality of Medicare denials. Our conversation is informed by Ametros Vice President of Strategy, John Kane, who brings over 30 years of experience and an extensive background in Medicare Secondary Payer compliance, as well as Ametros Senior Strategic Account Executive, Jayson Gallant, the author of the white paper.To Learn More About Ametros: www.ametros.comTo Connect With our Guests:LinkedIn: John Kane                      Jayson GallantTo Learn More About Ringler:Ringler Website: www.ringlerassociates.comRingler Social Media:                     Ringler Radio                     LinkedIn                     Facebook                     Instagram                     YouTube

Mediations are a crucial step in the settlement process and a successful mediation can often provide a "win" for everyone involved. In this episode, we welcome Ron Bankston, a veteran mediator with over 20 years of mediation experience, and Bob Caples, a settlement consultant with Ringler who, over the course of his 25-year career has used his objective and holistic approach to settlement planning to build a nationwide client base comprised of both plaintiff and defense-oriented clientele.To learn more about Ron Bankston's mediation services, visit www.ronbankston.com. To discuss a case with Bob Caples or to find a settlement consultant near you, visit www.ringlerassociates.com.

In this episode we talk with Eric Vaughn, Executive Director and lobbyist for the National Structured Settlement Trade Association about trends in the industry and what to watch for in the upcoming year.If you'd like to learn more about the work that Mr. Vaughn and the National Structured Settlement Trade Association are doing, or if you'd like to get involved, visit www.nssta.com.

In this episode we take some time to chat with Jarrod Zea and Alexa Zen, two up-and-coming Settlement Consultants about the future of the industry as informed by the past.  If you'd like to learn more about the work that Ms. Zen and Mr. Zea do, you can find their bio page and contact them directly at www.ringlerassociates.com.

Continuing our Medicare conversation with Greg Bashaw, President of CP Resolutions, we discuss the anticipated changes to Medicare rules set to be announced this month, and take a deeper look at how those changes might effect the settlement process.CP Resolutions is a leader in lien resolution services including Medicare Parts A&B, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Medicaid. As claims experts, they know the daily demands for adjusters and can help address the issues that matter most. To learn more about the services that CP Resolutions offers, visit www.CPResolutions.com or contact your Ringler Settlement Consultant at www.RinglerAssociates.com.

As one of the most common tools in settlement planning, Medicare is often misunderstood. In part 1 of this 2-part episode, we take a look at how Medicare came to be and how it can impact a settlement plan. Ringler Radio welcomes Greg Bashaw, President of CP Resolutions, a company that focuses specifically on CMS and how to navigate its nuances and intricacies appropriately.To learn more about the services that CP Resolutions offers, visit www.CPResolutions.com or contact your Ringler Settlement Consultant at www.RinglerAssociates.com.

In this episode we interview Jeanette Hernandez, Chief Business Development Officer at Ringler.  Ms. Hernandez discusses how being able to present and speak to fact-based data will becoming increasingly important in the future of the industry. Our hosts will uncover insights Ms. Hernandez has found to work by using actionable data which inevitably drives better business decisions.Jeanette Hernandez recently sat on a panel for the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance which also discussed how data will drive future business decisions. If you'd like to learn more about this topic, you can register and watch the panel webinar, Emerging Trends in Claims Resolution Processes, by clicking  HERE.

Our hosts discuss how a settlement consultant can do more than assist with getting cases to settlement. Who your settlement consultant knows throughout the industry and the types of people they work with can help in growing a professional network that works beyond the current case. Growing professionally takes networking and contacts which is something that a settlement consultant has a wealth of.To learn more about settlement consultants in your area, please visit www.ringlerassociates.com.

In this episode we interview Hyram Montero, a plaintiff attorney and mediator located in Fort Lauderdale, FL.  We discuss Hyram's experience with settlement consultants and their current role as part of his overall settlement strategy. We take a look at the evolution of the settlement industry over the course of his 40-year career and how settlement consultants have grown to be a valuable tool in his cases. To get in touch with Hyram Montero, visit www.monterolaw.com.

Our hosts interview Jason Schechterle, who used a structured settlement after his case against Ford Motor Company to create a new life for himself and his family. After suffering extreme burns to over 40% of his body, his structured settlement gave him the freedom to focus on his recovery knowing that his financial future was safe for himself and his loved ones.To learn more about Jason's story, to purchase a copy of his book Burning Shield, or to book him as a speaker, please visit his website at www.burningshield.com.

Phil and Matt talk with Ringler Settlement Consultants, Bill Wright and Manny Valdez to learn more about what a Settlement Consultant does and how they bring value to the cases they work with.To learn more about Ringler or to find a settlement consultant, visit www.ringlerassociates.com.

After a brief hiatus, we're back with new hosts and a refreshed platform! Tune in to learn more about what we have planned for 2021. To learn more about Ringler or to contact a settlement consultant, visit www.ringlerassociates.com.

Employees deemed ‘essential' are still heading into work during the coronavirus pandemic, often risking their lives. On Ringler Radio, host Larry Cohen talks with workers compensation attorney Alan S. Pierce, from Pierce, Pierce & Napolitano, about possible litigation stemming from the pandemic and what employment safety standards should be in place.Visit Ringler to contact a consultant in your area about structured settlements.

A jury awarded an $80 million verdict to Edwin Hardeman, ruling he developed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, stemming from his use of Roundup on his property, however, a federal judge slashed the damages award to $25.27 million. Ringler Radio host Larry Cohen and co-host Cindy Chanley talk with attorney Jennifer A. Moore, founder of Moore Law Group, PLLC, about the verdict, the damages reduction and the potential mediation of future cases involving Roundup.Visit Ringler to contact a consultant in your area about structured settlements.

In recent years there has been a rise in lawsuits against the increasingly popular ridesharing companies, like Lyft and Uber. Ringler Radio host Larry Cohen along with co-host, Manny J. Valdez, Jr. and guest, attorney Laurel L. Simes, founding partner of Levin Simes Abrams LLP, talk about this growing legal topic, the rideshare companies' response to allegations and litigation, and what needs to be done to guarantee the safety of the passenger.Visit Ringler to contact a consultant in your area about structured settlements.

When a legal settlement involves an injured child, the parent or guardian is responsible to ensure the child is taken care of financially and physically long-term. How do structured settlements for minors differ from those for adults? Ringler Radio host, Larry Cohen and Ringler colleague, Ryan Christen Oliphant, discuss details of structured settlements for minors so the interests of the child are the priority and the funds are not dissipated.Visit Ringler to contact a consultant in your area about structured settlements.