Imaging Technology in Claims Litigation April 23, 1998 Carol E. Morse, CPCU Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company

The Challenge b Legal Cost Containment The nature of environmental litigationThe nature of environmental litigation Reduction of external expenseReduction of external expense b Role of Litigation Support Centralized document handlingCentralized document handling b Historical - Before Image b With Image Technology

Before Image b Microfilm b Dependence on vendor b Data Coding/ indexing b Limited access to documents b Paper intensive

Imaging Environment b In house capabilities b Scanning & Initial coding b Electronic Foldering b On line vs. paper

Controlling Legal Costs b Managing voluminous documents b Improve effectiveness of Counsel b Reduce Investigation Time b Access to information b Work performed at appropriate level b Reduced storage costs

The Multi Million $$ Case b Five million + pages b Request for database b Access Paralegal analystsParalegal analysts File handlerFile handler Two counsel officesTwo counsel offices

The Process b Define Issues b Assemble Team b Develop Strategy b Legal Calendar MilestonesMilestones

Alternative to Coding b Broad Issue search of OCR’d text b Initial Document analysis set boundariesset boundaries frame issuesframe issues b Define query results b Folder for review

Counsel Review b On line access to folders b Review only relevant documents b Refine criteria b Define foldering scheme

Organization

Results b Searches conducted at paralegal or analyst level b Attorneys have on line access to documents b Simplifies deposition preparation b Handle surprises through trial