In this episode of the Claim Hunters, your host Chris Tidball interviews Taylor Smith, Founder and President of Suite 200 Solutions, about the 2026 CLM Defense Council study.

They discuss rising claim severity, increasing indemnity and defense costs, and the growing use of AI by plaintiff firms to secure larger settlements. The conversation highlights the defense industry's struggle to keep pace with AI-driven advocacy, a generational staffing crisis in defense firms, and the shortcomings of traditional hourly billing models. Taylor emphasizes the urgent need for insurers and defense counsel to modernize through AI adoption, alternative fee arrangements, and improved negotiation training.

To learn more about Taylor's work, click HERE.

Connect with Taylor on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Chris' work at SecondLook? Check out his website at https://secondlook.net/.