Opening Keynote: Who Cares? Mental Health, Long-Term Care, Chronic Pain, and the Opioid Epidemic  5:00 PM -6:00 PM

Great Lakes Ballroom A.

Employment law considerations must evolve to account for DEI initiatives that are breaking new ground within organizations and creating new rules for what we should and should not discuss at work. Courageous conversations about racism, faith-based employee groups, and transparency about mental health conditions are among the topics that are now the norm in corporate America.

Cocktail Reception  6:00 PM -7:00 PM

Great Lake Foyer .

Breakfast  8:30 AM -9:30 AM

Great Lakes Ballroom A.

Session 1  9:45 AM -10:45 AM

Various Breakout Rooms.

Navigating Downstream Waters: Effective Additional Insured and Contractual Risk Transfer Strategies  9:45 AM -10:45 AM

TBD.

Don't miss this session focused on risk management challenges and solutions related to indemnification and additional insured issues, including best practices for handling defense, coverage, and common contract provisions. This diverse panel of an in-house risk manager, defense counsel, coverage counsel, and a broker claims executive will share both real life examples and case law to convey a broad range of perspectives. Attendees will walk away with actionable ideas for a better approach to resolution of claims, in construction and across other industries.

The Ethics in Claims Handling  9:45 AM -10:45 AM

TBD.

In this interactive discussion, we review five pillars of ethics in claims handling and consider why ethics are so important in our industry and how to preserve ethical behavior in your dealings as a claims professional. Attendees will leave with an understanding of the Unfair Claims Practices Act, conflicts of interest, and proper codes of professionalism. 

Proceed with Caution: Evidence Preservation and Spoliation 101  9:45 AM -10:45 AM

TBD.

Claim professionals handling premises liability claims are often face with making sticky decisions regarding evidence preservation. In this roundtable, experienced professionals will discuss how to avoid turning a trip and fall into a spoliation claim by exploring the basics of evidence preservation and spoilation, looking specifically at how it all works in the real world where things are not always so open and obvious. 

Crash Course: Increasing Vehicular Collisions in a Post-Pandemic World  9:45 AM -10:45 AM

TBD.

Following COVID-19, motor vehicle collisions have been rising at an exponential rate – both in numbers and in severity – many of them avoidable accidents. Looking at the issue from a variety of vantage points, the panel will provide an analysis of potential causes for this increase, discuss ways to mitigate current risks, and offer programs/ideas to get out in front of these collisions. 

It’s Your Fault, Now What? Settling and Litigating Clear Liability Claims  9:45 AM -10:45 AM

TBD.

Seasoned professionals offer advice on achieving the best possible outcomes for clear liability cases and share solutions for helping reduce settlements. With clear liability cases, damages can be kept low or allowed to bloom based on decisions made surrounding employee actions, acceptance of liability subsequent actions, contact with claimants, admission of fault, knowing your venue, retaining pre-litigation counsel, and not being scared to get out in front. 

Strategies in Effectuating Medicare Conditional Payment Lien Outcomes: Proactive Cost-Saving Tools for Settlements  9:45 AM -10:45 AM

TBD.

This presentation addresses all aspects of Medicare conditional payments – not only for traditional Medicare recoveries, but for private Medicare plans (Medicare Advantage Plans & Prescription Drug Plans) as well. The audience will learn about traditional and private Medicare recovery rights, options for disputes and appeals, double-damage recovery, and trending case law regarding Medicare conditional payments.

Break  10:45 AM -11:15 AM

Great Lake Foyer .

Session 2  11:15 AM -12:15 PM

Various Breakout Rooms.

A New Frontier: Remote Work and Workers Compensation Claims  11:15 AM -12:15 PM

TBD.

The post-pandemic rise in the remote workforce raises plenty of related workers compensation issues and new considerations. This roundtable discussion will look at the implications on liability and risk management, especially in handling of workers compensation claims, various aspects of risk management and claims handling for remote injuries, including prevention, investigation, and a case law review. Panelists also will address how the shift to more virtual work settings provides an opportunity to reduce costs and risks and discuss the potential advantages and downsides to a more hybrid work model – both for the employee and the employer. 

Top Leadership Tips from Women in Risk Management, Retail, and Workers Comp Litigation  11:15 AM -12:15 PM

TBD.

While great strides had been made toward promotion of diversity and inclusion in the work claims industry prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a major economic impact concern coming out of the pandemic is the widening gender disparity in the labor market. Top leaders in their fields will discuss lessons learned regarding leading through transition (and beyond) for successful approaches to claims handling and tips on the technology of change, also vital toward enhancement of professional competence in the workers compensation space and success in the retail industry.

No Laughing Matter: Civil Money Penalties and Conditional Payment Recoveries in Medicare Workers Comp Claims  11:15 AM -12:15 PM

TBD.

With hundreds of thousands of dollars per claim potentially on the line, this session will provide the details regarding what Medicare’s civil money penalties (CMP) structural and procedural framework will look like, including details on when Medicare will/will not impose CMPs. Presenters will also share insights into how serious Medicare is about recovering conditional payments, including a statistical analysis and an update on the resolution process.

Be Smart: Current Trends in Homeowners Liability Coverage  11:15 AM -12:15 PM

TBD.

Look at the expansion of liability coverage on homeowners policies considering the increasing exposures posed by technological advances and applicable emerging issues affecting personal liability. Explore State and Federal laws where interpretation of policy language has been broadened for exposures posed by drones, ride and house sharing, cyber-bullying, and vicarious liability for unlicensed individuals. 

When a Tree Falls in the Forest… Does It Have a Claim?  11:15 AM -12:15 PM

TBD.

This roundtable will include a rundown of strategies and procedures for employers to use at the outset of an unwitnessed workers compensation claim, including how to prepare and provide defense counsel with what they need to prevail.

Lunch  12:15 PM -1:45 PM

Great Lakes Ballroom A.

Session 3  1:45 PM -2:45 PM

Various Breakout Rooms.

Avoiding the Concurrent Proximate Cause Trap  1:45 PM -2:45 PM

TBD.

The ability to recognize and properly respond to claims involving concurrent proximate cause doctrine is essential for retail, restaurant, and hospitality claims handling. This session will demystify the doctrine, assist claim handlers in recognizing when it might apply, and provide suggestions to insurers for avoiding the concurrent proximate cause trap.

In It to Win It: Effectively Dealing with Plaintiff Side Counsel in Employment Law Matters  1:45 PM -2:45 PM

TBD.

Achieving successful results in employment law matters depends on a variety of factors, one of the most important can be defense counsel’s relationship with opposing counsel, including their ability to thwart or control the tactics of opposing counsel. Led by seasoned defense-side employment attorneys and claim professionals, we’ll explore practical guidance/tips for effectively dealing with opposing counsel in employment law matters, with an eye toward achieving the best possible results for defendants/insured. 

The Defense and Litigation of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Claims  1:45 PM -2:45 PM

TBD.

The discussion will explore initial diagnosis through expert selection, and breaking down the defense and litigation of traumatic brain injury (TBI) claims. The panel will also discuss TBI and how to review the records associated with a claim, review the selection of experts, and recommend best practices in handling those TBI claims.

Don’t Go in Blind: Defending Unwitnessed Workers Compensation Cases  1:45 PM -2:45 PM

TBD.

When confronted with unwitnessed, red flag, questionable claims, what should you do? This panel of experts will cover the best approach to these tricky claims from all angles, the importance of early, prompt investigation, and take a look at what should be done immediately upon report from the employer, carrier, and defense counsel standpoints. 

Balancing the Budget: Managing Case Costs for All Sizes of Litigation  1:45 PM -2:45 PM

TBD.

Managing litigation costs is important for all sizes of litigation. This discussion will cover how planning your litigation strategy early can keep costs down while still effectively advocating for your client. 

Break  2:45 PM -3:15 PM

Great Lake Foyer .

Session 4  3:15 PM -4:15 PM

Various Breakout Rooms.

One Less Workers Compensation Zombie in the Apocalypse  3:15 PM -4:15 PM

TBD.

From opioids to benzodiazepines to medical cannabis, workers compensation historically relies too heavily on the long-term prescribing of medication that takes perfectly functioning workers and turns them into...well...zombies. Join industry experts as they explore an alternative solution and the legal strategies that are succeeding in changing the "stoner" culture of workers compensation.

Safely Traversing the Minefield of Permanent Work Restrictions  3:15 PM -4:15 PM

TBD.

Companies, after providing medical care and temporary disability payments to an injured worker, are too often faced with the additional challenges posed when that person is left with permanent restrictions resulting from their work injury. This roundtable will discuss the obligations of the claims professionals in those situations, including effective strategies to minimize exposure and achieve file closure in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Top Ten: A Claims File Wish List  3:15 PM -4:15 PM

TBD.

Attorneys and claims professionals come together for a roundtable discussion to share their top ten list of the information and documents counsel is looking for to help best formulate a litigation plan and develop a winning defense for a new claim.

Stay Sharp: Subrogation Should Not Be an Afterthought  3:15 PM -4:15 PM

TBD.

Did you know subrogation is one of the top three ways insurance companies make money? Attendees will come away from this session armed with facts on how subrogation impacts companies and individuals, history on the concept and its evolution, and a better understanding of when subrogation should be considered in claims management. 

Cocktail Reception  4:30 PM -5:30 PM

Great Lake Foyer .

Breakfast  8:30 AM -9:30 AM

Great Lakes Ballroom A.

Session 5  9:30 AM -10:30 AM

Various Breakout Rooms.

Set Up for Success: Investigation and Implementation of Subrogation Claims  9:30 AM -10:30 AM

TBD.

Look at the nuts and bolts of investigating workers compensation losses, especially how/when to focus on issues like product liability, borrowed servant, warranty, evidentiary, and contractual issues to help substantiate subrogation claims. This session will help the subrogation professional, or vendor, effectively investigate work-related injuries at the most critical stage of a workers compensation subrogation claim. 

Holding vs. Folding: How to Play Your Workers Compensation Hand  9:30 AM -10:30 AM

TBD.

When it comes to claims handling, the most successful players are intelligent and strategic, approaching each claim individually, looking at all factors to determine the definition of a successful outcome. A good hand isn’t always judged by the player that wins, the smartest move may be to go all in, but it could just as easily be to fold before wasting too much money when your hand doesn’t stand a chance. 

This panel will discuss how they implement individualistic approaches to all phases of workers compensation claims handling, how they define a victory and how this term differs from claim to claim. In addition, they will explore how their different points of view and cohesive approach effectuate consistent quality outcomes.

Exposure and Expense: Managing Workers Compensation Claims from a Cost-Saving Perspective  9:30 AM -10:30 AM

TBD.

Join us as we discuss cost drivers and money saving tips at each phase of workers compensation claims handling, identify cost saving strategies beginning with preventive measures and effective expense management throughout investigation, litigation, and settlement, and look at traps and detours that can impact the bottom line. 

Cocktails and Catastrophes: Grey and Contentious Issues in Preparing a Complex Business Interruption (BI) Claim  9:30 AM -10:30 AM

TBD.

Presenters will look at examples of actual loss engagement to help identify best practices in managing complex business interruption claims, understand the complexities of a cyber incident, and advise on how to move a grey and contentious claim to a fair settlement. The session will cover the importance of pre-loss preparation, accurate BI values, understanding critical extension of coverages, key strategies to get a claim settled timely, and how to cooperatively work through calculation differences with insurance company’s forensic accountants.

Break  10:30 AM -11:00 AM

Great Lake Foyer.

Session 6  11:00 AM -12:00 PM

Various Breakout Rooms.

Cha-cha-change: What Workplace Demographic Changes May Bring  11:00 AM -12:00 PM

TBD.

The workforce includes younger and sometimes more inexperienced workers, along with aging workers facing retirement; some employees are looking only for remote work or are willing to work in a hybrid model. Additionally, some workers are looking for assignment work, or are looking for employment that is fulfilling, while others are looking for short term or contract work. Join us as we look at how all this change impacts employers and the workers compensation system. 

Creative Thinking: Solutions to Help You Settle and Save  11:00 AM -12:00 PM

TBD.

With the extraordinary rise in interest rates, it’s time to take another look at structured settlements as a useful tool to consider using during negotiations and post settlement. Participants will gain knowledge of the best practices in using a structure during negotiations to settle a claim, look at the plaintiff’s need for defense cooperation to get the benefits of a structure and how defense can leverage this position, and how defendants can also use plaintiff tax strategies to help settle and save.

Where Do We Go from Here? Securing a Better Venue for Cases  11:00 AM -12:00 PM

TBD.

It is not unusual for claims professionals to feel overwhelmed when discussing venue selection with their defense attorneys. This session will cover the importance of venue selection, explains the methods for changing venue, and shares other crucial information related to venue selection. Attendees will leave with an understanding of the many issues related to venue selection and strategies to discuss with their defense counsel to ensure their cases are litigated in the most equitable venue for a fair outcome.