Hot Topics in Worker's Comp and Litigation Trends
CE - PA and DE
11:05AM - 12:20PM (EST)
This session will focus on the trends and case law that are making waves in Pennsylvania workers’ compensation litigation. Specific topics/case law to be discussed include unreasonable contest as addressed in the recent PA Supreme Court decision, Lorino v WCAB (Commonwealth of PA); discharge from employment issues within a workers’ compensation case; head injuries with post-concussion syndrome; specific loss and extension to full body, and more. The presenters will analyze the impact of these cases on future similar litigation and provide tips for mitigating exposures and liabilities from a risk management perspective.
The panel will then transition into a discussion on strategic partnerships. An often overlooked aspect of a successful workers' compensation program, and litigation program in general, is a strategic partnership between the employer, TPA, and attorney. Open communication and early involvement amongst the counterparts is a critical component of claim investigation and strategy that results in reduced occupational risk, claim and litigation frequency and expense as well as improved reputation as well as claim outcomes. This session will discuss the best practices for strategizing and streamlining investigations to help manage risk at the beginning of an investigation, and reduce cost as a claim progresses through litigation.
Facilitator: Jasmin L. Afanador, RN, CCM - Director, Medical Management at Zenith Insurance Company
Speakers:
