Whether you're new to this area of law or just want to learn some tips and tricks of the other side, this practical instruction will deliver the foundational knowledge and approaches needed to avoid common errors and achieve favorable outcomes when handling workers' compensation claims. Come away with valuable procedural techniques, as well as medical and disability benefits insights. Order today!

1. LA Statute and Case Law Update
2. Preparing Your Case
3. How to Obtain Independent Medical Evaluations
4. Mediation Conference
5. The Settlement Process
6. Medicare Set-Aside Process, Liens and Subrogation Interests
7. The Hearing
8. Appeals
9. Ethical Considerations

Continuing Education Credits:   

* denotes specialty credits

1. LA Statute and Case Law Update
   9:00 - 9:30, William R. Mustian
2. Preparing Your Case
   9:30 - 10:10, William R. Mustian
   1. Case Evaluation
   2. Crucial Evidence to Obtain
   3. Statute of Limitations - Critical Steps When Time is of the Essence
   4. Evaluation of Disability Benefits
   5. Employer's Attorney: Crucial Evidence and How to Obtain It
   6. Depositions
      1. When is Taking Depositions Necessary?
      2. Deposing Doctors: Mistakes to Avoid
   7. Properly Filing the Claim: Do's and Don'ts
   8. Affirmative Defenses
   9. Fraud
3. How to Obtain Independent Medical Evaluations
   10:25 - 10:50, Patrick E. Costello
   1. Court Appointed
   2. 1015 IMEs
   3. UR IMEs
4. Mediation Conference
   10:50 - 11:35, Natasha Z. Wilson
   1. Preparation
   2. At the Conference - Mediation Strategies
   3. Post-Mediation Conference Settlements
5. The Settlement Process
   11:35 - 12:30, William R. Mustian
   1. Determining the Settlement Range
   2. Types of Settlements
   3. Settlement Agreements
      1. What Should be Included?
      2. Period of Time for Which Benefits are Paid
      3. Critical Language
   4. Pitfalls to Avoid When Settling Cases
   5. Post-Settlement Issues
6. Medicare Set-Aside Process, Liens and Subrogation Interests
   1:30 - 2:00, William R. Mustian
7. The Hearing
   2:00 - 2:40, Philip J. Borne
   1. Overview of the Hearing Process
   2. Evidence Admissibility and Submission
   3. Hearing Strategies
      1. Preparation: Streamline Your Case
      2. Submission of Stipulations
      3. Presentation of Evidence
      4. Questioning Witnesses: What Questions Should be Asked?
      5. Objections
8. Appeals
   2:55 - 3:30, Philip J. Borne
   1. When an Appeal Makes Sense
   2. Administrative
   3. Judicial Proceedings
9. Ethical Considerations
   3:30 - 4:30, Patrick E. Costello
   1. Scope of Discovery
   2. Communication With Injured Party and Medical Providers
   3. Responsibility to be Candid With the Court
   4. Bordering on Fraud
   5. Conflicts Between the Insurer and the Insured

PHILIP J. BORNE is a partner in the law firm of Christovich & Kearney, LLC. Since 1989, Mr. Borne has been engaged in a general civil trial practice, concentrating in the areas of workers' compensation defense and automobile liability. He earned his B.A. degree and his J.D. degree from Loyola University of New Orleans, where he was a member of the Loyola Law Review. Before and during law school, Mr. Borne worked as a claims adjuster. He has been a speaker at various seminars in his fields of practice, including the Auto Insurance Law and Accident Seminar, the Louisiana State Bar Association's Auto Litigation Seminar, the Workers' Compensation for General Practitioner Seminar, and the Tulane CLE by the Hour Seminar. Mr. Borne is a member of the Defense Research Institute, the Louisiana State and New Orleans bar associations, and the Louisiana and New Orleans Association of Defense Counsel.

PATRICK E. COSTELLO is a member in the law firm of Mouledoux, Bland, Legrand & Brackett. He focuses his practice in admiralty and maritime law, workers compensation, insurance defense and communications law. Mr. Costello received his B.A. degree from the University of Kentucky and his J.D. degree from Loyola University School of Law, where he was a member of the Moot Court staff. He is admitted to practice in all Louisiana state and federal courts. Mr. Costello is a member of the Louisiana State and American bar associations as well as the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel.

WILLIAM R. MUSTIAN III is a partner in the Metairie law firm of Stanga & Mustian, where his practice is concentrated on plaintiffs' personal injury, workers' compensation and Social Security Disability. He has spoken at numerous seminars on the topic of workers' compensation law. Mr. Mustian earned his B.A. degree from Murray State University and his J.D. degree from Tulane University. He is a member of the Louisiana State and Jefferson bar associations, the Louisiana Association for Justice (former section chair, Workers' Compensation Section), the Disabled Workers' Network and the National Organization of Social Security Claimant's Representatives.

NATASHA Z. WILSON is a director in the New Orleans law firm of Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith, where her practice includes employment law, state and longshore workers' compensation, and general property and casualty defense. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Wilson practiced for three years in general litigation including personal injury, family law, and appellate practice. She is admitted to practice in all Louisiana state and federal courts, all Texas state courts and before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the5th Circuit. Ms. Wilson earned her B.A. degree from the University of Alabama and her J.D. degree from Loyola University School of Law. She is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, St. Thomas More Inn of Court, Defense Research Institute, Council on Litigation Management, Louisiana Association of Business and Industry and the Louisiana Association of Self Insured Employers. Ms Wilson was named one of New Orleans Magazine's Top Lawyers of 2009.

Please refer to Continuing Education Credit FAQ for general information about seeking credit for your participation in one of our continuing education programs.

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Phone: 866-240-1890

Email: credit@nbi-sems.com