Premises liability cases often stem from a relatively simple incident, but the cases themselves can be quite complex. Order this straightforward guide to the process - from general strategy to the smallest procedural detail - and get the tools you need to successfully prepare and complete a slip, trip and fall case.

1. Overview of the Law
2. Expert Witnesses in Premises Liability Cases
3. Liability for Acts of Third Parties
4. Using Standards and Codes
5. Defending the Premises Liability Case
6. Ethical Considerations
7. Proof Problems and Practice Pointers in Slip, Trip and Fall Cases

Continuing Education Credits:   

* denotes specialty credits

1. OVERVIEW OF THE LAW
   9:00 - 9:45, Rob Bruer
   1. History of Premises Liability
   2. Invitee, Licensee and Trespasser Distinctions
   3. Choice of Ways Doctrine
   4. Snow and Ice Cases
   5. Attractive Nuisance Doctrine
   6. Contributory Negligence and Assumption of the Risk
   7. Doctrine of Nuisance
2. EXPERT WITNESSES IN PREMISES LIABILITY CASES
   9:45 - 10:45, Scott A. Shachtman
   1. Experts: Architects, Engineers, Human Factors
      1. When to Involve the Expert
      2. Using the Expert in Discovery
      3. Using the Expert in Developing Theories of Liability
      4. Using the Expert in Identifying Potential Parties
   2. Evolution of Safety Standards
      1. Comparing and Evaluating Procedures
      2. Applying the Expert's Skill and Orientation
   3. Keeping the Expert Involved and Current in Your Case
3. LIABILITY FOR ACTS OF THIRD PARTIES
   11:00 - 11:45, Scott A. Shachtman
   1. Workers' Compensation Claims and the Concurrent Tort Action
   2. Duty/Liability of Owners for Acts of Independent Contractors or Others on Property
   3. Dangerous and Hazardous Conditions -- Electricity
   4. Liability for Criminal Acts on Commercial and/or Private Property
   5. Travel Tours
4. USING STANDARDS AND CODES
   12:45 - 1:30, Rob Bruer
   1. Relevance of BOCA, ANSI, OSHA and Others
   2. Review of Applicable Ordinances and Regulations
   3. Standard of Care with Codes and Regulations
5. DEFENDING THE PREMISES LIABILITY CASE
   1:30 - 2:30, Joseph T. Welsh
   1. The Issue of Notice Investigating the Type and Nature of the Condition
   2. Preparing the Defendant for Trial
   3. Evaluating Whether or Not You Tender the Defense to Another Carrier
   4. Examination of Plaintiff's Experts
   5. Establishing Whether the Defendant's Actions are Reasonable
6. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
   2:45 - 3:45, Brett A. Williams
   1. Rules of Professional Conduct
   2. Attorneys' Fees
   3. Conflicts of Interest
7. PROOF PROBLEMS AND PRACTICE POINTERS IN SLIP, TRIP AND FALL CASES
   3:45 - 4:30, Brett A. Williams
   1. Investigation, Pleadings and Proof
   2. Effective Discovery Techniques
   3. Preparing the Client for Deposition
   4. Preparing the Client for Trial
   5. The Eternal Dilemma: Notice vs. Contributory Negligence
   6. Settlement Proposals
   7. Demonstrative Evidence to Persuade the Fact Finder

ROB BRUER is a partner with Bruer, Wooddell & Harrell, P.C., in the Kansas City office. After graduating from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law, he began his civil litigation practice at a large local firm. Since then, Mr. Bruer has continued to focus his civil practice specifically upon the representation of individuals and families in actions involving automobile collisions, medical malpractice, insurance disputes, premises liability, products liability and wrongful death. He is a member of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys and serves on its board of governors.

SCOTT A. SHACHTMAN is an attorney with the Kansas City law firm of The Sly James Firm, where he exclusively fights for the rights of plaintiffs in serious personal injury, products liability, premises liability, nursing home negligence and medical malpractice lawsuits. Mr. Shachtman is an advocate with The American Association for Justice and a member of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys. He is a sustaining member of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association (KCMBA). Mr. Shachtman is the chair of the Public Service Committee of the Young Lawyers Section of the KCMBA. He has spoken on behalf of the National Business Institute to a number of lawyers on "Achieving Favorable Personal Injury Settlements in Kansas and Missouri." He is admitted to practice in Kansas and Missouri. Mr. Shachtman earned his B.A. degree from the University of Kansas and his J.D. degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

JOSEPH T. WELSH is an attorney in the Kansas City law firm of Case & Roberts, P.C., where he focuses his practice in employment law, insurance defense, premises liability, and workers' compensation. Mr. Welsh earned his B.S. degree from Friends University and his J.D. degree from Creighton University. He is admitted to practice in Missouri, the U.S. District Court, and the Western District of Missouri.

BRETT A. WILLIAMS is an attorney in the law firm of Peterson & Associates, P.C., where he focuses his practice in Plaintiff's personal injury, medical malpractice, and class actions. Mr. Williams has argued before the Missouri Supreme Court and the Missouri Court of Appeals. He earned his B.A. degree from Villanova University and his J.D. degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia. Mr. Williams is a member in good standing of The Missouri Bar.  He also is a member in good standing of the United States 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, and the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. 

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

Additionally, our team of credit specialists are here to answer your specific credit-related questions weekdays 7am - 5pm Central:

Phone: 866-240-1890

Email: credit@nbi-sems.com