Packed with practical information, this valuable instruction focuses on useful hearing tactics that can be used regardless of who you are representing. The result: you'll learn cutting-edge approaches for achieving a favorable outcome for your clients. From initiating a claim to negotiating a settlement, you'll get the strategies you need to succeed – and the confidence that comes from knowing your performance is the best it can be. Order today!

1. Aligning Your Advice With Current Legislative Developments
2. Preparing for the Pre-Hearing Conference
3. How Medical Issues Factor into the Settlement Process
4. Avoiding Ethical Obstacles
5. Calculation of Compensation Ratings and Settlements
6. Results-Oriented Hearing Strategies

1. ALIGNING YOUR ADVICE WITH CURRENT LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS
   9:00 - 10:00, Richard M. Edmonson
   1. A Concise Summary of Key Federal Statutes
   2. Workers' Compensation Law – A Closer Look at Legislation and Reform Issues
   3. Examining Relevant Case Law
2. PREPARING FOR THE PRE-HEARING CONFERENCE
   10:15 - 11:15, Christopher R. Fontan
   1. Conducting Thorough Case Investigation
   2. Determining Issues Arising “Out of and in the Course of Employment”
   3. Filing or Responding to the Claim
   4. Your Best Strategies for Document Gathering
   5. Conducting Depositions That Get the Key Information You Need
   6. Proper Evidence Preservation
   7. Lay Witnesses – What Information Will Support Your Side of the Case?
   8. Putting Together a Solid Hearing Strategy
3. HOW MEDICAL ISSUES FACTOR INTO THE SETTLEMENT PROCESS
   11:15 - 12:15, Christopher R. Fontan
   1. How Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) Can be Used
   2. Interpretation of Medical Records and Reports
   3. Specific Medical Issues and Their Effect on Disability
   4. A Company's Vocational Rehabilitation Obligations
4. AVOIDING ETHICAL OBSTACLES
   1:15 - 2:15, Rogen K. Chhabra
   1. Assessing Proper Attorneys' Fees
   2. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
   3. Adhering to Guidelines on Contacting Witnesses and Other Parties
5. CALCULATION OF COMPENSATION RATINGS AND SETTLEMENTS
   2:30 - 3:30, Richard M. Edmonson
   1. How Impairment Rating Evaluations (IREs) are Used
   2. Ascertaining Equitable Compensation Using Standard Earning Calculations
   3. Determination and Apportionment of Benefits
   4. What is the Statutory Predicate on Collateral Source Offsets?
   5. Providing for a Disability With a Medicare-Set Aside Trust
   6. Structured Settlements - Petitions and Supporting Documents
   7. Establishing a Mutually Agreeable Settlement and Judgment Offer
   8. Where Settlement Negotiations Can Go Wrong
6. RESULTS-ORIENTED HEARING STRATEGIES
   3:30 - 4:30, Rogen K. Chhabra
   1. Great Techniques for Submitting and Presenting Evidence
   2. Conducting Results-Driven Direct and Cross-Examination
   3. Objections – How to Effectively Refute the Other Side's Case
   4. When an Appeal to the Workers' Compensation Board Makes Sense

ROGEN K. CHHABRA is a partner with the law firm of Chhabra & Gibbs P.A., where his areas of practice include workers' compensation and personal injury. He is admitted to practice in all Mississippi state and federal courts, and before the Supreme Court of Mississippi. Mr. Chhabra earned his B.S. degree, cum laude, from Millsaps College and his J.D. degree, magna cum laude, from Mississippi College School of Law.

RICHARD M. EDMONSON is a shareholder in the law firm of Markow Walker, P.A., where he practices in the areas of insurance defense and workers' compensation. He has previously lectured to various professionals on issues relating to workers' compensation. Mr. Edmonson is an approved mediator for The Mississippi Bar's Pilot Mediation Program for workers' compensation cases. He earned his B.B.A. and J.D. degrees from the University of Mississippi. Mr. Edmonson is a member of The Mississippi Bar (Administrative Law Section).

CHRISTOPHER FONTAN is an attorney with the Brunini Law Firm, where his areas of practice include commercial litigation, health care, and labor and employment. He is a member of the The Mississippi Bar, American Bar Association and the Jackson Young Lawyers Association. Mr. Fontan earned his B.S.B.A. degree, summa cum laude, from Mississippi College and his J.D. degree, summa cum laude, from Mississippi College School of Law.

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