Schedule/Sessions
Ethical Responsibilities of Defense and Coverage Counsel
Key Note Address to open the conference, educate claims and legal professionals. Identify the risks, and responsibilities of defense counsel; staff as well as outside counsel. Explore methodologies by which counsel can work effectively with claims handlers to ensure effective representation and protection of the insured.
Back to topDefending Under Reservations of Rights in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington: Pitfalls to Avoid for Insurers and Defense Attorneys
Both insurers and defense attorneys face challenges when defending insureds under reservations of rights. These include how much information can the defense attorney provide to the insurer, how the insurer protects its coverage position and still honors its duty to the insured.
Back to topStumbling Blocks to Settlement of Professional Negligence
- Speakers:
David Gollersrud, Sprague Israel Giles, Inc.
Guy Hollingsworth, The Hanover Insurance Group
Adina Matasaru , Unknown
Settlement of Professional Negligence claims involve more than just negotiating the payment of money. Some Malpractice Insurance policies require the professional's consent to settlement, which can complicate matters. Long term consequences of the settlement to professional reputation and future livelihood are always a concern for the insured. Strong personalities, media coverage, Licensing Board actions, are just a few of the factors affecting the potential for settlement. Early intervention, understanding of all the factors, assistance with the Board administrative action defense, and Hi-Low Agreements are just some of the ways to overcome the stumbling Blocks to negotiating a settlement.
Back to topEmerging Issues with Using Owner/Operators
- Speakers:
Michael Jaeger, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP
Douglas Parker, Littler Mendelson, P.C.
Jacquie Parker, Parker Risk Managment
Focus on emerging issues with using owner/operators, including a general discussion and emerging claims issues, legal issues, and regulation issues--with a focus on the trucking industries' use of owner-operators, but also including a broader application to other industries who use independent contractors.
Back to topDefending in Cases with Aggressive Claims and Unique Circumstances
- Speakers:
James Davis, Self Employed
Bennett Hansen, Preg O’Donnell & Gillett
Steve Roberts, VERITAS Forensic Accounting & Economics
To educate claims, risk management and legal professionals with regard to tools and methodologies that can be used to better perform their respective claims management responsibilities. In particular, attendees will learn, among other things:
How to boil down key damage measurement variables into understandable terms,
How to investigate key issues on which economic damages hinge,
How to perform and present “reasonableness tests” and exhibits,
How to ensure damage experts provide relevant and reliable findings, and
How to approach settlement discussions and draw them to reasonable conclusions.
Back to topDoes RICO Apply to Multi Claims Fraud
This presentation will explain the legislative context of first party medical benefits in personal lines policies and the application of state and federal Racketeering Statutes to combating medical provider fraud. The background for this presentation is a successful federal civil RICO case against a chiropractic and massage therapy operation in the treatment of numerous Oregon Personal Injury Protection insureds.
Back to topThe Reptile Theory
- Speakers:
Rima Ghandour, Ghandour Law
Karen Kalzer, Helsell Fetterman LLP
Nicole Rhoades, Davis Rothwell Earle & Xóchihua P.C.
Shane Riedman, Verisk
Presentation regarding the "Reptile Theory" - how it is used, what the dangers are, an how to best defend against. The panel will discuss the legal issues involved as well as give real life examples.
Back to topNo Learning Objectives Available