CLM’s next big Focus event takes place June 15-16, 2022, in Nashville, and is set to address seven major topic areas:
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Management Liability
• Medical Malpractice
• Product Liability
• Professional Liability
• Transportation
• Claims and Litigation Management
CLM Magazine editors selected a session from each to tease what’s on tap. To learn more about the 25 sessions being offered or to register, go to theclm.org.
DEI
Sad But True: Unconscious Bias in the Claims Environment
Presenters will explore the various types of biases, how they affect what we do, and how we can recognize them in order to make the case for a better claims strategy and resolution.
Speakers: Christopher Bates, Lynberg & Watkins; Bert Dizon, Gallagher Bassett; LaDonna Murphy, Amerisure Mutual; Rebekah Ratliff, JAMS
MANAGEMENT LIABILITY
Remote Working, Vaccines, COVID-19, and Employer Obligations Under the ADA & State Equivalents
Panelists will provide an overview of the ADA as well as the regulatory changes and case law that should be considered surrounding remote working requests, and also will provide a detailed overview of the unique issues that arise concerning vaccination programs.
Speakers: Joseph Gagliardo, Laner Muchin; Kevin O’Connor, Peckar and Abramson; Kristen O’Neill, Hanover Ins.; Laura Zaroski, Arthur J. Gallagher
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
Voir Dire Variants: Disruption of Traditional Jury Selection
Taking a case to trial now is much different than at the onset or even in the midst of the pandemic. Claims professionals must now know how to evaluate a case based on the shift in the general population’s view at a particular moment in time. Panelists will uncover new truths regarding evaluating a jury voir dire in order to seat a panel with the best potential for a defense win.
Speakers: Tiffany Gamlin, Admiral Insurance Company; Thomas O’Carroll, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP; Kevin O’Hara, Beytin, McLaughlin, McLaughlin, O’Hara & Bocchino, P.A.; Stacy Prince, AdventHealth
PRODUCT LIABILITY
Teens, Trucks, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems in 2022 and Beyond
A younger population of drivers is being targeted to fill a labor shortage, which presents an interesting set of factors for claims professionals to consider. Additionally, this session will discuss the current state of collision mitigation technology specific to heavy-duty vehicles and trucks, how they become implicated in litigation, and how to defend claims from a human-factors perspective.
Speakers: Dr. David Cades, Exponent; Daniel Deitch, NFI Industries; Kim Jonas, Northland Ins; Damian Taranto, Fowler Hirtzel McNulty & Spaulding
PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY
Liability From the Ground Up: Design, Surveyor, and Contractor Liability Issues on a Construction Project
Attendees will dive into a complex construction project and the players involved. Other issues related to worker safety, COVID-19, environmental conditions on the property, contract interpretation, and what the design professional should do if the necessary safety protocols are not met will also be discussed.
Speakers: Jennifer Kessler, Crum & Forster; Glen Mangold, Allianz Global; Nick Sansone, Cooper Levenson; Gary Strong, Gfeller Laurie
TRANSPORTATION
The Hidden Dangers of Highway Construction Zones
Presenters will discuss the five sections of a temporary traffic zone; the duties of a construction traffic controller; and the four types of visual and tactile traffic control devices. Additionally, case studies on construction zone accidents with lessons learned will be discussed.
Speakers: Rebecca Falzone, Acuity; Tiffany Knight, Houchens Ins Group; Rowland Lamb, JS Held; Daniel Santaniello, Luks, Santaniello, Petrillo & Cohen
CLAIMS & LITIGATION MANAGEMENT
Practical Tips for Managing Conflicts of Interest in Claims Handling
Panelists will provide practical tips for claims professionals to successfully manage files where there are competing interests. Walk away with tools and resources that can be used to assist the file handler in bringing an amicable resolution to the claim
Speakers: Daniel Costello, Costello Ginex & Wideikis; Griselda Harris, AFICS; Doretha Johnson, Hiscox; Schuyler Smith, Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel