2019 BNM Workers' Compensation/Employment Law Workshop 

8:15 a.m. -  9:00 a.m.                       Registration Opens

9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.                       Welcome/Introduction

9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.      What really arises out of employment? A Discussion of the Compensability of an Idiopathic Fall

                        Jean Dickson & Paul Powers

Following a recent Iowa Supreme Court decision, whether an idiopathic fall is compensable is more uncertain than ever before. The case of Bluml v. Dee Jay’s involved the compensability of a fall onto a level, concrete floor. This panel will discuss the Bluml case in detail, review other pertinent case law, and offer direction as to how to best handle and defend a claim which arises from an idiopathic fall.

9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.     Intersection of Workers’ Compensation Return to Work Issues with FMLA and ADA  

                        Mark Woollums, Martha Shaff, Arlen J. Steines – ADM: Clinton, Iowa

There are several overlapping issues between Return to Work issues and FMLA and ADA regulations. Our panel will discuss the interplay of these issues, various issues that arise with employee leave requests, issues that arise with return to work requests, FMLA and ADA requirements, and termination/retaliation issues.

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.                   BREAK

10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.      Aneurysms, Stroke & Subjective Injuries  

                        Dr. Michael Cullen

                        Moderators: Mark Woollums & Peter Thill

Dr. Michael Cullen is a board certified neurologist practicing in Moline, Illinois.  Dr. Cullen will discuss his perspective on aneurysms and stroke and will also provide insight on evaluating subjective based injuries. 

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.         Investigating Claims in a World of Bad Faith and Penalty Benefits

                        Amanda Richards, Jordan Kaplan & Lori Scardina-Utsinger

A recent trend from injured workers is to challenge the employer/insurance carrier’s investigation and handling of their workers’ compensation claims by seeking penalty benefits or filing a civil action for bad faith. These claims are on the rise leaving many employers and insurance carriers uncertain as to what is actually required under the law in investigating these claims. This panel will discuss the interplay between penalty benefits and bad faith and provide tips and strategies to avoid these claims and properly defend against them.    

12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.                   LUNCH

12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.            Top 10 Ways to Avoid Litigation of your Workers’ Compensation Claim  

                        Peter Thill  & Edward Rose  

 Avoiding litigation starts from the very beginning of a claim. This panel will provide advice, tips and strategies to help avoid the litigation process: from how to handle requests for medical care, to prompt payment of  claims, to tips and tricks for settlement possibilities and much more. Please feel free to bring your questions.   

 

 

                         

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