Sponsored and Hosted by:
Speakers:
Michael Roberts
Attorney – Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary
While practicing law, Mr. Roberts has continued to serve his community by actively volunteering with the Milwaukee Volunteer Lawyer Project, which is aimed at providing free legal advice to the community who would otherwise not have access to legal counsel. Mr. Roberts also volunteers with the Milwaukee Young Lawyer Association.
Jay Starrett
Partner | Attorney – Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary
Jay Starrett has been defending and trying cases on behalf of the transportation industry for over 25 years. In addition to his extensive trial experience, Mr. Starrett is a frequent lecturer before transportation groups throughout the country on issues including: Trial Tactics; Preservation of Evidence Including ECM/EOBR data; Emergency Response Protocols; and Defending Traumatic Brain Injury Claims. Mr. Starrett served three terms on the TIDA board of directors, is a member of the DRI and ABA transportation committees, has acted as national coordinating counsel for a major U.S carrier, and has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America and the Wisconsin Super Lawyers. In 2015, Jay was elected by his peers to the American Board of Trial Attorneys (ABOTA).
Mary Beth Hughes
Partner | Attorney – Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary
Mary Beth works with employers to aggressively defend workers’ compensation claims and strategically manage both small and large cases to a positive conclusion. Her experience includes representing employers and insurance carriers on a large variety of cases by performing a comprehensive analysis, trying cases to administrative law judges, and representing clients on appeal before the Labor and Industry Review Commission, Circuit Court, Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. She counsels employers throughout the work injury process, designing and executing creative strategies to prevent litigation and reduce costs, investigating injuries, advising on employment decisions and more. Mary Beth’s experience also includes representing entities paying workers’ compensation benefits in third-party Circuit Court and District Court matters, including preparing pleadings, making court appearances, and participating in mediations.
Course Overview:
Concerning trends in the accident litigation and worker’s compensation fields are emerging as we move forward through this post-pandemic period. Across the country, judges and juries are awarding more significant and sometimes excessive damages for injuries that would have merited much less only a few years ago. Unfortunately, a constant remains: trucking companies are common targets. Yet, despite the increased exposure risk, there are best practices to address this post-pandemic mindset.
This presentation will identify dangers to be aware of before and during litigation. We will also explain strategies to limit exposure and best practices to put your company in the best position to defend the case and succeed at mediation or trial.
List of Topics Presentation will cover:
- Are Your Company’s Policies and Raising the Standard of Care: How to defend against the plaintiff that is trying to use your manual against you;
- Heavily Rigged: Preventing and Handling Overweight Citations;
- Worker Compensation Section: Top Ten Best Practices Post-COVID;
- Experts, Investigators, and Consultants: Which tools to use and how to use them to resolve claims quickly and develop strong defenses at the same time;
- Preventability Determination: Best Practices for Post-COVID; and
- Rising Verdicts: Post-COVID Jury Verdicts and how to deal with the unknown.