Workers Comp – 2019 Spring Education Conference

Apportionment has been one of the most litigated recent issues in the workers’ comp world, with the ever erudite District Courts of Appeal weighing in on how physicians should distinguish industrial factors from non-industrial factors. Three of the most knowledgeable practitioners on this topic will provide in-depth analyses of these recent cases, along with practical tips on how to implement the holdings at trial for your client’s best interest.

Speakers: 

Los Angeles:

• Steve Rosenfeld, Greenup, Hartston & Rosenfeld
  Andrew Scott, Adams Ferrone & Ferrone

Walnut Creek:

• Ray Correio, Pearlman, Brown & Wax, LLP

The always informative, intelligent and entertaining WCAB Commissioner Panel will once again regale the audience with tales of life on the 9th floor of the San Francisco state building. Trends and issues to watch for in the coming year will be a focus of this program, along with tips and strategies that will be of keen interest to the entire workers’ compensation community.

Speakers:
Los Angeles & Walnut Creek:

• Commissioner Jose Razo, Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board
• Commissioner Marguerite Sweeney, Workers Compensation Appeals Board

Walnut Creek:

California Workers’ Compensation Law provides for a number of presumptions which apply specifically for Safety and Law Enforcement positions. Learn how presumptions afforded to Safety and Law Enforcement officers allow them to gain an evidentiary advantage in proving industrial causation. This program will address which employees and what conditions are covered by the presumptions and how the presumption may be rebutted.

Speaker:  
Los Angeles & Walnut Creek:

• Alec Beyer, Office County Counsel

Separate and apart from workers’ compensation benefits, the Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) is a source of additional compensation for people with disabilities who sustain an industrial injury. SIBTF benefits are administered by the Director of Industrial Relations. In order to obtain SIBTF benefits, an SIBTF application must be filed with the WCAB alleging that the statutory eligibility criteria have been met. Please join DIR attorneys Ann Wu (SoCal) and Caroline Holmes (NoCal) for a discussion on how to perfect your SIBTF application and what to expect once your claim has been filed. While every case is different, the presenters are pleased to share their inside strategies and tips for handling the typical SIBTF case.

Speakers:  
Los Angeles: 

• Ann Wu, Department of Industrial Relations
• Caroline Holmes, CA Dept of Industrial Relations

Walnut Creek:

• Caroline Holmes, CA Dept of Industrial Relations

Esteemed Judges Diane Bancroft and Sharon Velzy will bring their unique insight to recent decisions of the WCAB and District Court of Appeals. A can’t miss presentation for every workers’ compensation litigator. Emphasis will be placed on recent “tweaks” to the law, as well as a heads up on issues that may well arise in the future.

Speakers:
Los Angeles & Walnut Creek:  

• Judge Diane Bancroft, Van Nuys District Office
• Judge Sharon Velzy, Van Nuys District Office

Dr. Mechel Henry, a board certified physiatrist, with expertise in rehabilitation, pain management, sports medicine and spinal cord injuries, will conclude this conference with an enlightening discussion on how to secure appropriate medical testimony that will constitute substantial evidence, upon which the judge can rely to rule in your client’s favor. In addition, she will also address one of the hottest topics in workers’ compensation today, how best to handle chronic pain issues.

Speakers: 
Los Angeles & Walnut Creek:

• Dr. Mechel Henry, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Management