This presentation covers the latest developments and issues in bad faith and consumer protection. It gives an overview of the protection provided to consumers of insurance products and services under the Texas Insurance Code and the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. It also discusses the common law duty of good faith and fair dealing and the duties imposed by and principles underlying the Stowers doctrine.
Effect of Workers’ Compensation Liens on Third-Party Claims
This presentation explains how workers’ compensation liens arise from accidents and discusses how those liens affect resolution and settlement of claims.
Ethics and Tripartite Relationships: The Right to Control the Litigation and the Disclosure of Confidential Information
This presentation focuses on the ethical tension that exists between a policyholder, an insurance company, and the attorney retained by the insurance company to represent the insured. It examines the question of “Who is the Client?” It also addresses issues involving the disclosure of confidential communications by the insured to defense counsel that is adverse to the insurance company, and discusses the right of the insurer to control the litigation and to influence the means in which the litigation is carried out.
Handling Liens and Assignments
This course is designed to assist the claims adjuster in evaluating hospital liens, Medicare liens, Medicaid rights of recovery, and Medical/Chiropractic provider assignments when attempting to negotiate settlement of third party and first party claims. The course will assist all adjusters in distinguishing valid liens and assignments from those that are invalid and will provide useful tools to both the novice and experienced claims adjuster to assist them with satisfying those liens which are established to be valid.
Handling Trucking Claims
This course is designed to assist the claims adjuster in determining the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations which have particular application to trucking accidents. This course will assist all adjusters in identifying whether compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations has been achieved and provide useful tools to evaluate and investigate trucking accidents.
Insurance Appraisal in Texas
Insurance Appraisal in Texas is a course designed to assist the claims adjuster in the technical and legal process of the appraisal process as provided in the insurance contract. The course will provide useful tools to assist the adjuster throughout the appraisal process and also will focus on court opinions which have interpreted the appraisal clause found in insurance policies.
Insurance Update
Insurance Update is a course designed to bring to the attention of claims adjusters recent Texas Supreme Court and lower court opinions, and recent enacted and proposed legislation, that has an impact on the evaluation and handling of first-party and third-party claims. When discussing third-party claims, specific emphasis is placed on recent court opinions which focus on an interpretation or application of the Stowers doctrine.
Premises Liability and the Elusive Duty to Prevent Violent Crime
Texas courts have long held that premises owners generally have no duty to control the conduct of third parties and, therefore, have no liability for crimes committed on their property. However, as violent crimes have become more foreseeable, Texas courts have allowed victims of violent crimes to recover from premises owners in certain situations. This presentation provides a general overview of premises liability law and discusses the expanding duty imposed upon premises owners to prevent the occurrence of violent crimes.
Taking an Effective Recorded Statement
The course is presented by licensed attorneys who are knowledgeable in handling first party and third party insurance claims, and recognizing information needed in a recorded statement. The attendees are encouraged to ask questions concerning the course material and participate in an open discussion of the course subject matter.
The Minor Impact
Accident and Soft Tissue Injuries presented in a panel discussion format. This presentation focuses on analysis and handling of low impact soft tissue accidents.
Wrongful Death, Survivorship, and Bystander Liability
The number of lawsuits filed under these causes of action continues to rise. This presentation covers developments in the law, and discusses the causes of action, the parties, damages, and other related matters.