Litigating Disability Insurance Claims

Thursday, January 24 to Friday, January 25, 2013

The Carlton Hotel, New York, NY

Today’s weakened economy has brought a sharp increase in the filing of disability insurance claims (long term, short term, individual and ERISA).  Mental illness claims are becoming more and more prevalent.

Case law developments have dramatically changed the disability litigation landscape. Metlife v. Glenn has changed the way practitioners are evaluating benefit claims. Where little or no discovery was considered the norm years ago, practitioners are now dealing with the changing scope of discovery.  Insurers are often conflicted with their role as a fiduciary and with their interest in driving business in today’s economy.  Claimants are often seeking discovery beyond the record including internal policies and communication. Insurers are combating this broad discovery request by requesting the courts grant protective orders on the grounds that the information plaintiffs are seeking are proprietary and confidential. Plaintiff’s attorneys are responding to the opening the Court granted in Metlife and making important decisions in terms of what and how much discovery to request. Often the issue of how to tailor and narrow broad discovery requests becomes the focal point early on in the case.


Furthermore, the implications of Cigna v. Amara are being felt by the industry and could significantly affect the remedy landscape.   And with 90% of ERISA cases settled at the summary judgment phase, it is essential for practitioners on both sides to utilize innovative pre-trial strategies including deposition, settlement, venue/choice of law and more. At this conference, a panel of the foremost plaintiff and defense litigators will offer unparalleled tips and advice on how to implement successful strategies during this critical stage in the case.

In total, this is the event you’ve come to rely on as a one-of-a-kind opportunity to meet with colleagues – and opponents – to assess your best move – and anticipate what the other side is thinking. The faculty features renowned judges, leading plaintiff and defense attorneys, medical experts, claims professionals, disability consultants, vocational experts, independent medical examiners, risk managers, reinsurers, carriers and insurers. Here’s a small sampling of companied already registered to participate: The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Chubb & Son, Cigna, Crawford & Company, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, Unum, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, The Hartford, Manulife Financial, RGA Reinsurance Company, Illinois Mutual Life Insurance Company and Chartis

This conference is your “one-stop” venue for the latest and most innovative material on today’s most pressing and contentious disability law issues, including how to wade through the complexities of filing a claim, how to recover benefits when faced with mounting obstacles, how to hone and sharpen the skills needed to protect your client’s interests, and how to successfully forge a defense against weak claims and overbroad discovery requests. Get all the practical tips, strategies and solutions needed for every stage of the claims process!


Plus, be sure to add value to your attendance by registering for the Post Conference Master Class:

Advanced Master Class on Handling Disability Case from Start to Finish
3:00-5:00 PM, Friday, January 25, 2013

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Location:
The Carlton Hotel
New York, NY