Agenda (Eastern Standard Time)

Conference Program
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Pre-Conference Workshop
Myths vs. Truths: Examining Placental Pathology Challenges in Pregnancy Outcomes and Birth Injury Litigation
Nov 17, 2021 10:00am – 1:30pm
Speakers

Paul A. Casi, II
Sole Owner/Shareholder
Paul A. Casi, II P.S.C. (Louisville, KY)

David B. Gazak, Ph.D., J.D.,
Managing Partner
Gazak Brown, P.S.C. (Louisville, KY)

LaMar F. Jost
Member
Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell (Denver, CO)

Carolyn M. Salafia, M.D
Placental Pathologist
Placental Analytics, LLC
Day 1 - Thursday, November 18, 2021
Day 1 - Thursday, November 18, 2021
8:45 |
Co-Chairs Opening Remarks![]() Jack Beam ![]() Joseph S. Picchi |
9:00 |
Obstetric Malpractice State of the Union 2021 and 20th Anniversary Conference Retrospect: A Conversation with Counsel, Doctors, and Insurers![]() Richard T. Henderson ![]() Carolyn M. Salafia, M.D ![]() William P. Greubel, III
|
10:00 |
Morning Break |
10:15 |
Understanding How COVID-19 is Impacting Obstetric Malpractice Trials![]() Charles Haskins ![]() Amy Evans ![]() Jack Gresh
|
11:15 |
Examining the Potential Liabilities Associated with the Expanding Role of L&D Nurses and Mid-Wives in Obstetrics![]() Michael G. Ross, MD MPH ![]() Benjamin A. Post ![]() Gerald D. Jowers, Jr.
|
12:15 |
1:1 Networking |
12:30 |
Lunch |
1:15 |
Damages and Lifecare Planning Think Tank: Analyzing Claims and Legal Challenges Surrounding Optimal Management of High-Exposure Claims![]() Erick M. Elder ![]() Thomas Geroulo ![]() Robert Shavelle, PhD, FAACPDM Moderator:![]() John Moore
|
2:15 |
Understanding the Controversy Around Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) and Cooling – Debating the Pros & Cons![]() Jacob Diesselhorst, Esq. ![]() Pankaj K. Shere ![]() Max Wiznitzer, MD Moderator:![]() Jack Beam
|
3:30 |
Afternoon Break |
3:45 |
Case StudyBreaking Down Genetics of Cerebral Palsy![]() Max Wiznitzer, MD Moderator:![]() Jim Puga
|
4:15 |
Interpretation and Management of Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring Strips: Analyzing Recent Trends, AI Advancement, and Defining and Avoiding Liability![]() Jesse M. Reiter, J.D. ![]() Michael G. Ross, MD MPH ![]() Timothy H. Bendin
|
5:15 |
Exploring the Ethical Dilemmas in Obstetrical Malpractice![]() Eleni A. (“Eleana”) Drakatos, Esq. ![]() Bobbie S. Sprader In this closing session, our speakers will provide a 360 view of ethics and professional conduct considerations in obstetric malpractice claims. |
6:15 |
Co-Chair Closing Remarks; End of Conference |
Myths vs. Truths: Examining Placental Pathology Challenges in Pregnancy Outcomes and Birth Injury Litigation

Paul A. Casi, II
Sole Owner/Shareholder
Paul A. Casi, II P.S.C. (Louisville, KY)

David B. Gazak, Ph.D., J.D.,
Managing Partner
Gazak Brown, P.S.C. (Louisville, KY)

LaMar F. Jost
Member
Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell (Denver, CO)

Carolyn M. Salafia, M.D
Placental Pathologist
Placental Analytics, LLC
What is it about?
Challenges involving placental pathology have become more prevalent in obstetrical malpractice birth injury cases. For that reason, a thorough understanding of the legal strategies and limitations of placental pathology is key.
- Understanding the basics of placental pathology
- Assessing mechanisms of intrauterine infection and its effect on the fetus/baby
- Recognizing infection
- Markers of intrauterine infection, stress, and inflammation
- Clinical vs. histological chorioamnionitis
- When can histological chorioamnionitis cause injury in premature and full-term babies?
- Determining whether a jury accepts histological chorioamnionitis an alternative causation theory
- Identifying and analyzing the different types of imaging and scans and what they mean
- Determining if COVID-19 will cause damage to the placenta if a mother tests positive
- Discussing state of the art of placental pathology cases
- Devising strategies to overcome anticipated defenses
- Analyzing key literature on chorioamnionitis and understanding how it affects the state of these defenses
- Determining the impact of placental pathology on an obstetrical malpractice case