Description:

The interplay between workers’ compensation and civil litigation is complex and often misunderstood.  There are separate interests of different insurance carriers, attorneys on both sides in the civil and comp forums, and the injured worker has different interests in both areas as well.  Key points in successfully mediating these disputes and stumbling blocks will be identified such as liens, credits, comparative fault, shifting alliances, the compensation benefits including future medical treatment that are in play, and how they may be released or preserved. Attorney’s fees and the Common Fund doctrine will also be touched upon.

Discussion Leader:
Since opening Russo Mediation and Law in 2008, Frank D. Russo has mediated workers’ compensation, third party, and civil cases.  He is a certified specialist in workers’ compensation law and is an arbitrator of workers’ compensation cases on assignment of the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board and serves on a number of employer/employee alternative dispute resolution panels as a mediator and arbitrator pursuant to the California Labor Code.  He is Of Counsel to Boxer & Gerson and has litigated or negotiated settlements of over 10,000 cases since 1978.