Expert Witnesses and Settlements
CD of Teleconference with Q&A
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Conducted on Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Now available on CD |
and the Legal Publishing Group of Strafford Publications
In either developing or defending bad faith litigation, counsel on both sides face particularly complex issues concerning the use of expert witnesses and determining whether, when and how to handle settlement offers.
Experts are crucial to establishing or defending bad faith claims—and in getting to a settlement stage. However, courts have wide discretion in deciding the admissibility of expert testimony, increasing the uncertainty of either offering or challenging such testimony.
Listen as our authoritative panel of insurance litigation specialists presents their strategies for managing expert witnesses and potential settlements in bad faith cases. The panel will discuss preparing witnesses, determining admissibility, and making and coping with challenges, as well as understanding the full spectrum of issues in considering settlements.
The panel included:
Michael Conley, Shareholder, Anderson Kill & Olick, Philadelphia. He co-manages the firm's Philadelphia office and is a senior shareholder in the Insurance Recovery Department. He handles insurance coverage actions for insureds relating to bad faith claims.
Michael D. Handler, Member, Cozen O'Connor, Seattle. He concentrates his practice in the areas of insurance coverage, environmental coverage litigation, health law, and defense litigation. He represents the interests of and litigates for national insurance company clients, regarding matters including environmental remediation, construction defects, and handles bad faith claims.
Michael R. McCarty, Member, Cozen O'Connor, Philadelphia. He is a member of the firm's insurance practice and has significant experience with boiler and machinery coverage. He also served as lead counsel in obtaining a summary judgment in a $750 million coverage case for an insurance company client based on the suit limitations provision of the policy.
Frederick A. Pettit, Attorney, Anderson Kill & Olick, Philadelphia. He concentrates in the areas of insurance coverage, representing policyholders in coverage disputes with their insurance companies. He also handles employment matters, representing employers in various types of disputes, primarily involving claims of discrimination.
The panel reviewed these and other key questions:
- What is the most effective use of an expert witness in a bad faith dispute, prior to trial?
- How does the Daubert/Kumho analysis apply in bad faith cases?
- What role should the policyholder play in the settlement process?
- What are the key considerations for both the insurance and policyholder counsel when weighing a settlement offer?
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TELECONFERENCE CD
Purchase a CD-ROM of the full conference proceedings, including Q&A and PDF files of all handouts (available 10 days after the program).
- Regular Price - $297 (plus $9.45 S&H)
- With Teleconference Registration – an additional $75 (plus $9.45 S&H)
CLE credit is available for an additional $65 each for attorneys seeking CLE credits for NY or CT. Other states may grant CLE credits for listening to this CD - check with your state about applying for self-study credit on CD-listening.