Seminar Topics

Agenda

Top 10 Tricks for Defending the Indefensible Case
R. Brent Cooper
This topic will address the inevitable situation-bad facts, bad venue, bad judge and bad damages. What can be done to navigate this situation and put the case in a position where it can be settled for a reasonable amount and if that is not possible, what can be done to posture the case for trial, bring the unruly judge or attorney under control, and mitigate the exposure.
Venue, Jurisdiction & Voir Dire in Texas
T. Micah Dortch
Mr. Dortch will present an analysis into the differing State, Federal, and Appellate venues and jurisdictions in the State of Texas including an in depth look into the socioeconomic, political, and demographic changes experienced across the state over the past five years.
Expert Witnesses: The Make or Break in Massive Exposure Transportation Suits

William Allred & Amy Agnew
This presentation will focus on the hiring of various expert witnesses in catastrophic transportation cases. The discussion will include the impact that a qualified expert can have on the case. The presentation will also touch on the preservation of evidence and e-discovery issues.

Employment Issues in the Transportation Industry
Paige Lueking & Jana Reist
Ms. Paige Lueking and Ms. Jana Reist will address legal liability issues arising out of the employment relationship, including covenants not to compete, violations of corporate policy and adherence to federal and state laws. They will focus on the legal requirements of drug testing in the workplace with attention to the rights of both employers and employees. Their presentation will include recent case law precedence, legal obligations and ethical considerations.
Recent Appellate Decisions Affecting the Transportation Industry
Michelle Robberson
A survey of recent opinions from Texas and federal courts that impact the transportation industry in various ways, including arbitration, employment, insurance coverage, federal regulations, and litigation issues.
Other Insurance Considerations for the Transportation Industry
Wes Johnson
Mr. Johnson will discuss industry options to subscribing to workers' compensation insurance for coverage from claims brought by injured employees through use of Texas' unique non-subscriber system. Also, Mr. Johnson will give a general overview of the MCS-90 endorsement required of interstate motor carriers by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Cargo Claims & Property Damage
Kimberly Pruett
Ms. Pruett will discuss insurance coverage considerations for the trucking industry regarding damage to cargo and property resulting from a collision or transportation-related incident.