Workers' Compensation

The Workers' Compensation Law Committee was formed in 1997 to stimulate the exchange of knowledge and ideas among lawyers whose primary practice area is defending workers compensation claims. The goal of the Committee is to disseminate current developments in case and statutory law in the workers compensation practice area, and provide education opportunities during the year to Association members.

To meet these goals, the Workers' Compensation Law Committee publishes at least one article per year for the Association's publication, The DefenseLine. Additionally, the Committee is charged with the responsibility of organizing workers' compensation CLE opportunities at both SCDTAA meetings. The Joint Meeting jointly hosted with the South Carolina Claims Managers' Association, has traditionally been held the last weekend in July in Asheville, North Carolina. The Annual Meeting held in late fall at a coastal resort.

The Workers' Compensation breakout sessions at the Joint Meeting typically include roundtable discussions between claims managers and defense attorneys concerning hot button issues in claims handling and litigation. While the discussions may at times be lively, the social activities provide opportunities for fellowship throughout the weekend.

The Annual Meeting historically has provided an opportunity for the workers' compensation defense practitioners to interact with the Chairman of the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission in both a CLE and social setting. The Workers' Compensation breakout sessions at this meeting frequently attract Circuit Court and Appellate Court Judges. Summaries of workers' compensation case law for the year are provided at this session. Often the judges who attend will provide greater insight into rulings that have been handed down over the year.

The Committee may develop or assist in special projects. In this regard, please look for upcoming information on an Internet communication project sponsored by the Committee this year. This project will involve the organization and implementation of an electronic communication network among workers' compensation defense practitioners who are members of the SCDTAA.