WORKERS' COMPENSATION LITIGATION

In addition to the administrative practice of qualifying self-insureds, group self-insureds and insurers, Watkins Ludlam Winter & Stennis, P.A. successfully has handled hundreds of claims before the Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission, including numerous hearings and appeals. Through this experience, our attorneys have developed a close working relationship with the Commission staff. The Firm has established a reputation among claimants¹ counsel as ardent advocates of the employer and carrier at all stages of the administrative proceedings. This reputation, when feasible, allows the negotiation of very favorable settlements.

In an effort to provide the most effective and cost-efficient representation to its clients, the Firm has implemented an organized, systematic approach to handling litigated workers' compensation matters. This systematic approach includes checklists for preparation of the defense of the case, standard written discovery, outlines for depositions, and concise recommendations for the most cost-efficient disposition of the case. Since many issues in the workers' compensation area are recurring, the systematic approach is the most effective means of handling these cases. We have been successful in utilizing vocational experts to assist with cases involving a greater level of exposure for the employer and carrier and private investigators to conduct surveillance in questionable cases. Overall, the Firm's goal is to adopt a defense strategy which is effective, cost-efficient and balances the needs of clients.

Attorneys

S. Trent Favre
David C. Goff
Terris C. Harris
E. Patrick Lancaster
Keith R. Raulston