CWCI 2020 Annual Meeting Presentation On-Demand Webinar

CWCI is pleased to offer our members an on-demand webinar featuring the three presentations developed for our 2020 Annual Meeting.  CWCI members who were unable to join us for the March 24 broadcast of this program, or those who would like to see it again, may view the free, 90-minute webinar, “The Future Ain’t What It Used to Be: COVID-19 Intersects with Liability, The Economy, & Access to Care,” anytime between now and April 24. 

In the first session, CWCI General Counsel Ellen Sims Langille provides a brief legal overview of the potential workers’ compensation liability for COVID-19 claims, discussing the burden of proof that most workers would face in meeting the AOE/COE standards of compensability, even in situations where they may have been exposed to the virus at work.  The session explores cases applicable to cold and flu, Valley Fever, and presumption of compensability.

The second presentation features Dr. Mark Schniepp, Director of the California Economic Forecast, who shared his thoughts on the current economic outlook for California and the U.S., including his data and observations on the impact of COVID-19 on the California and national economies.  Dr. Schniepp holds a Doctorate in Economics from UC Santa Barbara and served as senior economist to State Controller Kathleen Connell from 1999 to 2003.  His firm maintains the largest economic and demographic database on California counties and sub-regions.   This timely presentation provides insight into the future economic conditions we are likely to face. 

The third presentation is by Dr. Richard Riemer, Senior Associate Dean at the Touro University of Osteopathic Medicine, who has been Medical Director for the Schools Insurance Authority for the past 15 years.  Dr. Riemer reviewed ongoing issues in access to care, the development of the next generation of occupational medicine providers, and how COVID-19 is exacerbating the stress points in our local and national healthcare system – major concerns for anyone involved in the timely and appropriate delivery of medical care to injured workers. 

These presentations are both interesting and informative, so if you and/or members of your staff have not already done so, we hope you will make the time to view the free, 90-minute webinar.  Registration is required to access the webinar, but if you pre-registered for the March 24 broadcast you do not need to re-register; simply refer to the e-mail you received on March 24 for the login information.  All others may register by clicking here and completing the registration form, and the log-in information will then be emailed to you.  If you have questions, call CWCI at 510-251-9470.