2024 DRI Senior Living and Long-Term Care Litigation Seminar

September 18–20, 2024
Chicago Hyatt Regency | Chicago, Illinois

Downtown Chicago skyline sunset

Elevate Your Defense Strategy at this National Summit!

DRI members can register now through June 20 and save up to $500 thanks to exclusive, limited-time Early Access Registration!
Everyone can take advantage of Early Bird Registration starting June 21 through August 5. View registration information here.

The premier senior living and long-term care litigation seminar returns to Chicago! Join us at the Hyatt Regency, just steps from the Chicago River Walk, for an event tailored specifically for defense counsel, in-house counsel, claims professionals, and industry insiders. Gain access to unparalleled insights, CLE, and networking opportunities. The exceptional faculty includes a neurosurgeon, jury consultant, wound care nurse, an expert in electronic medical records (EMR), and "Pepper," a robot that assists with therapy and care in the skilled nursing facility/assisted living facility setting. Reconnect with clients and colleagues alike during counsel meetings, an afternoon Chicago River boat tour opportunity, or other exciting program events. We look forward to seeing you in the Windy City!

What You Will Learn:

  • Analysis of key verdicts and decisions from the past year.
  • What the new 2023 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) wound care regulations are and how they can be used in your case.
  • How to defend causation and damages in the alleged fall and brain hemorrhage case.
  • Ethical considerations for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in your practice.
  • Current methods for limiting discovery and the use of financial information in defending plaintiffs' "profits over people" theme.
  • A jury consultant’s perspective on what is causing nuclear verdicts and what can be done to avoid them.

Expand Your Network By:

  • Attending the Thursday networking luncheon, hosted in conjunction with the 2024 Strictly Automotive Seminar, conveniently located in the hotel and included with the registration fee.
  • Enjoying a relaxing boat ride down the river while learning about the city’s legendary architecture.
  • Joining one of the unique dine-around experiences.
  • Engaging with fellow female attendees from Senior Living and Strictly Automotive seminars during Friday’s Women in the Law breakfast meetup.
  • Attending counsel meetings (by invitation only).

Panel Counsel Meetings with Major Companies
Take advantage of the opportunity to engage with key industry companies* including:

  • Great American Insurance – Risk Solutions
  • PCH Mutual Insurance Company
  • Trilogy Health Services

*Subject to change

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Thank You to DRI's Medical Liability and Health Care Law Committee Leadership

Rebecca Schafer
Rebecca R. Schafer
Program Chair
Whitney Horak
Whitney Horak
Program Vice Chair
Erika Amarante
Erika L. Amarante
Committee Chair
Andrew DeSimone
Andrew D. DeSimone
Committee Vice Chair
Ted J. McDonald
Ted J. McDonald III
Law Institute

Join the Medical Liability and Health Care Law Committee

Registration Information

DRI members can register now through June 20 and save up to $500 thanks to exclusive, limited-time Early Access Registration! Don't miss this limited-time opportunity to secure your spot before other registrants, and at the lowest price.

Register Now!

Non-Member Registration Options:

  • Become a member today for early access by clicking "Join DRI Today." See what people are saying about DRI and find the right membership for your needs.
  • Click "Get Notified" to get updates on the seminar so you don't miss out.
  • Early Bird Registration opens for everyone starting June 21.
Join DRI Today Get Notified
Member Pricing Non-Member Pricing Non-Member Bundle ^
Member Only Early Access
(Now thru June 20)
$1,195 Not Offered Not Offered
Early Bird Registration*
(June 21–Aug. 5)
$1,395 $1,795 $1,715
Regular Registration*
(Aug. 6–Sept. 17)
$1,595 $1,995 $1,915
Onsite Registration $1,695 $2,095 $2,015
Group Registration (Non-Sponsored)** $1,095 per person $1,095 per person $1,095 per person
Government Government members will receive the applicable government rate for the seminar upon login. If the government rate does not appear after logging in, please call DRI directly at (312) 795-1101 to receive the discounted rate. Invoices can be sent after purchase upon request.

Not a DRI Member? Select the Non-Member Bundle and Save!

^ Not a DRI Member and want to save on your registration? Take advantage of the Non-Member / Trial Membership Bundle when you register for the DRI Senior Living and Long-Term Care Litigation Seminar. Select the bundle and get up to 9 months of membership with the membership add-on when you check out. Note: Trial membership processing can take up to 30 days from the date of purchase, please contact DRI Customer Service with any questions.

Learn more about membership at DRI and get started on your DRI journey today!

*If your membership recently lapsed, please renew your membership prior to registering to ensure you receive your discounted member rate. If you would like to join DRI to receive the member pricing and see the benefits of becoming a member, click here to go to the Application page.

**Group registration is for registering four or more attendees, members and non-members. There is one free registration with every 10 registrations. You must lock in the rate three weeks prior to the seminar. If you want to register for the group pricing, fill out the form here (online registration is not available for this offering).

Networking Events

Premier Networking Event at the XXXXX
Sponsored by: ABC

Date: Wednesday, Month Day from 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Pricing: Free when you register for the seminar (guest tickets $100 each, available at check-out)
Location: XXXXX, Address, City, State

TBD.

Agenda with Speakers

*Schedule and Speakers subject to change

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Time (Central) Program
12:00 p.m. Registration
4:00 p.m. Meet "Pepper": An Assistive Robot Interactive Demonstration

Join us for Dr. Arshia Khan's exciting demonstration of one of the robots that is helping with therapy and nursing care in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. Dr. Khan has dedicated her career to the emerging field of NeuroRobotics and developing technologies that complement human caregiving in the areas of dementia, occupational therapy, and pressure injuries. Her research has been featured on PBS, CBS, NPR, and the BBC. She has also presented at the request of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the United Nations.

Arshia Khan, Ph.D., Professor, Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Computer Science, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN
6:00 p.m. Networking / Cocktail Hour

With special guests Dr. Arshia Khan and the robot Pepper.
7:30 p.m. Dine-Arounds

Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own).

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Time (Central) Program
8:30 a.m. Registration & Coffee Service
9:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions

Ted J. McDonald III, McDonald Law Group, PA, Kansas City, MO
Rebecca Schafer, Dzenitis Newman, PLLC, Louisville, KY
9:15 a.m. The Bloody Truth about Brain Bleeds & Blood Thinners: Suits, Surgery, and Solutions

Many claims against senior living operators involve falls and alleged brain hemorrhages present a high risk of exposure. University of Chicago Neurosurgeon Dr. Sean Polster will explain the types and causes of brain bleeds, the effect of anticoagulation therapy and key medical principles involved with strategies for defending causation and damages in these complex cases.

Moderator
Beth A. Wilson, President, Excelas, LLC, Toledo, OH

James M. Bream, J.D., Cray Huber Horstman Heil & VanAusdal LLC, Chicago, IL
Sean P. Polster, M.D., Department of Neurosurgery, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
10:15 a.m. Coffee Break
10:30 a.m. Exposing Plaintiff’s Overused “Profits Over People” Argument

Regardless of the actual facts of the cases, plaintiffs' counsel continue to make "profits over people" the focus of their complaints, discovery, and arguments at trial. This panel of industry experts will explore options for limiting the scope of financial documents produced, preparing witnesses for questioning, and filing pretrial motions to restrict the use of this evidence and defend this argument at trial in front of a jury.

Moderator
Aaron E. McQueen, Jackson Kelly PLLC, Akron, OH

Martin Delanhunty III, Director of Legal Affairs, CommuniCare, Cleveland, OH
Alexis Lumell, Lead Resolution Specialist, Gallagher Bassett, Chicago, IL
Angelo J. Suozzi, Assistant General Counsel, Ventas, Chicago, IL
11:30 a.m. Defusing Nuclear Verdicts

The COVID pandemic created conflicting sentiments towards health care providers and plaintiffs' focus at trial has been to leverage this sentiment and trigger jurors’ empathy, rage, and sense of duty. National jury consultant Dr. Daniel Wolfe will provide insights into the juror reactions he is seeing in senior living trials and considerations for venue analysis, juror selection and the presentation of the defense in this era of the "nuclear verdict."

Daniel Wolfe, J.D., Ph.D., Senior Director of Jury Consulting, Magna Legal Services, Chicago, IL
12:30 p.m. DRI Cares: Blessings in a Backpack

Click here for details on Blessings in a Backpack.
12:45 p.m. DRI Networking Lunch
2:00 p.m. EMR: Effectively Managing Risks in Electronic Medical Records

Electronic Medical Record systems may incorporate the latest technological advances relevant to record keeping and billing; unfortunately, they also present new areas of potential liability and litigation for the provider which did not exist with the traditional “paper chart.” This presentation will focus on understanding those risks and defending them though discovery and trial.

Mindy Houston, RN, CLNC, SANE, Executive Legal Nurse Consultant and Regulatory Specialist, ABCM Corporation, St. Paul, MN
Robin N. Khanal, Quintairos Prieto Wood & Boyer, Orlando, FL
3:00 p.m. Medical Liability Committee Business Meeting (open to all)
3:30 p.m. All Aboard the Original Chicago River Architecture Tour

Sign up now to experience legendary architecture from the best seat in the house – the Chicago River! The experienced tour guide will detail the 130-year long history behind the skyline while we navigate through the heart of the city. Boarding is conveniently located just steps from the conference. The boat is equipped with restrooms, climate-controlled lounge, and a full-service bar with wine, local beer, and craft cocktails for purchase.

- This is a 90-minute tour that departs at 4:00 p.m.; however, please plan to be on board by 3:45 p.m.
- Tickets are $44 per person and space is limited; please select your ticket for 4:00 p.m. on September 19. Purchase tickets here.
6:00 p.m. Premier Networking Reception

Join fellow seminar attendees at our Premier Networking Reception. More details to come.
8:00 p.m. Dine-Arounds

Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own).

Friday, September 20, 2024

Time (Central) Program
8:00 a.m. Women in the Law Coffee Meet Up (with Strictly Automotive attendees)

Join fellow women in the law attendees from Strictly Automotive and Senior Living and Long-Term Care Seminars for a chance to connect over tea, coffee, and small breakfast bites. We hope you’ll join us for this networking opportunity and leave having made lasting connections. Looking forward to seeing you there!
8:30 a.m. Registration & Coffee Service
9:00 a.m. Welcome and Announcements
9:10 a.m. Ethical Considerations for the Use of AI by the Long-Term Care Litigator

The advancement in artificial intelligence has presented both opportunities to streamline the practice of law and potential ethical issues with its use. This cutting-edge session will discuss the ethical duties that apply to the use of AI, including competence, diligence, communication, confidentiality, and supervision. Special guest Jack Marshall with MedPro Group will provide additional considerations from the perspective of the insurer and the client.

Moderator
Tal A. Bakke, Bassford Remele, Minneapolis, MN

Angeline N. Ioannou, Lewis Brisbois, Hartford, CT
Kiralyn J. Locke, Bassford Remele, Minneapolis, MN
Jack Marshall, Claims Consultant, MedPro Group, Chicago, IL
10:10 a.m. Coffee Break
10:25 a.m. Why All the Pressure About Pressure? The New Wound Care Regulations and How They May Impact the Defense of the Wound Case

On October 1, 2023, the CMS implemented regulatory changes regarding wound care. Wound expert registered nurse Martha Kelso will educate on the new regulations and explore the latest strategies in defending pressure injury allegations from a nursing standard of care perspective.

LaDonna L. Boeckman, HeplerBroom, Chicago, IL
Martha R. Kelso, RN, CHWS, LNC, HBOT, CEO, Wound Care Plus, Blue Springs, MO
11:25 a.m. Battle-Tested Tactics for Jury Trials and Arbitrations

Whether you are preparing for your first trial or fiftieth, everyone will benefit from this interactive discussion on trial and arbitration techniques, from voir dire to closing arguments. Seasoned trial attorneys will share the good and bad of what they have learned in their 25+ years of defending long-term care providers in front of juries and arbitrators. This presentation will also analyze some of the key verdicts and decisions from the past year in the senior living arena,

Donna J. Fudge, Fudge Broadwater, St. Petersburg, FL
Chastiti N. Horne, Horne Rota Moos, Houston, TX
12:25 p.m. Adjourn

Headquarters Hotel Information

The seminar will take place at Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601.
To contact the hotel directly, call 312.565.1234.

A limited number of discounted hotel rooms have been made available at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Take advantage of the group rate of $295.00 Single/Double in one of two ways:

The hotel block is limited, and rooms and rates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You must make reservations by August 27, 2024, to be eligible for the hotel's group rate. Requests for reservations made after August 27 are subject to room and rate availability.

CLE Information

Earn up to TBD hours of continuing legal education hours (CLE) From this seminar.

View CLE Credit by State

In some states that charge late CLE submission fees, there will be a $100 late fee to report CLE credits submitted more than 30 days after a seminar/virtual event. Click the button below for more details.

CLE Late Fees

Sponsors

DRI's Senior Living and Long-Term Care Litigation Seminar is proudly sponsored by:

Bassford Remele Dinsmore Legal Counsel Excelas H|B|S Hall Booth Smith, P.C. Attorneys at Law HeplerBroom LLC HF Hurwitz Fine PC QPWB Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer P.A. Attorneys at Law

If you would like to contact DRI about seminar sponsorship opportunities, including pricing, or to reserve a spot, please go to Advertising and Sponsorship.

DRI Cares

Blessings in a Backpack

Blessings in a Backpack Who Will Feed the Kids this Weekend?

Please join us in supporting Blessings in a Backpack, an organization that mobilizes communities, individuals, and resources to provide food on the weekends for school-aged children across America who might otherwise go hungry. Seminar attendees will have the opportunity to fill bags of food on the way to the joint networking lunch on Thursday, September 19. Feeding a child before you feed yourself is a wonderful way to support children and families in the Chicago community.

Donate to Blessings in a Backpack

Other Information

If you have any questions or concerns regarding DRI programs, please contact DRI Customer Service at 312.795.1101 or custservice@dri.org.