WORKERS' COMP ACADEMY - Registration closes September 15, 2023

Designed to reinforce and enhance your knowledge of the SC Workers' Compensation System, the Annual Workers’ Comp Academy will be held in conjunction with the Annual Educational Conference. This program is geared toward individuals new to the workers’ compensation system as well as seasoned professionals who need a “refresher” in various general topics.
Limited seating. Pre-Registration Required. Onsite registration will not be available.
Monday, November 6, 2023
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9:30 am – 9:45 am Opening Remarks, Welcome & Introduction
Hal Willson, Esq., Willson Jones Carter & Baxley, PA, Greenville, SC
9:45 am – 10:45 am Compensable Injuries
Andrea Roche, Esq., Williams and Roche, Columbia, SC
• What qualifies as a compensable injury by accident
• Repetitive trauma claims
• Mental/Mental claims
• Occupational disease claims
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10:45 am – 11:15 am NETWORKING BREAK
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11:15 am – 12:15 pm Benefits provided by the Worker's Compensation System Medical benefits
Shannon Poteat, Esq., Robinson Gray Stepp & Laffitte, LLC, Columbia, SC
• What treatment must be provided/choice of physician
• Medical Care after MMI/Lifetime Care
• Obtaining medical records and communication with healthcare provider (§ 42-15-95)
Temporary benefits
• Determining AWW/CR
• TTD
• TPD
Permanent Disability benefits
• PPD
• Wage Loss
• Permanent & Total disability
• Lifetime benefits
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12:15 pm – 1:15 pm Lunch
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1:15 pm – 2:15 pm Defenses to Claims? / Starting & Stopping Temporary Total/Partial Benefits
Anne V. Noonan, Esq., Willson Jones Carter & Baxley, PA, Greenville, SC
• Statute of limitations
• No notice to employer
• Intoxication/willfulness
• Fraud in the application for employment
• Going and coming rule
• Not a compensable injury (denied case)
• Starting TTD (Form 15)
• Stopping TTD within 150 days from date of notice of injury
• Stopping TTD after 150 days
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2:15 pm – 3:15 pm Closing Claims
Zach Jarrett, Esq., Turner Padgett, Charleston, SC
Informal conference process
• Form 16A and its effects
• Process if no agreement reached
Hearing process
• Award
• Appeal process
• Change of condition rights
Agreement & Final Release/Clincher Agreements
• Represented claimants
• Unrepresented claimants
Medical Only Claims
3:15 pm – 3:30 pm NETWORKING BREAK
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm S.C. Workers’ Compensation Forms
Stuart Moore, Esq., McAngus Goudelock & Courie, Columbia, SC
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4:00 pm – 4:30 pm How to Successfully File SC WCC Forms and Avoid Fines
Sonji Spann, SC Workers’ Compensation Commission, Columbia, SC
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm Workers Compensation Commission Order Writing: It’s Like building a Sandwich
Kristen McRee, SC Workers’ Compensation Commission, Columbia, SC