Scott W. French
Becker French & Durkin
Racine
Grace Marie Kulkoski
Peterson, Johnson & Murray S.C.
Madison
John Minix
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development-Workers Compensation Division
Madison
8:30 a.m. : Overview of Worker’s Compensation
- Nature of the system
- What it is and what it isn’t
- Everyday resource materials
Scott W. French
9:00 a.m. : Conditions of Liability §102.03
- Jurisdiction
- Definition of employers and employees §§102.04; 102.07
- Average weekly wage §102.11
- Date of the injury §102.01(2)(g)
John Minix
9:30 a.m. : Primary Compensation
- Temporary disability §102.43
- Permanent disability §§102.52 to 102.56 and 102.44
- Lost earning capacity
Grace M. Kulkoski
10:15 a.m. : Break
10:30 a.m. : Additional Compensation
- Vocational retraining §102.61 and §102.43(5)
- Death benefits §102.46 to §102.51
- Disfigurement §102.56
Scott W. French
11:00 a.m. : Medical Evidence
- Legal and medical causation
- Presenting medical proof at hearing WC-16B, §102.17(1)(d)
- Medical expenses §102.42 and WC-3
- Independent Medical Exam and Medical Records §102.13
Grace M. Kulkoski
11:45 a.m. : Question & Answer
12:00 p.m. : Lunch (on your own)
1:15 p.m. : Litigation Process Overview
John Minix, Scott W. French, Grace M. Kulkoski
I. Pleadings
- Application for Hearing – Applicant’s perspective
- Initial Review of Application – DWD
- Answering the Application – Respondent’s perspective
- Initial Review of Answer – DWD
II. Preparations for Hearing
- Applicant’s Burden of Proof
- Respondent’s Defenses
- DWD – Notice of Hearing
III. Hearing Procedures
- Delineation of Claim and Evidentiary Submissions
- Delineation of Defenses and Evidentiary Submissions
- Role of Presiding ALJ
IV. Resolution by Stipulation or Compromise
- Negotiations and Settlement – Applicant and Respondent
- DWD Review – valid disputes, limited or full and final
3:00 p.m. : Question & Answer
3:15 p.m. : Program Concludes
- Get an overview of worker's comp in Wisconsin
- Hear applicant, respondent, and ALJ viewpoints
- Learn the statutory conditions of liability
- Explore the various types of available compensation
- Discover how to obtain and present medical evidence
- Receive a thorough review of the litigation process
- Worker’s compensation lawyers
- General practitioners
- Attorneys new to worker’s comp
- Experienced attorneys seeking a refresher

The Build Your Practice Series from State Bar of Wisconsin PINNACLE® introduces you to the fundamentals of various practice areas. Gain the tools and information you need to develop a new area of practice and expand your firm's offerings. Build Your Practice Series programs are endorsed by the State Bar's Young Lawyers Division.