Occupational Medicine in the Courtroom: Navigating Medical and Legal Issues

Session I - Medical Evidence in Workplace Claims: What Lawyers Need to Know - Michael P Del Bueno

This session examines the legal framework for obtaining, evaluating, and using medical evidence in workers’ compensation cases. Faculty will discuss best practices for securing medical records, engaging with providers within ethical and procedural boundaries, and strategically deciding when to request an independent medical examination (IME). The session also covers how courts and commissions weigh medical documentation, what attorneys should scrutinize in records, and how to challenge or defend the credibility of medical opinions. Attendees will gain practical strategies for integrating medical evidence into case theory, cross-examination, and overall litigation strategy.

Key topics to be discussed:

• How to obtain medical evidence in workers’ compensation claims
• Best practices for engaging with medical providers
• When to request an Independent Medical Examination (IME)
• What to look for when reviewing medical records
• Practical strategies for using medical evidence in workplace claims

Session II - Medical Evidence in Workplace Claims: The Physician’s Perspective - Dr. Jeffrey Westpheling

This session offers an inside look at how medical documentation shapes the outcome of workers’ compensation cases. Attendees will learn how to interpret physician notes and charting beyond the surface, uncover key insights hidden within medical records, and recognize common pitfalls in claimant histories and reporting. The session will also address how medical findings can be both accurately interpreted and frequently misinterpreted, equipping attorneys with practical strategies to strengthen their case analysis and advocacy.

Key topics to be discussed:

• The role of medical documentation and charting in workers’ compensation cases
• Reading between the lines of medical documentation
• Finding the hidden gems in medical records
• Common pitfalls in claimant history and reporting
• Medical findings, interpretations and misinterpretations

This course is co-sponsored with myLawCLE.

Date / Time: October 23, 2025

• 1:00 pm – 3:10 pm Eastern
• 12:00 pm – 2:10 pm Central
• 11:00 am – 1:10 pm Mountain
• 10:00 am – 12:10 pm Pacific

Closed-captioning available