Catastrophic events throughout the nation dominate headlines and news cycles with dramatic footage. Hurricanes, building collapses, fires and earthquakes often find the ultimate resolution at the courthouse. Overlaying the entire claims process are important ethical obligations to every stakeholder. Stepping outside the ethical boundaries, intentionally or inadvertently, presents serious consequences.
These issues will be explored in a highly anticipated presentation at the Perrin National Construction Conference. Founding partner, Stephen Henning, will be joining an esteemed panel of thought leaders in an aptly named panel, "Navigating Ethical Challenges in Catastrophic Events" which will take place on Friday, November 11th in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
“This really is a cutting-edge panel discussion, and highly topical to the jurisdiction where this conference is taking place,” said Henning. “Consider the fact that Florida has hosted Hurricane Ian and the Surfside condominium collapse, two events which have generated massive exposures, claims and headlines. At the same time, they have given rise to many ethical issues which our panel will be exploring.”
Henning will be speaking on a blue ribbon panel with thought leaders Fernanda Trevino Aragon of Network Adjusters, Inc., Pete Fowler of Pete Fowler Construction, and Scott Rembold of Rembold Hirschman. “Each of these individuals brings to the proverbial table real-world experience handling catastrophic matters from distinctly different viewpoints; the collective knowledge of which really is powerful to the attendees of the conference,” said Henning.
In addition to discussing wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes and building collapse matters, the panel will dive into how the current construction environment brings unique challenges to the claim resolution process. This includes supply chain issues, inflation, and new product development as well as changing laws and regulations
The Perrin Conference also provides multiple days of networking opportunities with plaintiff and defense attorneys, in-house counsel, insurance professionals, consultants, and experts. The event aims to educate, advocate, debate, and advance discourse in a balanced atmosphere of learning, networking and sharing.
Stephen Henning is a founding partner of Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman, an AmLaw 150 law firm with offices throughout the nation. A skilled litigator and nationally recognized for his results in complex construction, employment and toxic tort litigation, Steve is prolific in publishing and speaking on these issues. Along with representing some of the nation's top home builders, the firm is nationally recognized for its work in construction, environmental, business litigation, transportation, intellectual property and cyber issues. In addition to his extensive legal practice, Steve gives back to the community through active leadership in both national and local non-profits. Steve is an AV-rated lawyer by Martindale Hubbell and has been named a Super Lawyer for over a decade, Steve is proud to be the first defense lawyer awarded the Jerrold S. Oliver Award for contribution to the construction defect community. He is also honored to be the recipient of the 2022 RISE Mentor of the Year award.
