Any lawyer trying cases in front of a jury today needs to attend the NCAJ Caps on Damages 2023 CLE on Nov. 3 at NCAJ headquarters in Raleigh. Register at ncaj.com/events. In addition to focusing on the caps, it’s about how to practice in the post-COVID era and how to present damages to a jury.
In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks speaks with Kristen Beightol, a founding partner at Edwards Beightol, LLC, and co-chair of the program. The all-star lineup of speakers includes Burton Craige speaking on the history of the caps, Jon Moore on busting the caps, Adam Malone on how Georgia lawyers practiced around the caps and had them declared unconstitutional, mediator Rene Trehy, Bailey Melvin, and a panel including Retired N.C. Supreme Court Justice Robin Hudson, Phyllis Lile-King and Lauren Newton.
The focus of the CLE is not only on caps but also on presenting damages effectively in court, especially in a world where remote practices have become prevalent. Kristen emphasizes that there are ways to navigate around caps, especially by proving gross negligence or reckless disregard.
Don’t miss the pre-CLE Thursday Evening Networking Event with the Nursing Home Litigation Section from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Spirits Pub, 701 E. Chatham in Cary.
To register for the CLE go to ncaj.com/events. Attend in-person or virtually.
🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️
Name: Kristen Beightol | LinkedIn
Connect: Edwards Beightol, LLC | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
💡 Episode Highlights 💡
[01:07] Getting to know Kristen Beightol: Kristen is a founding partner of Edwards Beightol, LLC. She has spent her career facing off against big corporations, hospitals, and insurance companies on behalf of her injured clients. She has obtained tens of millions of dollars for clients who have suffered serious injury or death. Kristen is also a leader in the profession and holds positions on a number of boards and committees.
[01:54] Not Just for Medical Malpractice Lawyers: Kristen encourages anyone who practices personal injury litigation to attend this CLE. The CLE features a “brain trust” of speakers. While focused on the cap on damages, the CLE is really a conversation on how to try cases in 2023 and beyond.
[03:11] Power-Packed Agenda: From the history of caps, to learning how a Georgia attorney litigated a case that declared the caps unconstitutional in Georgia, to a panel on how to best present damages at trial, and more, this CLE is a must-attend for personal injury practitioners.
[08:00] Developing Damages from the Beginning to the End of the Case: Kristen previews her presentation with Chaplin and Associates court reporting, where she will discuss the ins-and-outs of developing damages, with a particular focus on the remote aspect of practicing nowadays.
[11:52] Practicing in the World of Caps: There’s been attrition in the field as a result of caps, however it's important for lawyers to know that there are ways around caps, such as proving gross negligence and reckless disregard.
[13:32] Networking Event with the Nursing Home Litigation Section: The networking event takes place the night before the CLE and is a great opportunity to get together and exchange information.
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