Claim Vs. Defense: Navigating the Work Comp Litigation Process

Workers’ compensation claims don’t become costly overnight—but without the right strategy, they can escalate quickly into complex, expensive litigation. This highly practical session is designed to give employers the insight and tools needed to prevent claims from spiraling—and to confidently navigate the litigation process when they do.
Join us for an engaging and informative discussion from the defense perspective, featuring real-world case studies, common employer missteps, and proven strategies to reduce exposure and control outcomes. Whether you’re managing claims internally or partnering with outside counsel, this session will provide actionable guidance to strengthen your approach at every stage of a claim. You will gain a clearer understanding of the workers’ compensation process and court system, including how claims progress, key decision points, and what to expect at each stage of litigation.
Objectives:
• Identify common employer actions and supervisor missteps that trigger litigation
• Understand proactive steps to prevent claims from escalating
• Learn documentation best practices that support a strong defense
• Explore strategies to reduce settlement costs and move cases toward resolution
• How to effectively partner with defense counsel to improve outcomes
Attendees will walk away with clear “do’s and don’ts” of workers’ compensation litigation, practical tools for managing complex claims, and insight into handling challenging scenarios such as preexisting conditions, remote work injuries, and potentially fraudulent or predatory claims.
About Joseph Menapace:
Joseph Menapace joined Hanna Brophy in 2012. He defends insurance carriers and self-insured employers in all areas of workers’ compensation. Joseph graduated from the University of California, Davis with a B.S. degree in biotechnology with a minor in political science. While at UC Davis, he interned for the American Bar Association’s Commission on Mental and Physical Disability Law (now Commission on Disability Rights) in Washington D.C.
In 2011, he was admitted to the California State Bar after obtaining a Juris Doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where he served as a senior articles editor for the UC Hastings Communications and Entertainment Law Journal. Joseph also had the pleasure of serving as a judicial extern to the Honorable Richard A. Kramer of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco where he gained invaluable experience and insight into the judicial process.
Professional Activities
• Senior articles editor for the UC Hastings Communications and Entertainment Law Journal
• Judicial extern to the Honorable Richard A. Kramer of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco
Event Flyer
Lunch Menu Options:
Entrees:
- Chicken Florentine
- Ravioli (Vegetarian/Gluten-Free)
Dessert:
- Raspberry Delight
Meeting Location:
Madonna Inn
100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
(805) 543-3000

Spotlight Speaker
Speaker: Cuesta College Career Services
As our July Spotlight Speaker, Cuesta College will join us to share more about Career Services. The presentation will highlight the range of services available to support student career readiness, strengthen employer connections, and advance workforce development in our community. Attendees will gain insight into how local employers can partner with the Career Center to build talent pipelines and support student success.
Cougar Closet Donation Drive:
In conjunction with this presentation, HRCC will host a donation drive benefiting Cuesta College's Cougar Closet—an on-campus resource that provides students with access to professional attire for interviews, internships, and career opportunities—offering members a meaningful way to give back while supporting the next generation of professionals.