May 26, 2011 – Valerie Dondero, Esq., a shareholder with Houck Anderson, P.A. will be a speaker at the 2011 Florida Liability Claims Conference scheduled for June 1-4 at Disney’s Contemporary Hotel in Orlando, FL.  The conference is presented by the Florida Liability Claims Institute (FLCI) in cooperation with the Florida Defense Lawyers Association (FDLA).

Ms. Dondero’s session, which is entitled “Defending Traumatic Brain Injury Cases” will discuss what every claims adjuster, insurer and defense counsel should know about how to evaluate and defend Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) claims, and will include an overview of the signs and symptoms of TBI, the treatment protocols and the diagnostic studies used by claimants to create a claim of TBI. The presentation will also include the latest updates on Frye and Daubert challenges to the admissibility of certain neuro-imaging studies in the United States.

“The evaluation and settlement of a claim involving traumatic brain injury can be a challenging task for even the most experienced attorneys and claims personnel,” says Dondero whose practice areas include Insurance Coverage Litigation, Premises Liability, Products Liability, Property and Casualty (Practice Group Chair), Property Insurance and Hospitality and Retail Litigation. She notes, “While the effects of traumatic brain injury are unique to the injured person and it is difficult to compare cases or make generalized assessments about the value of these cases, the information in my presentation may be helpful when facing a TBI case, especially in instances where claimants manufacture or exaggerate claims and conditions.”

Valerie Dondero received her J.D. from St. Thomas University School of Law and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1990. She is a member of the Defense Research Institute (DRI) - Trial Tactics Committee and Insurance Coverage Committee, Florida Association of Women Lawyers and Florida Defense Lawyers Association among others. She lectures regularly on topics such as ‘Settlement and Negotiation Strategies’, ‘Marina Operator's Liability’, ‘Florida Tort Reform’ and ‘How to Successfully Litigate Declaratory Relief Actions’ for both the domestic and London market.

About Houck Anderson P.A.

Houck Anderson is a leading South Florida based law firm with national and international expertise and technical ability in highly selective and specialized areas of litigation and transactional practice. Houck Anderson is recognized as leaders in a  group of niche practice areas that require both outstanding legal knowledge and experience, as well as technical expertise, including admiralty and maritime, aviation, commercial litigation, construction, insurance, products liability, and property and casualty.