How Adjusters Defeat Slip-and-Fall Claims Before They Ever Reach a Jury: An Update on Defending Premises Claims in Texas and Louisiana
Reptile-style trial tactics and social inflation are pushing premises-liability verdicts higher every year, and plaintiffs' counsel know it. But the Texas and Louisiana courts have also sharpened the legal tools: notice standards, merchant liability rules, and comparative-fault principles that let a well-documented claim be knocked out on summary judgment before it ever sees a jury box—the catch: those defenses only work if the record was built immediately after the loss. By the time a case is in litigation, it's often too late to fix a thin investigation file.
In this fast-paced, one-hour session, Blue Williams partners Steven S. Reilley and Paul D. Palermo break down exactly what separates a claim that settles under pressure from one that gets dismissed and show you how to build that record from day one.
You'll walk away able to:
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Explain how nuclear-verdict trends and reptile-theory tactics are reshaping premises-claim evaluation and settlement strategy
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Nail down the difference between actual and constructive notice under Texas law and know exactly what evidence proves (or defeats) it
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Correctly identify when a claim is premises liability versus ordinary negligence, so you're applying the right duties and defenses from the start
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Apply Louisiana's merchant-liability, open-and-obvious, risk-utility, and modified-comparative-fault standards with confidence
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Run a first-48-hours investigation and preservation protocol built to support summary judgment and hold up on appeal
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Date
Oct. 14, 2026
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Time
Noon – 1 PM CT
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CE credit
LA, GA, TX
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Partners, Blue Williams
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Free · 1 hour · Approved GA, LA, and TX
Advance Your Claims Knowledge with Blue Williams
Earn 1 hour of CE credit with our monthly insurance defense webinar series, hosted by experienced Blue Williams partners.

Trusted by Claims Adjusters and Insurance Professionals Across Louisiana and Texas

About Our “On the Defense” Monthly CE Webinar Series
Blue Williams, LLC proudly offers “On the Defense,” a monthly Continuing Education webinar series designed specifically for claims professionals seeking high-quality, attorney-led training. Each session delivers practical insights, legal updates, and real-world strategies to help claims handlers stay informed and compliant.
Our webinars are approved for CE credit and cover a wide range of essential industry topics. Past subjects have included:
• Best Practices in Claims Documentation
• Tort Law Updates
• The Stowers Doctrine
• Staged Accidents
• Defending Security-Related Premises Liability Cases
• …and many more issues impacting today’s claims environment.
Join our growing community of claims professionals who rely on Blue Williams’ legal experts for trusted, relevant, and timely education every month.

Professional Development That Enhances Your Claims Knowledge
Each month, our experienced partners deliver timely insights on critical claims and insurance topics that directly impact your professional practice. Gain practical knowledge that helps you navigate complex cases while earning required CE credits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my certificate?
Once you've attended at least 90% of the webinar, your certificate is automatically available in your CE21 account. Questions? Email connect@bluewilliams.com.
Which states are approved?
Currently, Louisiana, Texas, and Georgia are approved.
How do I register? / Where do I sign up?
Our upcoming CEs are available to register here.
How do I join on the day of the webinar?
Sign in to your account at bluewilliams.ce21.com/Account and click the green "Launch Seminar" button. The webinar is hosted through Zoom, which will open automatically once you click Launch. No special equipment is required.
What topics are covered? / Can I suggest a topic for a future session?
Our "On the Defense" webinars cover a wide range of topics relevant to claims professionals, including:
- Best Practices in Claims Documentation
- Tort Law Updates
- The Stowers Doctrine
- Staged Accidents
- Defending Security-Related Premises Liability Cases
- Direct Action Reform
- Evaluating and Handling Competing Estimates in Property Damage Claims
- Louisiana Workers' Compensation Claims
- Louisiana First-Party Property Claims (Act 3 / SB 323)
Yes, we're always open to topic suggestions. If your team would ever like a presentation on a specific topic for CE credit, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at connect@bluewilliams.com.
Is it really free?
Yes! Our "On the Defense" webinars are completely free to attend, with no hidden fees or obligations. This is part of our commitment to supporting the claims professionals we work with across the Gulf South. CE credit approval is administered by each state's Department of Insurance, and Blue Williams handles the reporting on your behalf once you've met the attendance requirement — there's no separate cost or paperwork on your end.
What if my state isn't approved?
CE credit approval is granted individually by each state's Department of Insurance, which is why our webinars are currently approved only in Louisiana, Texas, and Georgia. If you're licensed in a state that isn't yet approved, you're still welcome to join for the educational content — you just won't receive CE credit for that state. We're actively working to expand our approvals, so register anyway, and we'll notify you if credit becomes available in your state.
Educational content only; not legal advice.
Blue Williams LLC
The attorney responsible for this advertisement is Nicholas P. Arnold, New Orleans, LA.
