About the author, John W. Valente

John W. Valente is a leading expert in the field of workplace injury management, human resources and risk management, having represented employers, insurance carriers and other clients since 1991.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in communications from Boston College and his Juris Doctor degree cum laude from Suffolk University School of Law, Valente began employment at the law firm of Ryan Smith & Carbine, Ltd. in Rutland, Vt. In 2001, he was named to the firm’s board of directors. In his role with the firm, Valente has provided representation and counsel to national, regional and local employers and insurance carriers encountering workplace injury claims, human resources issues and risk management challenges. Valente has tried many cases before the Vermont Department of Labor and Industry, the Vermont Superior Court and the Vermont Supreme Court. He has served as an arbitrator for the Vermont Department of Labor and Industry and as a mediator for cases pending at the Vermont Department of Labor, in Vermont’s Superior Courts, as well as the Vermont Supreme Court.

As an acclaimed seminar leader and presenter, Valente’s presentations consistently earn the highest audience ratings at national conferences and seminars, ranging in size from 10 to 600 attendees. He has lectured for private companies, trade associations and insurance carriers, as well as for state and national workers’ compensation insurance seminars. Valente regularly consults with companies on workplace safety and trains supervisors in ways to investigate workplace injuries.  He has has also taught a number of training sessions that provide the practical tools necessary to get injured workers back to work. One of his most-requested presentations is “Avoiding Aggravation and Reducing Cost in Workers’ Compensation Claims.”

In 2006, Valente published his first book on workers’ compensation issues, titled Understanding Workers’ Compensation: Managing Workplace Injuries and Lowering Costs. (Trafford, $29.95)

Valente also volunteers for several local nonprofit organizations, including most recently as president of board directors at the Paramount Theatre. Valente also has served as treasurer and secretary for the Vermont Municipal Bond Bank. He lives in Rutland with fiancé, Paula Bishop and his two labrador retrievers Margo and Cleo.

Valente may be reached for interviews, to arrange for training sessions or for speaking engagements by e-mail at jwv@understandingworkerscomp.com.