The Annual Longshore Conference sponsored by Loyola Law School in cooperation with the United States Department of Labor, will be held March 19th and 20th at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel in New Orleans.

This year’s conference will be unique and should not be missed by any LHWCA or DBA practitioner.  The Director of DLHWC, the National Office Branch Chiefs and all of the District Directors will be presenting at this year’s conference.  The program will address changes in the operation of OWCP and specifically the DLHWC, as well as future plans to improve operations in claims administration. There will be a representative of the Special Claims Unit to discuss claims under the War Hazards Compensation Act and how those claims are administered. There has never been such a wealth of knowledge from the Department of Labor presented at any program and everyone who handles claims under the Act will want to attend.

The program also includes an annual overview of recent judicial developments in claims under the Act, maritime jurisdiction that impacts what law covers a claim, and the standards for settlement approval under the Act in light of recent jurisprudence. Functional Capacity Evaluations are becoming a greater influence in claims handling and medical care, and there will be a panel of experts to discuss the issues involving these tests. Claims more frequently involve disputes concerning multiple employers and multiple carriers and the program will explore the legal issues involved in those claims, as well as the impact of employers and carriers that are defunct or bankrupt, and occasions where coverage lapses. There will also be sessions on both legal ethics and professionalism.

To register for the program, visit www.loyno.edu/cle, or call 504-861-5564 to speak with Natasha Lacoste, Director of Continuing Legal Education.