Fifth Circuit Addresses Definition of Seaman Under the Fair Labor Standards Act

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA), for every hour that an employee works beyond 40 hours in a seven day work week, that... More

BRB Weighs Widow Status, Remands for Justifiable Cause and Conjugal Nexus Determination

Decedent worked as a crane operator for twenty years, including six years for Employer.  He retired in 2004 because of orthopedic problems.  In 2008,... More

PA Court Requires Use of Longshore Benefits to Pay Spousal Support

On November 5, 2014, the Superior Court of Pennsylvania issued Uveges v. Uveges, a published opinion that addresses the intersection of family law and... More

Move Over Apple, Here Comes DLHWC: Introduction to SEAPortal

The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation (DLHWC) has decided to step up its technology game. In... More

Section 8(i) Settlements Are Final and Cannot Be Modified

In this Benefits Review Board case, Claimant appealed the decision of the Administrative Law Judge approving her Section 8(i) settlement application on the grounds... More

11th Circuit Denies Arguments Against Jones Act Arbitration and Removal

The Eleventh Circuit issued an unpublished Jones Act decision discussing–albeit briefly–removal and arbitration.  Plaintiff argued against removal and arbitration.  The Eleventh Circuit disagreed, saying:... More

“Flotilla Doctrine” Applied and the Court Granted Claimant’s Motion to Increase Security in a Limitation Action

The flotilla doctrine applies where vessels are owned by the same person, engaged in a common enterprise, and under a single command.  The flotilla... More

One More Thing To Consider Before Voluntary Retirement…

In this decision presented to the Benefits Review Board, Claimant appeals, and Employer and Carrier cross-appeal, the Decision and Order of Administrative Law Judge... More

Historical Background Anchors Judge Clement’s McBride Concurrence

On September 25, 2014, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, sitting en banc, rendered its decision in the high-profile case McBride v. Estis Well... More

Benefits Review Board Denies Claimant’s Request for Benefits at Rate Greater than Maximum

Following a formal hearing, Claimant was awarded benefits associated with his injuries suffered in Iraq while employed with Employer as an armed escort.  The... More