The 2013 Annual Longshore Conference hosted by Loyola University New Orleans College of Law recently wrapped up with another great turnout.  The two day conference was held at the Hilton Riverside in New Orleans and included a number of thoughtful presentations and open discussions.

Highlights included a review of recent judicial decisions led by Billy Frey of Tucker & Associates and Brian Karsen of Barnett, Lerner & Karsen.  Among other cases, the panel examined recent Employer-friendly average weekly wage cases including Jasmine v. Can-Am Protection Group, No. 11-0610 (BRB 4/19/12) and Serv. Employees Int’l, Inc. v. Dir., OWCP, No. 11-01065 (S.D. Texas March 11, 2013).

Rob Popich presented on behalf of Mouledoux, Bland, Legrand & Brackett and participated on a panel along with Judge Patrick Rosenow, District Director David Duhon, and Steven Schletker of Covington, KY.  The panel discussed practice and procedure before the OALJ and included topics such as the pending rulemaking on updates to the Rules of Practice and Procedure, the impact of the budgetary sequester on the Department of Labor, and technological advances to assist in the efficiency of adjudicating claims across the country.

Another interesting panel led by Shaun Aulita of Labor Management Services addressed the vocational rehabilitation process in the current economic climate.  The discussion focused on realistic wage earning capacities under the Act and the numerous challenges faced by Employers and Carriers in identifying suitable alternate employment.

What’s up next?  Loyola’s Day With the DOL Conference in Houston.