Author: Alan Brackett
Virtual Formal Hearings Are Now Mandated
On June 1, 2020, the Chief Judge of the Office of Administrative Law Judges, United States Department of Labor, issued Administrative Order 2020-MIS-00008, which... More
DLHWC Implements Several New Procedures
The United States Department of Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation (DLHWC) has implemented a series... More
Our Response to COVID-19
MBLB has a number of commitments, paramount of which is to serve our clients well. As important is our commitment to our team and... More
OWCP Announces Rate Increases
The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs of the United States Department of Labor has announced the cost of living adjustment effective October 1, 2019.... More
Under LHWCA, Excusable Neglect Standard Applies to Late Filed Attorney Fee Petition
The Ninth Circuit has ruled that the excusable neglect standard applies to late filed attorney fee petitions under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation... More
Supreme Court to Resolve Punitive Damages for Jones Act Seamen
On December 7, 2018, the United States Supreme Court granted a writ of certiorari in Dutra Group v. Batterton (18-266). As we reported on... More
Circuits Split on Punitive Damages for Unseaworthiness
An overriding premise of admiralty and maritime law is the quest for uniformity. Over the centuries, this has proven problematic, as this area of... More
President Trump Issues Executive Order on ALJs
In response to the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Lucia v. Securities and Exchange Commission issued last month, which ruled the SEC’s appointment... More
Update on Lucia v. SEC and the Constitutionality of ALJs
As we reported, on June 21, 2018, the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in Lucia v. Securities and Exchange Commission, finding the... More
Supreme Court Ruling That ALJs Are Unconstitutional Impacts LHWCA and DBA Claims
A decision today by the United States Supreme Court impacts administrative law judges serving in the Department of Labor who adjudicate claims under the Longshore and... More